Formed in 1982, SPADA is a non-profit, membership-based organisation with three full-time staff.

SPADA represents businesses involved in screen production and post-production, broadcasting, distribution, lawyers and service providers. 

SPADA’s commitment is to the screen production industry’s commercial and cultural health, with a focus on the importance of content creation as the industry faces the challenges and opportunities of a multi-platform digital environment.

Improving terms of trade is one of SPADA’s key policy objectives, as strengthening the economic conditions of New Zealand screen production companies contributes to building sustainable business models.  In April 2007 SPADA successfully negotiated new terms of trade with NZ On Air: the Producer now retains 75% of programme sales income with NZ On Air retaining 25%. This represents a 100% reversal of NZ On Air’s previous recoupment position.  SPADA is currently engaged in terms of trade discussions with broadcasters.

SPADA believes a strong, sustainable independent screen industry is essential in order to generate quality ideas for new programming for New Zealanders.  While most of the discussion paper is written from a viewer perspective, SPADA believes that what is best for New Zealand viewers is also best for the independent screen industry.

SPADA believes New Zealand viewers want to hear their own voices and see their own stories and experiences on New Zealand screens, regardless of the technology.  A vibrant independent production sector is essential to ensure that this continues to happen across all viewing platforms.

Staff
SPADA is staffed by three full time employees: CEO Penelope Borland and Sandy Gildea (Events and Policy).


Executive
SPADA is governed by a bi-annually elected Executive. The 2009/10 Executive comprise of nine members and the President.