Unit 8 Assignment 2 - ethics

Trade unions: 

What trade unions can you join if you work in the media and film industry?

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) in the UK. 

Why is it important to join a trade union, what can they do for you?

People generally join a trade union to get access to the following benefits: an independent voice to negotiate with your employer (You can get this person to go to meetings for you and discuss legalities like what you're being paid). Trade unions can help you if you have a problem at work. It's important to join a trade union because workplaces are usually safer when there is a trade union. 

What examples can you find of strikes or other trade union action (look for writers guild strikes in USA), why did they strike, did it impact any productions?

Writers Guild of America strike 2007-2008, they went on strike because they felt like they weren't being paid enough in comparison to the profits of the larger studios. A number of shows benefited from this strike, 'Good news week' was meant to be a one off special but new episodes were made to fill the gap left by US product. Saturday Night Live was effected badly as most of the production staff were laid off during this strike.

Why did the BBC Strike?

Job cuts (over 2000 jobs have been cut over 5 years, 110 staff have been made compulsory redundant) workload and claims of bullying

Freelance contracts:

What does it mean to be a freelancer in the media?

Someone who works for no one (Not a big company on a contract) but is hired for various jobs for different companies. 

What types of freelance contract are there?

Zero hour contracts, this means

• they are on call to work when you need them
• you don’t have to give them work
• they don’t have to do work when asked
• their employer is still responsible for their health and safety. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of a freelance contract

Advantages

• You can work for a variety of different companies 
• You're your own boss
• You can do your own time management 
• You can give yourself days off 
• You'd get work from a network of people that already know you
• Negotiate your payment 

Disadvantages 

• You're not guaranteed work
• You might have to get another job (part time) to be able to pay for things 
• The only employer benefits you'll get is health and safety. 
• You have to find work yourself (A lot of legal work for example sorting out your own tax, you'd have to get your own accountant which costs money) 
• You don't have the option to work on a contract you've made up as a lot of companies have standard documents already.
• You might not have a lot of experience 
• There's a lot of competition 
• You need good quality work 

What types of film or media contracts (short term/fixed term/ first refusal)

Short term:

• Hired for a short period of time
• Doesn't have to continue working after contract is finished
• Could continue working

Fixed term:

• last for a certain length of time
• are set in advance
• end when a specific task is completed
• end when a specific event takes place

First refusal:

• Can match an offer being made by someone else before a third party accepts

Editorial guidelines:

Explain what an editorial guideline is

Editorial Guidelines are values and standards (Do's and Don'ts) of what a channel allows. 

Look at the following link and summarise the guidelines for two or three of the subheadings
http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/guidelines/

Privacy:

• Respect privacy and don't invade it without good reason.
• Must justify reasons for invading privacy 
• Must accurately report stories and have a respect for their dignity 

Children and Young People as Contributors:

• Ensure that the physical and emotional well being and the dignity of young children is protected during filming. 
• They must ensure that children and young people are not caused unnecessary anxiety or distress by their involvement

Why is it important for a television producer to work under guidelines.

So that the TV show isn't breaking any rules and can actually be broadcast on Television. They also have to work under guidelines so that they don't get into any legal issues.

BBFC:

Who are they and what do they do?

The BBFC censor and rate films in the UK

What can you/can't you show in a PG, 12A and 15?

PG

Can show

• Mild language 
• Innocuous reference to drugs 
• Bullying/Racism/Mourning
• Mild references to sex 

Can't show

• Extreme violence 
• Strong language
• Heavy drug use
• Innapropriate themes for a child under eight. 

12A

Can show

• Strong language
• Brief/Discrete sex scene
• Moderate violence

Can't show

• No blood unless it's absolutely necessary (Medical drama etc) 
• No Aggressive discriminatory language unless it is condemned
• Excessive drug use

15

Can show

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

Can't show

• Endorsement of discriminatory language or behaviour 
• Sex scenes are allowed but without strong detail 
• Things that teenagers would be likely to copy. (Self harm etc)