Navigating Challenges and Advocating for Crew

Crazy Times

Covid 19 is still dominating the news and not only affecting the mechanics of how we work in all the stages of production but also the ability to reach offshore for additional crew to supplement the NZ screen workforce. We had just over 100 days of no community transmission but inevitably our streak ended. It appears that local productions have been adapting and taking the restrictions imposed by the various Covid levels in their stride. It also appears that the numerous larger offshore productions all kicking off during August and September have all incorporated various levels of Covid precautions dictated by a mixture of their offshore funders and New Zealand specific measures.

Demand for skilled crew

Due to the huge block in the ability to shoot imposed by the initial lockdown period, the relatively sequential chorus line of productions we had, has changed into a layer cake of mania, all competing for equipment, studio space and of course talent and crew. Questions over the management of the border and pressure on the Government from different quarters cramping the ability to allow essential offshore workers to unlock projects (Producers and Cast) has caused a lot of problems. Not only for the screen industry but also in the infrastructure and construction sectors along others. We all seem to be competing for limited quarantine space with returning New Zealand’s and this has created a huge amount of uncertainty and complications for the screen industry. We have all heard the stories of productions recently leaving our shores due to an inability to bring in key essential crew.

This whole situation has created an environment where skilled crew are a valuable commodity. Offshore crew are expensive and difficult to obtain, and a lot of people are looking very critically at the training and crew development process we have in NZ and whether it are suitable and fit for purpose.

The Guild EO and key Exec members have been under a lot of pressure recently from productions who want large numbers of LONO’s (Letters of non-objections) processed to assist with essential worker exemption applications through to numerous members (and non-members) inquiring about the LONO process, concerned that incoming offshore crew may be pushing out some NZ crew from positions.

I want to assure all members that the guild take the issuing of LONO’s very seriously and appreciate how protecting the screen jobs of NZ crew in NZ is very important to all our members.

The Exec has formed a LONO review sub-committee and are embarking on a review of the LONO’s process before the AGM to double check the process we follow meets the expectations of the Exec and the wider membership.

Guild Subcommittees’

Work on the Continuous Working Day blue book recommendations has progressed well and will hopefully be tabled again to the membership for review again before the AGM. After the last review several members gave valuable feedback and assisted the subcommittee to refine the document further. This is one of those topics which I know is complicated as there are those who don’t like working continuous days no matter the circumstances, but it’s our view that productions are still going to do them and its better we have a set of SIG recommendations of how it should be done to try mitigate some of the negative aspects.

We are also forging on with getting together the Rate Card Guidelines, and have progressed through to getting an initial batch of departments first drafts ready to go before a Producer review team for feedback.

We welcome any queries or feedback on these and any of the other sub committees work that has been discussed during the year.

Lastly, I hope all members can make an effort to encourage friends and colleagues and co-workers in the screen industry to join the Guild. We have a stronger position to advocate on behalf of all crew if we are more united.