[UK TV Freelancers] The 'Sweat Shop'; BECTU ratecard; 'Five Films'
- From: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- To: "'UK TV Freelancers updates mailing list'" <uktvfreelancers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 11:37:21 +0100
Dear TV Freelancer,
1. A group of freelancers has begun taking direct action in the campaign
against illegal work experience. We told you in a previous mailout about the
burgeoning online forum called the 'Watercooler' (sometimes called the
'alternative' Watercooler, as it sprang out of the forum of the same name on
Productionbase). It's populated by many of the same people who brought TV
Wrap into being last year; and out of this forum has now grown the 'Sweat
Shop' (ie Stop Work Experience Abuse Today). For some time now, members of
the forum have been following up allegations of illegal unpaid work
experience, or advertisements for unpaid positions, by writing to the
companies involved for more info about their practices, and in some cases
reporting them to the Inland Revenue. This has now led to the creation of an
online database where members publish the names of the companies contacted,
and the status of their reports; and also praise the companies who appear to
be getting it right.
It's a brave and passionate campaign, and if you are concerned about the way
new entrants to the business are treated, or want to contribute information
yourself, you should take a look. You'll need to register for the forum,
which is here:
http://tvwatercooler.proboards62.com
and once you're in, head for the board entitled 'Lo/No/Exploit...' which is
here:
http://tvwatercooler.proboards62.com/index.cgi?board=nolo
You'll see the Sweat Shop database at the top of the board.
(NB 'Friends of Delissa', in case you're confused, is a cryptic reference to
this article:
http://www.broadcastfreelancer.com/broadcast/content/ViewEditorialContentSto
ry.do?contentId=7830)
2. BBC ratecard latest: In response to the BBC's attempts to reduce rates
across its Factual & Learning departments, BECTU - the trade union for the
broadcasting and entertainment sector - has produced a list of recommended
rates for freelance camera grades. The list has been compiled from rates
provided by members and supporters, in order to give fellow camera grades
the confidence to hold the line on their current rates and not give in to
the BBC's recently introduced rate card system. It is based on going rates
that have been reported for each grade for a 10-hour working day (not
including a one-hour lunch break). The list can be viewed on the union's
website:
www.bectu.org.uk <http://www.bectu.org.uk/resources/rates/camera.html>
/resources/rates/camera.html
3. DFG Films and Five News are once again joining forces to produce "Five
Films", an 'exciting and innovative short documentary scheme', which
encourages emerging independent filmmakers to make their mark on Britain's
news. They are looking for ideas for 3 minute documentaries from film makers
all over the UK. Short-listed applicants will pitch their idea to a panel of
producers and news editors from DFG Films and Five News at the Sheffield
Docfest Newcomers Day on Thursday 2nd November 2006. For application
guidelines and application form please visit
http://www.dfgdocs.com/Resources/Five_Films.aspx . Closing date is 26th
October.
All the best,
TV Freelancers
www.tvfreelancers.org.uk
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