New deal for film artistes

BECTU has agreed new rates for background artistes on UK film and TV shoots.

Productions covered by the Producers Association for Cinema and TV (PACT) which start photography after November 1 will pay increased daily rates to BECTU members in the union's Film Artistes' Association.

The standard day rate will be £67.03 and standard night £83.80. The public holiday rate for a standard day will be £100.55 and public holiday night rate £125.70. Early call payments are increased to £8.40 per half hour.

Artistes will also receive a supplementary payment for every change of second dress or suit. Provisions regarding holiday pay agreed earlier this year have been incorporated into the new agreement. Overtime payments will be calculated in half hour units instead of per hour.

FAA negotiator Spencer MacDonald said: "FAA/BECTU and PACT will be re-entering negotiations shortly after the implementation of this agreement and this will include a complete revision of the agreement. We have both recognised that the agreement must move with the industry and have now set the ground for further talks. Our approach is to have a realistic and workable agreement that is more in tune with the type of productions now being made."

Andrew Chowns, Chief Executive of the Producers Rights Agency said: "It is critical that producers and performers work closely together to protect the future of the industry in the UK. I am delighted that we have secured a fair deal with the FAA."