Screen Producers Ireland and Irish Equity welcome new agreement for Film

Screen Producers Ireland and Irish Equity are pleased to announce a new Irish Film Agreement between Irish Equity/ SPI, which will come into force from 1stFebruary 2021.This agreement joins the existing Television Drama and DocuDrama agreements between Irish Equity and SPI. In addition to providing a standardisation of terms and conditions for Film, this new agreement formalises the existing Film rate card. The new agreement is especially timely given the forthcoming European Copyright Directive and will help to ensure that cast receive appropriate financial recognition for their contribution.This agreement comes on the heels of the SIPTU/SPI Shooting Crew Agreement and helps to re-affirm commitment to maintaining good work practices within the industry for artists and crew.

CEO of Screen Producers Ireland, Susan Kirby, said ‘SPI welcomes the new Irish Equity/SPI Irish Film Agreement. This agreement builds on the positive relationship SPI has had with Irish Equity over a number of years and provides certainty and stability for both producers and cast/artists. We want to thank Irish Equity for their pro-active engagement and dedication to continuing to develop the industry and we look forward to working closely with them as the agreement embeds.’

This sentiment was echoed by Padraig Murray, President of Irish Equity who stated ‘We are pleased to have concluded this important agreement for feature films made in Ireland, which will ensure that performers now get their fair share of royalties. We will be seeking to build upon the foundation this provides to ensure our industry recovers as quickly as possible from the terrible Covid19 impact. We will work with the other signatories of this agreement and use it to help reinforce cooperation and positive working relationships over the long term for the advancement of our industry as a whole!’