16 December 2004
Assistance To Actors Equity To Benefit Local Screen Industry
NZ Actors Equity members (who are currently part of the National Distribution Union) are currently involved in
discussions regarding a proposal of assistance from the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA) - the Australian Union
for workers in TV, film, stage, media etc.
“This is a necessary lifeline for Actors Equity”, says Teresa Brown – Union Organiser responsible for Equity. “The
proposal is to provide assistance to NZ Equity to enable us to establish a strong stand-alone Union taking action on
issues of concern for New Zealand performers.
“Actors want what other workers have – an ability to negotiate decent minimum pay and conditions, a strong viable local
industry and proper consideration for roles on overseas productions that are being filmed locally. By improving the
industry we hope to stop or at least slow down the creative drain from our shores.”
“Our aim is to build a viable local industry and have equal treatment for actors, like any other worker in New Zealand,
and surely input from a key group of this industry can only be a good thing”.
Information is currently being distributed to performers and meetings will be held early next year to determine if the
proposal is to be accepted.
For more information about the proposal performers are urged to contact Equity or their agent.
ENDS