We’re worth it…

14th April 2023

Do you work in Unscripted and want better conditions in our industry? If so, here’s a campaign from BECTU which is worth backing, by joining the 1000 plus freelancers who have signed this Open Letter, campaigning for:

• Pay Parity: Ensuring Production roles are paid the same as their editorial equivalents (as laid out in our Rate Negotiation Guide).

• Talent Pipeline: We need to train the next generation up and lay pathways for freelancers to gain experience and level up. This is especially vital to ensure diversity of thought and life experience for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

• 10-hour rule: A set maximum 10 hour working day when prepping and on shoots. Hours over this will be charged unless in exceptional circumstances a higher premium (buyout) rate has been agreed with the freelancer.

• Prep & Wrap: Shoot days to start as soon as the freelancer starts to travel to location - All prep work done before the shoot, or after the shoot is wrapped to be included in shoot hours.

• Solo Working: No crew member to be required to be on location alone (unless under specifically agreed circumstances).

• Rest breaks: Schedules must allow for rest breaks. If the legal length of break is not given, and compensatory rest is not provided, then this will be an additionally charged period of work.

• Notice Periods & Cancellation Fee: If a contract is terminated before or after commencement through no fault of the freelancer, a pre-agreed payment will be required.

• Rate Protection: Broadcasters to ensure Production Companies protect freelancer rates and not reduce them to supplement the budget.

• Workloads: Production teams especially have had additional burdens placed on them, many are at breaking point and require meaningful support to take the weight.

For more information, and to join the freelancer Network, click here.