High-Flying Victory: Hollywood Embraces Union Coverage for Drone Camera Crews
In a significant development for the entertainment industry, major Hollywood studios have committed to including drone camera crews under union agreements following recent arbitration decisions favoring the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600). This decision marks a pivotal shift following arbitration with Warner Bros. in April, where the union successfully argued for coverage of drone camera workers under existing contracts. Alex Tonisson, the national executive director of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), conveyed in a memo that this was the second arbitration victory reinforcing the union’s stance.
Tonisson stated: “Major studios have now committed to covering drone camera crews under the Local 600 Agreement, as mandated by the latest arbitration award.” The move follows a statement from prominent drone service provider CineDrones, which heralded a new era for drone operations in film and television productions.
The decision addresses prior ambiguities in union coverage for drone operators, providing clarity on their status within organized labor. It also underscores broader efforts by IATSE to counter subcontracting practices perceived as undermining unionized labor. Presently, the union is negotiating enhanced protections against such practices during its triennial discussions with major studios and streaming platforms. Drone technology has played a pivotal role in capturing dynamic scenes in films such as Skyfall and in popular series like Game of Thrones. Since the Federal Aviation Administration approved drone use in film production in 2014, these crews have been integral to cinematography.
Alex Tonisson emphasized the significance of the decision in his message to ICG members, affirming that drone cinematography is now recognized as Local 600 covered work. He urged productions to comply with union standards by hiring drone camera workers under union contracts, including pension and health contributions. Tonisson also encouraged members to report any instances of non-compliance to designated union representatives. Moreover, the union’s efforts have been part of a larger strategy to uphold industry standards amidst technological advancements. The inclusion of drone camera crews under union agreements is seen as crucial in maintaining professional standards and ensuring fair treatment of workers in an evolving field.
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Warner Bros. for their response to the new agreement. The development marks a milestone for drone camera crews in securing their place within the unionized framework of the entertainment industry, ensuring they receive benefits and protections commensurate with their expertise and contributions to film and television production.
SOURCE The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/drone-camera-crews-now-covered-under-union-agreement-1235922171/
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In a significant development for the entertainment industry, major Hollywood studios have committed to including drone camera crews under union agreements following recent arbitration decisions favoring the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600). This decision marks a pivotal shift following arbitration with Warner Bros. in April, where the union successfully argued for coverage of drone camera workers under existing contracts. Alex Tonisson, the national executive director of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), conveyed in a memo that this was the second arbitration victory reinforcing the union’s stance.
Tonisson stated: “Major studios have now committed to covering drone camera crews under the Local 600 Agreement, as mandated by the latest arbitration award.” The move follows a statement from prominent drone service provider CineDrones, which heralded a new era for drone operations in film and television productions.
The decision addresses prior ambiguities in union coverage for drone operators, providing clarity on their status within organized labor. It also underscores broader efforts by IATSE to counter subcontracting practices perceived as undermining unionized labor. Presently, the union is negotiating enhanced protections against such practices during its triennial discussions with major studios and streaming platforms. Drone technology has played a pivotal role in capturing dynamic scenes in films such as Skyfall and in popular series like Game of Thrones. Since the Federal Aviation Administration approved drone use in film production in 2014, these crews have been integral to cinematography.
Alex Tonisson emphasized the significance of the decision in his message to ICG members, affirming that drone cinematography is now recognized as Local 600 covered work. He urged productions to comply with union standards by hiring drone camera workers under union contracts, including pension and health contributions. Tonisson also encouraged members to report any instances of non-compliance to designated union representatives. Moreover, the union’s efforts have been part of a larger strategy to uphold industry standards amidst technological advancements. The inclusion of drone camera crews under union agreements is seen as crucial in maintaining professional standards and ensuring fair treatment of workers in an evolving field.
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Warner Bros. for their response to the new agreement. The development marks a milestone for drone camera crews in securing their place within the unionized framework of the entertainment industry, ensuring they receive benefits and protections commensurate with their expertise and contributions to film and television production.
SOURCE The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/drone-camera-crews-now-covered-under-union-agreement-1235922171/
Share:
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