April 30, 2023

Unions in the entertainment industry

INTRODUCTION:

Entertainment industry is the fastest emerging industries in the world thus it is filled with a constant challenges and changes. this industry is combative and Here the question arises which law protects entertainment industry?  what types of laws incorporated in entertainment law? entertainment law is the field of law that deals with legal and business issues in the entertainment industry for example music, theatre ,film etc. it involves the representation of producers and the other members , the negotiation of contracts and importantly protection of intellectual property rights. copyrights Act (1957) , Trademarks Act (1999) , Patents act 1970, The Designs Act  (2000) ,The geographical indications of goods (registration and protection) Act (1999) etc are the laws that  preserve entertainment industry.

 Entertainment industry unions are organizations that represent workers in the entertainment industry and advocate for their rights and benefits, such as fair pay, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare. They negotiate with production houses and studios on behalf of their members to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and other benefits. They also provide legal aid and assistance to members who face any kind of harassment or exploitation in the workplace. These unions often negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers to ensure that their members are compensated fairly and receive appropriate benefits.

Entertainment industry unions in the world. 

  • Directors guild of America

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) is an entertainment guild that represents the interests of film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry and abroad. Founded as the Screen Directors Guild in 1936, the group merged with the Radio and Television Directors Guild in 1960 to become the modern Directors Guild of America. Its headquarters is situated in Los Angles, US.

  • Directors guild of Canada

Directors guild of Canada (DGC) is a Canadian union of labourers representing more than 5500 professionals from 48 different occupations in the Canadian film industry. It was founded in 1962 and headquarters is in Canada , it represents directors,editors , assistant directors ,location managers, production assistants and others.

  • Association of cinematograph television and allied technicians

Association of cinematograph television and allied technicians (ACTT) was a trade union in the united kingdom which is founded in 1933 and dissolved in 1991. It was founded by Gaumont British studio’s technicians as the association od cine-technicians.

  • Broadcasting and entertainment trades alliances 

Broadcasting and entertainment trades alliances (BETA) was a British entertainment trade union and it was founded in 1984 with the merger of the association of broad casting staff and national association of theatrical television and Kine employees and dissolved in 1991.its headquarters was situated in London.

  • Associated actors and artists of America

Associated actors and artists of America (4As) is established in 1919.it is the federation of trade unions for performing artists in the United states.it was established by the merger of the Actors equity association and White rats of America in 1940s.

  • Directors guild of great Britain

Directors guild of great Britain (DGGB) was founded in 1983 by a group of leading directors who are dissatisfied by poor representation by technical trade unions.it had evolved to become an independent trade union and non -profit limited company ,asset linked to the Directors guild trust.

  • Directors guild of Japan

It is trade union build to represent the interest of film directors of  Japan film industry. It was founded in 1936. It is particularly concerned about the copy rights and other rights that the directors have over their work.

  • Motion pictures editors guild

motion pictures editors guild is founded in 1937 by Philp cahn and it represents the freelance and staff motion picture film and television editors and other post production professionals and story analyst throughout the united states.

  • Actors equity association

Actors equity association also known as actor’s equity or simply equity is an American labour union representing those who work in live theatrical performance.it was formed in 1913 and its headquarters located in New York.

  • Screen actors guild

Screen actors guild (SAG)  is an American trade union which represented over one lakh films and television principal and back ground performers world wide it has merged with American federation of television and radio artists (AFTRA) and became SAG-AFTRA. It was founded in 1933 and dissolved in 2012’

  • Equity 

Equity is a trade union formerly known as British actors equity association founded in 1930 for the performing arts and entertainment industries.

These unions play a crucial role in protecting the rights and welfare of their members, as well as in shaping industry standards for compensation and working conditions. If you work in the entertainment industry, it is important to consider joining a union that represents your profession. By becoming a member of an entertainment industry union, you can have access to resources such as legal assistance and career development programs that can help you advance your career and improve your working conditions. In addition, joining a union can also allow you to network with other professionals in your field and have a collective voice in advocating for important issues affecting the industry and its workers. This can be achieved by working closely with industry stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that employment laws and regulations are fair and just for all workers in the entertainment.

India has 5th largest media and entertainment market in the world. As the industry continues to grow rapidly, it is crucial for entertainment industry unions in India to continue advocating the rights of its members, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. entertainment industry in India has registered an explosive growth in last few decades making it one of the fastest emerging industries in India. 

For instance, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is a prominent entertainment industry union in India that represents workers across various professions such as actors, directors, choreographers, and technicians. FWICE works towards ensuring that its members are treated fairly and with dignity, and provides legal aid and assistance to members who face any kind of harassment or discrimination in the workplace. one of the most important of them is The All India cine workers association .It is an organized non government worker union for India film industry it aims for the betterment of artists and workers in film industry .In conclusion, joining an entertainment industry union is crucial for ensuring fair treatment and protection of workers’ rights in the film Industry .It is important for professionals in the entertainment industry to be aware of the benefits and resources provided by these unions, and to consider joining one that align

Entertainment industry unions in India play a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of workers employed in various sectors of the industry. This association represents workers across various professions in the Indian entertainment industry and works towards ensuring fair compensation, better working conditions, and access to healthcare for its members.

In summary, entertainment industry unions are essential for protecting the rights and welfare of workers in the entertainment industry, and joining a union can provide numerous benefits such as access to legal assistance, collective bargaining power, and career development programs. India also has strong unions in various sectors of the industry, including entertainment.

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