The first all-female episode of ‘Neighbours’ which marked International Women’s Day.
The Australian Directors’ Guild and Fremantle have signed a landmark deal covering all directors working on Neighbours.
This is the first agreement of its type in Australia for directors, which the ADG hopes will be an industry-wide prototype for upcoming series negotiations.
It follows an historic agreement between the ADG and production arms of the Walt Disney Co. late last year covering the six Australian directors who worked on the series Reef Break in Queensland.
That was the first deal between the guild and an offshore production company, which ADG CEO Kingston Anderson hopes will serve as a template for all foreign TV shows shooting in Australia.
The Neighbours agreement encompasses a revised tiered wage structure that considers factors such as experience and ensures the potential for review.
“This is an historic moment for the ADG as it is the first industrial agreement for directors in Australian television,” said Anderson.
“We have been negotiating with Fremantle for some time and, with new CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor at the helm, the company has worked constructively with the ADG for the best outcome for directors and this iconic show.
“The ADG hopes this will be the beginning of a series of agreements in the industry that will benefit both directors and producers of Australian television.
“We hope that other production companies producing television dramas with engage with the ADG to ensure the best possible outcomes for all.”
Amy Noble, Fremantle director of business affairs and legal, tells IF: “We are pleased to have reached consensus with the ADG on an industrial model for directors that will support longevity, diversity and vibrancy of Neighbours in years to come.”
Still in negotiation is a a major agreement between the ADG and Screen Producers Australia for TV drama.