IRISH FILM BOARD LAUNCH NEW REPORT

The Irish Film Board have launched a new report on the current status of industrial relations within the Irish independent film and television industry.
The report recommends an urgent review of the current situation with the aim of reaching new agreements between the unions and representative bodies and Irish film and independent television producers.
In March 2001, the Irish Film Board commissioned an independent consultant, Mr. Frank McGettigan to carry out the review. His report seeks to identify the current problems in the industry, as perceived by the unions and employers and in addition, outlines a way forward for the relevant parties under a new Irish Film Agreement.
McGettigan's role in completing the review has been to listen to all the parties involved in film and independent television production and to assess responses and to make recommendations on a way forward. In the report,
McGettigan proposes a number of outline recommendations that are provided as a basis for seeking agreement between film and independent television employers and trade unions, which in turn is designed to encourage further growth in the industry.
The report summarises the current condition of the relationships between relevant parties and puts forward suggestions for future progress. Employers, trade union representatives and other interested parties were interviewed in order to take a fair and balanced view of the current situation. To quote the report, "The present situation seems to be that each project has to be discussed on a case-by-case basis, with the unions prepared to impose their preferred terms unilaterally where necessary".
The report makes specific suggestions on how some of the current issues may be resolved. The proposed Irish Film Agreement could be used for projects with a budget of less than €6.35m. These projects would need to be substantially made in Ireland and at least 10 per cent of their funding, excluding Section 481, would have to be from Irish finance. In addition the Agreement calls for a realistic and straightforward pay structure, which would operate within the Working Time Act and which would reflect the often flexible, requirements of making films where crewing levels should be dictated by the needs of the film and not custom and practice.
The report concluded that an Irish Film Agreement would encourage the production of more indigenous films and assist future relationships and co-operation within the industry.