Alliance (MEAA) E-Mag 21-Aug-2006

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

- The Industry Needs Help - Finding Solutions - Signing On For Equity
- Equity Mentorship Programs - Bastard Boys and Bias - Cut Short For Unmentionables
- Bone Ticket Offer - Vision Australia Talking Books - Embers Offer

The Industry Needs Help - Australian actor Jack Thompson has said that while the Australian film industry is producing great films it is in need of help and revitalization. Accepting the Chauvel Award for his outstanding contribution to Australian cinema in Brisbane last week, Thompson said the industry needed attention "from those who govern the affairs of industry to see that it thrives as a corporate entity that provides a cultural benchmark" More at http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20112611-16947,00.html

Finding Solutions - As we continue to lobby for support mechanisms for the entertainment industry, the Alliance lodged its submission this week to the Federal Government's review into private investment incentives for Australian productions. Primarily the Alliance is calling for enhanced tax incentives for private investment; local content rules on TV multichannels when introduced; and enhanced funding for the ABC. The full submission is available at www.alliance.org.au

Signing On For Equity - Equity members in the cast of New Zealand's The End of the Golden Weather and Twelfth Night have signed on for Equity, noting they are proud members of Actors Equity in the productions' programs. This is a campaign being held across Australia and NZ to build union visibility among the broader community but also strengthen solidarity among all Equity members. Sign up now!

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.

The Future Of Equity In NZ - New Zealand members have established performer committees following successful meetings in Wellington and Auckland this week. Financial members in both Australia and New Zealand are reminded that they are considered financial members in both countries when traveling between the two for work. Members should not suspend their membership as they can receive the same member benefits in both countries.

Bastard Boys and Bias - An ABC series about the 1998 Wharfie dispute set to screen on the ABC next year has come under scrutiny for being biased. While ABC critics claim that the series 'Bastard Boys' portrays a pro-union stance in what will be an election year, writer Sue Smith said she was very careful not to take sides. Full story at www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20098910-7582,00.html

Cut Short For Unmentionables - The Alliance is seeking a public guarantee from ABC Managing Director Mark Scott that there is no policy of protecting ABC board members from scrutiny, following an interview with Bob Weis, director of 'Women of the Sun - 25 Years Later'. According to reports he began to say: "That while David Irving - the Holocaust denier - sits in prison, the Australian Government put our chief Holocaust denier on the board of the ABC." However he was pulled off air after uttering, "...the Australian Government". Full story at www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/abc-hits-dump-button-on-opinion-of-windschuttle/2006/08/07/1154802820437.html

Bone Ticket Offer - Ride On Productions and Darlinghurst Theatre would like to offer Alliance members discounted tickets to their production of BONE by John Donnelly. Thursday 8pm - $18 tickets, Friday 8pm - $18 tickets. Please call Darlinghurst Theatre on 02 9331 3107 or visit www.darlinghursttheatre.com and show your membership card at the box office.

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.

Embers Offer - STC is pleased to offer MEAA members $10 tickets to two performances of Embers on Friday 18 August at 8pm and Friday 25 August at 8pm. Embers plays at Wharf 1. Tickets are limited and bookings are essential. Phone STC box office on (02) 9250 1777 and quote "Embers Alliance Offer" to book your tickets. For further information regarding Urinetown go to http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/embers