Alliance (MEAA) E-Mag 10-Aug-2006

Welcome to your weekly Equity e-bulletin from the Alliance. This week:

- Progress In Theatre Negotiations - Broadcasting Operatunity - Incentives To Invest
- Pitfalls Of New Laws - Certificate IV in OHS - Offshore Success A Product Of Talent
- Equity Mentorship Programs - Cameo @ Paramount With Diana Rowan
- Air New Zealand Screen Awards - Vision Australia Talking Books - The Future Of Equity In NZ

Progress In Theatre Negotiations - Producers and Equity representatives met yesterday as negotiations for the performers' live theatre agreement continues. Some progress was made in regards to rates of pay, increases to superannuation payments and Sunday loadings. Equity is still fine-tuning some clauses relating to travel allowances and use of image.

Broadcasting Opperatunity - Opera performers last week refused to permit ABC's crew to film a rehearsal for new opera reality program Operatunity until the agreement on usage was finalised with Equity. At short notice ABC said they would shoot a rehearsal to appear in one episode of the four part series. They were seeking rights to broadcast the series five times over seven years. Following productive talks with both ABC and Opera Australia, ABC has agreed to limit the broadcasts to two over two years.

Incentives To Invest - The Alliance will lodge its submission this week to the Federal Government's review into private investment incentives for Australian productions. The Alliance, together with the Australian Film Commission, is calling for enhanced tax incentives for private investment; local content rules on TV multichannels when introduced; and enhanced funding for the ABC.

Pitfalls Of New Laws - A new national survey by software company MYOB, released yesterday has found that small businesses, the traditional champions of Howard's new IR laws, are now turning their backs on the radical changes. The survey finds nearly three times as many (34%) small businesses believe that the laws will hurt productivity compared with only 12% that believe the laws will help. More at www.actu.asn.au

Certificate IV in OHS - The Alliance has worked with the Sydney TAFE to develop a nationally recognised OH&S course. It is particularly relevant to stunt and safety officers, and those with higher levels of responsibility across the film and entertainment industry. The course will be run at the Alliance in late September and will reduce the usual one-year course to two one-week blocks. For more information, contact Julie Deakins at julie.deakins@alliance.org.au or call 02 9333 0916.

Offshore Success A Product Of Talent - The combined budgets of offshore productions made in Australia and New Zealand have rated third, under Canada and the UK, in a report on offshore production in countries outside the US. The results quash arguments that lower performer rates attract more offshore productions. In Mexico the estimated budgets went from $269 million in 1998 to $0 in 2005. The results suggest that talent, location and appropriate tax incentives are a greater attraction for offshore producers than cheap labour. More at www.ceidr.org

Equity Mentorship Programs - The Equity Foundation is now accepting applications for performer members looking to be part of the mentorship program in New South Wales and Victoria. The application form for the program and a Frequently Asked Questions sheet are available at http://www.alliance.org.au/content/blogcategory/80/50/. Applications close 5pm, Friday 1 September 2006.

Cameo @ Paramount With Diana Rowan - Feature Film Director and Casting Director of The Piano, Whale Rider & In My Fathers, Den Diana Rowan, will speak on Tuesday22 August, 6.00pm to 7.30pm, at The Bergman Theatre, Paramount Courtenay Place, Wellington, NZ. Equity members are invited to this Cameo @ Paramount event for $10. Book tickets from Paramount on 384 4080.

Air New Zealand Screen Awards - The Alliance congratulates all members who received nominations in the 2006 Air New Zealand Screen Awards. Winners will be announced in Auckland on 24 August. Full list of nominees available at http://www.sdgnz.co.nz/award.asp

Vision Australia Talking Books - The Alliance wants to hear from people who are engaged in voice over work for Vision Australia's Talking Books program as we prepare to negotiate a nationwide collective agreement. If you want to have a say, contact Linda Grinter in Melbourne at linda.grinter@alliance.org.au or 0421 618 007; or Dana Michels in Sydney on dana.michels@alliance.org.au or 02 9333 0999.

The Future Of Equity In NZ - New Zealand members are invited to meetings in Wellington and Auckland to discuss the future of their union. The Wellington meeting will be held on Monday 14 August, 6pm, Circa Theatre 1, Taranaki St. Members in Auckland will meet on Tuesday 15 August, 6.45pm, TAPAC, Studio 3, 100 Motions Rd, Western Springs. For more information email teresa.brown@alliance.net.nz