HOW TO SURVIVE THIS CRISIS

The strikes in the USA have come at a time when we were already suffering from a downturn in production followed by the cost-of-living-crisis. This triple whammy has meant that about three quarters of the workforce is not earning at a time of rapidly rising prices. Indeed, a number have already left the industry as the only way to survive. Those who are staying and holding out for better times are finding their resources running out very rapidly. While there is lobbying going on to improve the way intermittent workers in our industry are cared for during times of low production, it is unlikely that this or the next government will be minded to do anything.

Such provisions as are common in France for Intermittent Workers are a long way off in the UK as our politicians are of the small businessman attitude that they don’t want to pay for anything that does not appear to be directly related to productivity. We will not soon persuade them that if they want the convenience of the freelance system, they will have to pay for it.

In the short term, which is what is facing us right now, the guild and institutions around the industry must step up to the mark. The Film and TV Charity (FTC) and Back-up Tech Charity (www.backuptech.uk) are there for workers in our industry. If any member is finding themselves in real difficulty, they should contact these organisations. The Guild has received the following message from the FTC:

This summer, hard-working people in our industry are facing real uncertainty. Adding to existing worries about the cost of living and other pressures on their mental health, your friends and colleagues need support!

That’s why it’s more important than ever that we highlight the important work from the Film and TV Charity. From grants and financial guidance to its 24/7 free and confidential Support Line, their services are here to help through the tough times.

Spread the word to your communities and networks by:

• Sharing their social posts

• Giving them a follow and signing up to their newsletter

• And if you can, make a donation to support your industry through the tough times.
  

So spread the word, and if you can, donate today. Together, we can make sure no one struggles alone.

Together #WeAreFilmandTV

filmtvcharity.org.uk

VMI "Open House" 2023

A lot has changed in 2023, so instead of waiting until December for our annual new products day, we are planning an ‘Open House’ in September with lots of new and existing kit on show.

It will be a great way to see some friendly faces and catch up over a coffee.

We plan to show the very latest equipment developments including:

• ARRI Alexa-35, Sony Venice 2, RED V-Raptor, RED Komodo, Sony FX9, FX6, FX3, Canon C500 Mk II, C300 Mk III, C70

• DJI Ronin 4D and RS3 Gimbals

• Latest modern vintage lenses including V35, Cooke FF Panchro Classic, Cooke 1.8x FF anamorphic, Blackwing Primes, Zeiss Supreme Radiance, Zeiss CP.3, ARRI Signature Primes, Atlas Orions, Laowa Nanomorph anamorphic, Lots of probe lenses, Angenieux EZ zooms

• Latest grip including Super Falcon Dolly, Nodo Wheels, Idea Vision C3 VacuMount

• Latest LED lights from Aputure, Nanlux and others

• The latest portable power stations including Ecoflow Delta & Instagrid One AC power battery and Cine VCLX 2 cine block battery and much, more besides. 

Barista On Set

… and we have also arranged a Barista, who will be parking his Barista van outside VMI and making fresh drinks for everybody (we KNOW how important coffee is!), serving regular and oat-cappuccinos, hot chocolate and other drinks.

4 x Sessions – Free Of Charge

We are planning 4 x timed sessions to accommodate everyone.

• 10:00am-noon

• 12:30pm-2:30pm

• 2:30pm-4:30pm

• 4:30pm-6:30pm with DJ Buzzhard as our resident DJ!

Please visit the link below for more information:

https://vmi.tv/event/vmi-open-house-september-23/

BECTU's Advice on Force Majeure

Crew suspended – Force Majeure

The union has been informed a number of productions have suspended crew as a result of the ongoing dispute with WGA and SAG. Bectu has taken legal advice regarding the imposed suspension of crew and the use of force majeure. The advice unfortunately confirms that productions can suspend crew using force majeure and relieve the production of their duties under the contract. Please see legal advice below.

"A force majeure clause in a contract usually provides that, where an extraordinary event occurs that is outside a party’s control, the obligations and liabilities under the contract can be varied, either by allowing a short delay in performance, for the affected party to not perform the contract at all and, in some instances, giving rise to a right to terminate the contract.

In English law, there is no single legal definition of “force majeure”. Translated literally, the phrase means “superior force”. A contract may specific a list of uncontrollable incidents or circumstances that would prevent the contract being performed, or simply provide that any event beyond a party’s control will amount to force majeure.

Force majeure events are usually stipulated by a contract as being unpredictable events that fall into natural incidents (i.e. earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.) and human created incidents (i.e. wars, invasions, strikes) and are often defined precisely to capture industry-specific risks.

Usually, a force majeure clause in a contract will only relieve the affected party of its obligations where performance of its obligations is imposed, or it is unable to perform the contract rather than simply being hindered or delayed. In addition, the events must be the sole reason and not one of many reasons as to why the contact cannot be performed.

Strike action may be considered a force majeure event if it is beyond the affected party’s control, the affected party has taken reasonable steps to avoid it and it is the only reason the contract cannot be performed (plus, the affected party must be willing to perform the contact in the absence of the force majeure event)."

We appreciate that this is a very worrying time for members, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide further guidance and helpful information as the situation develops.

BECTU has informed the Guild that it will continue to seek legal advice on the issue of Force Majeure being used by parties to a dispute, which under some circumstances is against UK law.