Contracts and Pay Rates

 

I have received a number of telephone calls recently about pay rates and contracts for both directors and editors.

In regards to pay rates, they vary greatly depending on level of experience and type of work. That said, there is a significant difference between exploitative rates and low rates.

On the DEGNZ website we have some simple guidelines for pay rates for experienced practitioners here. Obviously, you have to weigh up these basic rates against what you are being offered, the type of work you will be performing, and your level of experience. If you can, ask around to get a steer on what pay levels might be.

When it comes to contracts, there are fair contracts and there are unfair contracts. It would seem (surprise, surprise) that some companies are leaving out clauses that help to clarify what the actual terms and conditions of the contracts are, and in some cases not fulfilling the terms and conditions stated.

Worse, I am aware of one contract that states that the person being contracted is not allowed to show the contract to anyone else without the express permission of the production company. Untrue.

Firstly, unless you are experienced with contracts do not sign one without seeking advice. You do not have to sign a contract the moment that it is given to you.

As a member of DEGNZ, you can access through the guild a half-hour consultation free of charge with lawyer Tim Riley of Dominion Law, and discounted rates for ongoing work. While you might think that the cost of legal advice is not worth it, you may well find that you more than cover it through gains made, monetary or not, through a negotiation process with the right legal advice.

Don’t be afraid of negotiation. It is merely part of the employment process. It may well be that there is no room for negotiation, but a good employer won’t be upset by you testing it out. If a company seems to be using scare tactics to put you off doing so, then it’s highly likely that they are seeking advantage to their benefit, at your cost.

Yes, the less experienced you are the harder it is to negotiate, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. And getting that legal advice may save you a lot of pain, because contracts are most useful when something goes wrong. When it does, you want to have one that serves you best.

Second, according to Tim, every contract can be reviewed by your authorized legal representative without you having to inform the production company that you are getting them to do so. It’s your right.

Third, don’t just throw your contract in a drawer and forget about it. If there are obligations that must be met by either side at particular intervals or by certain dates, ensure that you and or they keep to those obligations.

While DEGNZ cannot offer legal advice, we can offer you information and advice on pay rates, contracts or other matters. It’s one of the services you can access as a member. So make use of it.

Tui Ruwhiu
Executive Director

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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Call for Applications: Directing Toolkit with Jesse Warn

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The Directors & Editors Guild of NZ invites you to apply for a 2-day Directing Toolkit Workshop with international director Jesse Warn.Jesse Warn

The workshop will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 21-22 May in Auckland.

A travel allowance is available for a small number of directors coming from other centres.

Jesse Warn has directed film and television around the world. Early in his career, he cut his teeth working on music videos and making short films like 9 Across (starring Rena Owen) and Little Samurai. He then started knocking on Hollywood’s door with his script for Nemesis Game, which he shot in Canada, teaming up with Rena Owen once again. The film walked away with a number of awards at the 2003 NZ Film Awards.

Warn then focused on directing commercials for a few years.  In 2008, he began directing on Legend of the Seeker, before progressing onto Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Criminal Minds, Spartacus: War of the Damned, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and Supergirl. Most recently, he has worked on Arrow, The Shannara Chronicles, The Originals and The Flash.

Jesse’s 2-day workshop will cover topics including director tips, tricks, techniques and insights on set and working with actors, drawing on his deep experience in New Zealand and on top U.S. dramas.

What: Directing Toolkit Workshop with Jesse Warn

When: Saturday May 21 9am – 5pm & Sunday May 22, 9am – 4pm. Lunch and refreshments provided.

Where: MTG RM, 2 Kingsland Terrace, Kingsland, Auckland

Cost: FREE for DEGNZ members, $100 for non-members

TO APPLY: Please email to samantha@deganz.co.nz a maximum one-page cover letter outlining why you want to attend this workshop, a CV and any links to examples of your work. Please also include your contact details and any dietary requirements.

Application Deadline: 9am Friday 13 May 2016

This initiative is brought to you with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission.

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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DEGNZ Presents: A Mentorship and Masterclass with Niki Caro

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"The Vinters Luck" Screening - 2009 Toronto International Film FestivalDirectors & Editors Guild of NZ (DEGNZ) is thrilled to invite applications from experienced film directors with a feature film project in or near to advanced development or ready for production to apply for an International Director’s Mentorship with acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro.

Niki Caro, one of New Zealand’s most successful film directors, needs little introduction, with credits including Whale Rider, North Country, A Heavenly Vintage, McFarland USA and The Zookeeper’s Wife to her name.

The overall intention of the mentorship is to inspire a NZ director, demystify the international film industry and offer genuine insight into creative process and engagement with the industry as a whole, while providing a solid platform upon which to build an international career.

This mentorship is designed to assist a director with project development, career planning, creative relationships, new practices in audience engagement, and relationships with producers and agents.

As Niki is a busy working director there is a small window of opportunity to start this mentorship with her. The successful applicant must be available for initial meetings during the week of 6 June 2016. Further mentoring will continue for the term of the mentorship over the rest of 2016.

To apply, please provide:

• Maximum one-page letter about why you should be chosen and what you hope to gain from the mentorship.
• A narrative feature film script and one-page synopsis for the project you wish to apply with, which must be in or near to advanced development or ready for production.
• Up to 3 examples of past narrative dramatic work (not showreel) that have had festival success.
• Applicants MUST be available for initial meetings the week commencing 6 June.

This initiative is NOT intended for applicants with projects in very early development. We will not offer script notes or enter into correspondence with applicants who are not selected.

Applications should be submitted electronically to admin@deganz.co.nz as ONE PDF file. Please include links in the document.

Only FULL DEGNZ members may apply. If you are not a member and wish to join, you can do so here.

Applications must be received by DEGNZ no later than 9am on Friday the 13th of May.

This initiative is brought to you with the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.

Masterclass

DEGNZ invites you to register your interest for up to eight seats in a Directing Masterclass with acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro.

The workshop will take place from 1pm-5pm, Wednesday 8 June in Auckland. DEGNZ members free, non-members $50.

Please register your interest by emailing your CV (including links to your work) to samantha@deganz.co.nz by 9am, Friday the 13th of May. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.

This initiative is brought to you with the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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Rialto Film Talks: 25 April and Notes to Eternity

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There are two wonderful Rialto Film Talks coming up – DEGNZ member Leanne Pooley’s 25 April (Monday 25 April) and DEGNZ member Sarah Cordery’s Notes to Eternity (Thursday 26 May). Both are taking place at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket in Auckland.

Director Leanne Pooley will be present for 25 April‘s Q&A while director, writer and producer Sarah Cordery, illustrator and animator Ant Sang, and cinematographer Andrew McGeorge will be present for the Q&A after the screening of Notes to Eternity.

Notes to Eternity

Notes to Eternity

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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Directors! Do You Want to Avoid Jail And a $600k Fine?

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New health and safety legislation means new responsibilities for you as a film-maker. If you want to learn how to avoid some serious legal ramifications, then join Marc Ashton from the NZFC for a FREE special Healthy & Safety presentation specifically for directors on Thursday 21 April from 4-5pm at the Grey Lynn RSC, before the wider industry event later that evening.

All directors welcome, however, we ask that you indicate your attendance on Eventbrite here. Please remember to cancel your registration if you can no longer attend!

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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