DTI regulations allow agencies to exploit artists

Published Monday 8 May 2006 at 16:45

Congratulations to The Stage on an in-depth exposé on the agency book fees that are an outrage in our industry.

New technology and techniques have dramatically brought down printing costs as the book fees only seem to escalate.

Any accountant would point out it would be in the financial interests of many background agencies to take on as many artists as they can and ensure each gets a single day’s work.

The agency then deducts its commission and its ‘book fee’, leaving very little for the artist, many of whom will not get any more work that year as they have served their purpose.

Shame on the DTI regulations that have turned a profession into a numbers racket.

Paul Kirby

Chair, Film Artistes Association at BECTU and Equity Supporting Artiste and Walk-On Committee Member

Email supplied

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