Television is changing

Over the course of our discussions as part of our TV is Changing campaign and in the many questionnaires we have received from members so far, a number of common concerns recur. This Frequently Asked Questions section seeks to address some of the issues that have been raised by members and to clarify Equity's position on a number of key points. Click on the questions below for our response, and use the comments section after each question to have your say. We look forward to hearing from you.

Frequently asked questions

Question one:

I am a member of the Equity Pension Scheme (EPS) and also have another separate pension. Would I be financially better off by consolidating these all into one arrangement?

Question two:

Can I use clips of my prior performances (TV, movies, commercials, etc.) on-line or on my own personal website for career and casting purposes?

Question three:

Why doesn't Equity work more closely with other trade unions in this country and with unions from America and overseas?

Question four:

Does Equity work closely with artists' agents?

Question five:

What is Equity going to do to ensure that when productions are re-broadcast either in the UK and overseas or are released on DVD that members are going to be fairly compensated?

Question six:

What is Equity going to do about downloads and video on demand services? Is it best to agree a buy out of these new services?

Question seven:

Why does Equity allow broadcasters to operate a royalty system of payment?

Question eight:

Equity too often appears toothless, why can't our union be more like the Screen Actors Guild?

Question nine:

What should I get paid for a role in a viral commercial? I was offered a buy out for very little money, is this right?

Question ten:

I am earning less now than I did six years ago - how is this right?

Question eleven:

What is Equity doing about the growing phenomenon of broadcasters shrinking programme credits and speeding them up to the point that they become unreadable?

Question twelve:

Why should non-members get the same benefits as members? We are subsidising them and it is wrong!

Question thirteen:

What is Equity doing about all this reality television?

Question fourteen:

How do we tackle the problem of late delivery of scripts and the lack of rehearsals?

Question fifteen:

What is Equity's view of the lack of diversity in the casting process?

Question sixteen:

There is currently no agreement for television presenters, what is Equity doing to negotiate terms for this group under the single television agreement?

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