The security of workers in the film industry and The Hobbit in New Zealand has been secured with the passing of the Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Bill into law, according to Minister of Labor Kate Wilkinson.
"This law provides certainty to the film industry in New Zealand, an industry that is worth $2.8 billion to our economy. The two Hobbit films alone are worth $670 million,” Wilkinson commented. "It clarifies what are already widespread industry practice – those actors, crew members and other production personnel in the film industry who sign on as independent contractors are just that, independent contractors. If they sign on as an employee, they are an employee.” (WCxKit)
"This law provides certainty to the film industry in New Zealand, an industry that is worth $2.8 billion to our economy. The two Hobbit films alone are worth $670 million,” Wilkinson commented. "It clarifies what are already widespread industry practice – those actors, crew members and other production personnel in the film industry who sign on as independent contractors are just that, independent contractors. If they sign on as an employee, they are an employee.” (WCxKit)
According to Wilkinson, the Government gave serious thought to how it would respond to the threat posed to the entire New Zealand film industry. While this is a direct response to ensure The Hobbit is filmed here, it is also in response to the fact that had it lost The Hobbit the country’s reputation as a filming location would have suffered hugely.
"This Government was not going to let that happen. We were not prepared to see thousands of Kiwi jobs disappear and we were not prepared to see the hard work of the many talented New Zealanders who built our film industry from scratch put at risk,” Wilkinson continued. (WCxKit)
"The passing of this Bill allows film workers and producers to get on with what they do best – making movies.”
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: [email protected] or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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