Cast Employment

New Zealand Actors' Employment

Following are the key terms and conditions for the employment of actors, which should provide a suitable guide when budgeting productions. Please note that these are the key points only and are not legally approved contracts.

General Terms and Conditions

The following are the key principles in relation to the employment of actors. For a full copy of the Actors Equity Standard Performers Contract, please contact Actors Equity (teresa.brown@alliance.net.nz).

Working Hours

The maximum adult working day for cast is twelve hours, including two fifteen-minute morning and afternoon breaks, a forty-five minute lunch break and travel time. This working day needs to include the time taken to apply make-up or complex costumes, and travel time in excess of twenty-five kilometres from the location base, unless this is dealt with separately in the fees schedule. Travel days also need to be included.

Other points to note include:

• Overtime is paid at the rate of time-and-a-half for the first two hours worked in excess of a contracted eight or ten hour day.
• Overtime is paid at double time when the hours are in excess of ten hours for an eight-hour day contract, or for any time in excess of twelve hours.
• Overtime is paid at double time (two times the daily rate) on the sixth and seventh day of a five-day week, or the seventh day of a six-day week. Minimum call is a whole day.
• Overtime is paid at double time after return from a turnaround of less than ten hours, until the beginning of the next subsequent ten-hour break.
• A minimum break of ten hours must be given between the artist's wrap and the start of shooting next day. A minimum day off is thirty-four hours.
• The minimum paid call is one day for on-camera performance or half a day for rehearsal, post-sync and read through and two hours for wardrobe and non-performance calls.
• Where there is a five day working week, days off shall normally be scheduled consecutively. A day off will be scheduled after six consecutive working days.

Postponement Fees

Postponement fees are sixty-percent if less than twenty-four hours notice is given, and one-hundred percent if less than two hours notice is given. Cancelation fees are determined by negotiation.

If the actor is required to be available for work on a specified day, a fee of sixty-percent is payable if the actor is not called.

Nudity

Specific written prior consent of the artist must be obtained for any nude or semi-nude performance, or for the substitution of body doubles. The agent will be notified before any nude performing is required. Unless the artist has specifically consented, he or she may refuse to carry out any part of the performance involving their nudity.

With the exception of final rehearsal for camera and lighting, there will be no nude or semi-nude rehearsals. During the rehearsal or shooting of nude or semi-nude scenes, the set will be closed to all people except those having legitimate reason for being there. Observation by monitor or other means will be prohibited, except where it is necessary as part of the production process.

Stunts

Specific written consent of the artist must be obtained for any stunts. Please note there is a producer's liability under the New Zealand Health and Safety in Employment Act and stunts must conform with the relevant codes. Further information about the Act is available from the Occupational Health and Safety Service.

Complex Costumes and Make-up

The agent will be notified where costumes or make-up are heavy or otherwise uncomfortable. Extra breaks should be negotiated where this is the case.

Health and Safety Act Compliance

The producer has an obligation to provide dressing facilities compliant with the Health and Safety in Employment Act and of sufficient standard. Further information about the Act is available from the Occupational Health and Safety Service.

Dubbing

There is an obligation on the producer to give the artist first option for dubbing.

Artist Credit

The producer shall include a credit for the artist in the production and use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that distributors and exhibitors accord a like credit to the artist.

Insurance

The producer shall be responsible for public liability insurance for artists.

Juveniles & Chaperones 

Juveniles are classed as those under sixteen years of age and the maximum hours per day cannot be extended. These hours include rest breaks and traveling times. Up to and including eight year olds can work a maximum of six hours a day, nine to eleven year olds can work a maximum of eight hours and twelve to sixteen year olds can work ten hours.

Other points to note include:

• Juveniles must work no more than five consecutive days and no more than five days in a calendar week.
  They must have at least a twelve hour overnight break exclusive of travel time.
• Babies under twelve weeks of age must be cared for by a parent or parent's approved alternative and must not be exposed to harsh light, extreme temperatures, irritants including irritating or contaminated make-up, infections or excessive handling and stimulation.
• A suitable, primary-duty chaperone is engaged at the producer's expense. Where five or more juveniles are working at any one time, two chaperones should be engaged. For more than ten, the number of chaperones is dependent on the age, roles, location and time of day.
• When traveling to and from work, the juvenile should be accompanied by the chaperone, or parentally-approved alternative.
• Filming must be scheduled so that juveniles are not exposed to scenes which are harmful or likely to cause distress.
• The producer shall provide age-appropriate rest and meal breaks and off-set facilities including recreation, rest facilities, accommodation and appropriate food.
• The Education Act means that actors between six and sixteen years must not be engaged in work in such a way that harms their education. For long-term contracts this means that adequate time and resources must be given to complete their studies.