An urgent note for any Branch members who were thinking of using BECTU’s discount on a new VW van – due to a production freeze at VW the offer comes to an end very soon.
For Transporters, it’s the 13th March, for Caddies & Crafters, 20th March.
More info here: https://www.bectu.org.uk/benefits-services/cordwallis
The Pact/BECTU TV Drama Agreement has been broadly welcomed by crew, and while it’s not perfect, it has led to significant improvements over the ‘take it or leave it’ conditions of the past.
However it’s a wordy document – not exactly a gripping read – and as a result some crew still aren’t aware of exactly where they stand on certain issues. The Branch gets lots of inquiries relating to differing interpretations of the Agreement, so we’ve produced this ‘plain English’ guide to help members with the most important terms. It’s designed as a smartphone-sized pdf file to cut out & keep download to your phone for easy reference on set – you can find it here: TVDA GUIDE – PHONE.
We recommend saving it to your phone (for iPhone users, ‘Books’ is the best option) so you can refer to it on location even when there’s no signal. If you’re viewing it on a laptop browser it’ll appear to have huge print, so there’s also an A4 ‘leaflet’ version here: TVDA GUIDE A4.
If there’s anything you think is missing, or if you still have queries about the agreement – please let us know: info@camerabranch.org.uk. The agreement is also due for review, so we want to hear from anyone who’s had problems arising from it, or who has changes they want to suggest. It’s your chance to directly influence negotiations with Pact.
The Camera Branch General Meeting and Spring Social is on Saturday the 2nd of March from 2pm. It’s in The Orchard Room, The Green Man, 36 Riding House Street, Fitzrovia, London. W1W 7EP.
A month before the new financial year, we’ll be starting with some presentations on matters important to your bank account. BECTU Research officer Tony Lennon will update on the ‘Making Tax Digital’ changes that are coming up. Branch Official Sean Kelly shall introduce the auto-enrollment pension scheme that will soon be extending to the self-employed. Our Chair will then focus on rates, including our key tool, the branch Rate Card.
Also, we will have short introductions to some branch projects. We’ll be presenting our Low-budget action plan, our new Script Supervisors Association, a Factual sector survey and a guide to the the TV Drama agreement.
After general updates on the industry, it will be time for general chat, socialising, networking etc. Members get their first drink free (bring your card / number). There will be buffet food on the side. If you could use this eventbrite link to register, that will help us estimate the numbers and provide accordingly.
We can confirm that we will be running a reduced sign up fee on the day for any non-members who would like to join. £7.50 per month for the first year.
You can download a copy of the agenda here. We look forward to seeing you!
The Peter Skarratt Seminar
At short notice a seminar was arranged with renowned 1st Assistant Editor Peter Skarratt who was on a fleeting visit to London. Places were limited due to the intense nature of the Seminar and first priority was given to Peter Skarratt template users & Script Supervisors wishing to trial his templates.
The branch Script Supervisors hope to conduct similar smaller courses for beginners next year. Peter Skarratt has flagged up the possibility of another seminar during the summer next year.
Peter Skarratt
Peter Skarratt is known for his work as 1st Assistant Editor on The Matrix, Chappie and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. We were privileged to have him conduct a one day seminar/ workshop, demonstrating the formats of his 4 x template system.
Peter devised his digital system when dealing with rushes from 10 different locations in New Zealand on The Lord of the Rings. Since then, Peter’s system has evolved and Script Supervisors in the US, Australia, UK and other countries use his system.
Peter is very supportive of Script Supervisors and explained very clearly how his 4 templates work. We also got an introduction to the new breakdown system he is developing.
After a Q&A session, we rounded off the day chatting over drinks & snacks.
If you’d like to try the system, there is a 90 day free trial. Find out more at http://peterskarratt.com/
RATE CARD MEETING Weds 12th Sept at the City Pride pub, 28 Farringdon Lane EC1R 3A. Aim for 7.30pm and the meeting proper will start at 8pm. Open to non-members.
Like last year, we will be asking you to check the Branch Ratecard is an accurate reflection of the real world.
We will also be seeking advice on the best way to obtain accurate data over the coming year and deciding how best to use the data to help members set their rates.
If you are interested in maintaining and improving pay rates, whatever production sector you are in, then this meeting is for you.
Pay-related issues for discussion include:
Whether or not you can make it, don’t forget to regularly put some information into our Rates Survey.All information is welcome, but we could do with more from ‘non-drama’ sectors such as Light entertainment and Factual.
See you on Wednesday 👍
The Major Motion Picture Agreement has been in place for feature films with a budget of £30m+ since April this year. It’s due for its first review in 2019 & the union is very keen to get feedback from members, especially if there’s anything about the agreement that isn’t working for them. In particular there has been some criticism that changes in overtime rates have led to a reduction in income for runners & other trainee grades: Spencer MacDonald, the BECTU National Secretary, has written an open letter in response & you can read that here.
If you have feedback about the MMPA please contact either the Branch here or BECTU directly here – thanks.
The Branch notes the following statement from Pact & BECTU which has been issued as a clarification regarding Prep & Wrap time on TV Drama productions taking place under the TV Drama Agreement:
“The crew member’s daily rate is deemed to include, where required, and in addition to the shoot hours worked, a specified amount of time for prep and wrap as set out in the deal memo and as is customary to that department and in accordance with current working practices. Any time worked beyond this specified prep/wrap period will be remunerated as per the agreement and at the appropriate overtime rate.”
Members are encouraged to note that this Prep & Wrap time is now included in your daily rate, therefore you should ensure you negotiate your rate accordingly. Continue reading
