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SPADA E-NEWS #1
18 August 2006
Dear Members
Welcome to SPADA’s inaugural E-News. This regular e-newsletter aims to keep members updated on relevant policy issues that SPADA is focusing on.
Over the last few months we’ve been working very hard on recoupment and rights issues. We are pleased to note that ministers have recently sent letters to funding agencies encouraging continued engagement with the industry on this matter. We will keep you informed on further developments as and when they come to hand.
The 14th Annual SPADA Conference is live! We’re extremely pleased with the calibre of speakers secured for this year’s conference, which is being held from 16-18 November 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Auckland.
We look forward to seeing you at the Conference.
Penelope Borland
CEO
New Members
We’re pleased to welcome Sky Networks and WingNut Films as new members. Current SPADA membership is now approximately 390 members.
Staff News
We’re delighted to advise that
Sandy Gildea
will be working with SPADA full time through to the end of November.
Government/Industry Policy Issues
FreeView
Government recently announced the basis of the free-to-air digital service – FreeView, which begins transmission in 2007. SPADA will be keeping a close eye on the development of content for FreeView, with particular focus on increased opportunities for local content, and as appropriate, negotiation of rights issues.
Engagement with Industry by TVNZ/NZOA on Rights
An issue arose recently with regard to three-way contracts between NZOA, TVNZ and producers on TV One Docs and the NZ Stories strands. Clauses in those contracts limited the right to go to other
New Zealand
broadcasters at the end of the three year exclusive period and the end of the five year licence period.
Accordingly, SPADA engaged with both TVNZ and NZOA on this issue, and as a result they have agreed to consult with SPADA on any future contract terms that may alter or vary producers’ standard rights.
FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers)
Penelope Borland attended the General Assembly of FIAPF in
Cannes
. The discussions focused on identifying and accessing offshore investment and intellectual property issues; in particular defining and evaluating new media rights. Further progress is expected to be made on defining rights and identifying the best ways for content producers to capitalise on new media opportunities.
In the meantime the best advice for producers is to ensure that new rights are not bundled: non-broadcast rights should be treated separately from broadcasting rights, and retained by the producer.
To learn more about the new opportunities and challenges inherent in new media, make sure you get to Conference this year, as we’ve secured the “father of cross platform” Brian Seth Hurst.
Hurst
is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and business models that enable producers to take advantage of emerging content platforms — from broadcast and interactive television to broadband and internet protocol television, mobile and new digital communication devices.
TVNZ
In-House Drama
Although long denied, TVNZ's in-house drama production plans have shown denied, TVNZ's in-house drama production plans have shown signs of being alive and well. SPADA has been speaking to TVNZ and NZOA on this matter, and has expressed concern regarding the implications for the independent industry of the revival of long running in-house drams. It appears that a hybrid between in-house and independent may now be envisaged.
SPADA Relationship Audit
Members now have the comparative funders and networks reports from the recent relationship audit. If you haven’t accessed the reports yet they are available on SPADA’s members-only website.
Without exception all of the funders and networks (NZOA, NZFC, Te Mangai Paho, TVNZ, TV3, MTS and Prime) were very interested in the findings of the audit and took on board industry observations and experience of their organisations; the positives, areas of confusion and room for improvement.
Media, Entertainment and Arts
Alliance
(The
Alliance
)
Preliminary meetings have been held with The Alliance. It has given assurances that the
New Zealand
branch of the union does not want to try to transplant elements of an Australian industrial model onto
New Zealand
. They will continue to abide by the Pink Book, acknowledging that it is a negotiated document with SPADA.
Health and Safety Code of Practice
After underwriting the first stage of the Health and Safety Code of Practice re-write, SPADA and the Technicians Guild are now seeking additional funding to complete the updating and consultation on this vital code of practice for the industry.
Board
Broadcaster to Attend August SPADA Board Meeting
The SPADA Board looks forward to meeting with TVNZ this month. We welcome the opportunity to have these meetings with funding agencies, government and broadcasters, to ensure we maintain strong pan-industry relationships. SPADA plans to invite Te Mangai Paho to the next board meeting in October.
General Business
Levies
Just a reminder if your levies are overdue – we’d love to hear from you.
SPADA Awards
Start putting on your thinking caps for suitable nominations for the upcoming Awards: SPADA New Filmmaker of the Year / SPADA Independent Producer of the Year, and the SPADA / Onfilm Industry Champion. As in the past, members and non-members are eligible.
2006 AGM
This year the SPADA AGM will be held on Wednesday 15 November (4.00-5.30pm) at Hyatt Regency Auckland. The AGM is open to SPADA financial members only. Out-of-towners don’t forget to book your accommodation and travel.
Feedback
We’d love to hear from you on any issues so please email us (info@spada.co.nz) or give us a call.
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