Equity’s National Performers’ Committee today voted unanimously in favour of balloting members to decide if a strike should be called on all offshore commercials from August 7. This is in response to SPAA’s sudden decision to rip up the Offshore Commercials Agreement without any warning or consultation. NPC has recommended members vote in favour of strike action. See our full press release here.

NIDA is refusing to meet with Equity to discuss issues surrounding a feature film they are producing with AFTRS called One More Day. Equity is concerned about the potential sale of film to commercial networks, where it could be used to count towards their local content obligations, instead of fully funded drama production that employs and pays performers. If you are a former NIDA student and are concerned about this issue please email drew.macrae@alliance.org.au to sign on to our letter to NIDA expressing our concerns.  View the letter here.

The Alliance is shocked by the decision made by Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) this week to unilaterally terminate the SPAA/MEAA Commercials Offshore Agreement effective from 7 August 2009 without any consultation. The Alliance will be consulting with performers over the next two weeks as to how they wish to respond to this attack on their rights. The Agreement between the SPAA and the Alliance sets the minimum terms and conditions, and broadcast and other rights for artists working on television and theatrical commercials produced in Australia – predominantly for use by overseas advertisers.