SPADA E-NEWS #4
22 February 2007


Dear Members

Although December 2006 seems like a life-time ago, I trust you all had a safe and relaxing break over the Christmas period (weather permitting of course).

SPADA’s primary focus for 2007 is new media rights, contracting and commenting on government policy regarding the transition to digital broadcasting in New Zealand : which represents the most significant change to television broadcasting infrastructure in its history, which affects production, broadcasting, transmission and household reception.

In SPADA’s submission on the Analogue Switch-Off (ASO) it has recommended a deadline of 2012.  That’s five years away.  Although there’s a lot to get through between now and ASO, we need to set a target in order to incentivise consumers, and create a positive momentum for the transition to digital.  New Zealand also needs to keep pace with other countries which are already a few years along the transition process.  Some examples of other countries ASOs are: Australia 2009, UK (regional roll-out from 2008 completed in 2012), Japan 2011 and USA 2009 switchover.  Given these deadlines, New Zealand is able to access research detailing issues that have arisen as these countries transition to digital.  (Amongst others, Ofcom’s report on public service broadcasting post digital switchover is a very interesting.)

Some members may be concerned about producers’ rights, and others may be strategising how best to maximise the opportunities of a new digital environment.  From SPADA’s point of view there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the worth of the new environment can be fully maximised; and producers are able to receive their fair share of future generated revenue. 

To this end, I have been heartened over the last month with a shift in key industry players’ attitudes to the independent sector, and the new spirit of openness and commitment to change at TVNZ.

In 2007, SPADA will also be addressing the challenges faced by the domestic film production environment.  As noted by SPADA President, Richard Fletcher, in the Hollywood Reporter (20 February 2007), the combination of a tight international financing environment and a rise in domestic production costs are key factors in creating this environment.  "We need to look at the overall sustainability of the industry and the interrelation between domestic and offshore servicing production. A NZ$7 million film is roughly a ( U.S. ) $5 million movie, but the reality is that the current market's only prepared to pay $3 million (U.S. dollars) for it”.

SPADA looks forward to working on these issues, and continuing to build its relationship with key industry stakeholders to ensure SPADA members benefit from a strong, collaborative approach to the challenges facing the sector over the next 12 months.


Warm wishes,

Penelope Borland
 CEO

Industry Policy Update

Digital and New Media: Terms of Trade
TVNZ is keen to discuss rights for programming for its new digital services in April/May.  SPADA expects discussions to start with TVNZ late March or early April, and will keep members posted.

Back catalogue, VOD etc
SPADA is also talking to TVNZ about increasing the volume of back catalogue programming available for its Video on Demand and other services.

New Technical Requirements
TVNZ‘s technical requirements are currently being revised, and will be circulated shortly.

Three-Way Contracts
SPADA is aware of a few members awaiting contracts (which are three-way between CanWest, NZ On Air and producers) for Inside New Zealand documentaries.  There are a few clauses around new rights that are being discussed, however, SPADA expects the contracts to be finalised shortly. 

As a matter of principle and in the best interests of the industry, SPADA does not believe that new rights should be made available to broadcasters without proper discussion.  If members receive contracts which include new rights clauses please feel free to contact the SPADA staff or a SPADA board member:


Rhonda Kite Steps Down from SPADA Board
Rhonda Kite has resigned from the SPADA board, after her new appointment to the board of NZ On Air, in order to be able to fully participate in discussions and decisions of vital interest to the industry such as recoupment.  SPADA would like to thank Rhonda hugely for her time on the board, and her work on Conference - we wish her well in helping to progress issues at NZ On Air.

New Appointments Welcomed
SPADA welcomes the industry appointments of Jane Wrightson as CEO of NZ On Air, and Andrew Shaw, ex-SPADA President, as Head of Commissioning and Local Production at TVNZ.  We see these roles as key to maintaining and developing strong relationships with the independent screen production sector.

SPADA Submissions

Draft NZ Digital Content Strategy Submission: 23 January 2007
SPADA’S submission stressed the need for appropriate policy and infrastructure to be in place to support digital content creation. more

Discussion Paper: Analogue Switch-Off: Issue for Consideration: 21 February 2007
Once again SPADA’s focus was on high quality content creation.  In the absence of quotas, and indications of lower commissioning rates on the cards for digital, it is imperative to continue pushing for high quality programming – regardless of delivery platform. more

Next SPADA Board Meeting

SPADA Executive’s next meeting is on 28 February, and is being hosted by Park Road Post.  Wellington members have been invited to join the Executive for drinks after the meeting, along with International Committee Representative for the Producers Guild of America (PGA), Bruce Kerner.

Feedback
We’d love to hear from you on any issues so please email us (info@spada.co.nz)  or give us a call.