09 February 2005

Spotlight on Creative Coalition

Workers from all parts of New Zealand’s entertainment industry are joining forces to form an industry-wide coalition to represent their interests and advance their concerns, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The Coalition of Creative Unions and Guilds will be launched in Auckland this weekend at a day of workshops organised with the CTU and involving creative unions and more than 100 actors, musicians, writers, comedians and film-makers.

The workshops will focus on the business and practical aspects of creative industries – including gaining funding, finding the world’s festivals, understanding entertainment and copyright law, and surviving on an erratic income.

“The sector has seen huge developments in recent years and the coalition will provide a strong network of groups within the entertainment industry,” Carol Beaumont said.

“As freelance, self-employed or short-term contractors these workers are often isolated from each other, so the coalition will also give them a chance to share knowledge and skills and find a unified voice to talk to employers and government agencies.”

Workshop tutors include On Film magazine editor Nick Grant, comedian Te Radar, journalist Miriyana Alexander, Tim Thorpe from the Screen Council, radio host Jeremy Corbett and APRA operations manager Anthony Healy.

Note: Workshops from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, Feb 12 at 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby

ENDS

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