The Film Festivals Chain Table is also working on additional tools, such as a guideline for (socially) safe and healthy working conditions, and an overarching document in which the fair pay instruments are secured.

The Film/AV Production Chain Table is also working in focus groups on a guideline for cancellations, and a manual with recommendations regarding liability and insurance for materials. For screenwriters, research is being conducted into how fair pay agreements can be translated into a practical tool for negotiations on TV productions, with rates linked to minutes. Work is also underway on an overarching document as a follow-up to the Audiovisual Sector Letter of Intent, in which the developed tools for film and AV productions are secured, so that new parties can easily join.

To further support the practical application of the fair pay tools, the new Platform ACCT and fairPACCT website will be launched soon. A joint working group with participants from both chain tables is working together with fairPACCT to improve communication in connection with this.

The agenda includes the development of a web-based tool that connects all fair pay practice instruments for film and AV production, a calculation tool for film festivals, an overview of frequently asked questions, personas, and instructional videos on the application of the tools.

Pilot for an independent service point for the film and AV sector

From the outset, the intention has been that the consultation between workers and employers, and the use of the fair pay tools facilitated at the chain tables within Platform ACCT’s fairPACCT program, are structurally secured within the relevant subsectors.

At the start of the Film/AV Production Chain Table, it was already clear that this task is complex and encompasses the entire industry column. Many different parties and interests are involved, collective agreements are lacking, and the scope covers the full film production process, from start to finish.

In order to make fair pay and fair practice the norm, the financial basis of film productions must also be strengthened. Because audiovisual production is financed on a project-by-project basis, this requires commitment from all public and private parties involved in the value chain. In addition, to ensure a level playing field with other countries, broadening access to financing is necessary, for example through a tax shelter or tax credit. At the same time, further professionalization of the sector requires more knowledge sharing, cooperation, and continuity.

It is precisely this complexity that means structural anchoring does not happen automatically. Without timely preparation, there is a risk that accumulated knowledge, agreements, and instruments will become fragmented or insufficiently applied. To shape the transition to sectoral anchoring carefully and realistically, it is necessary to explore in a defined period how consultation, knowledge sharing, and support can be organized sustainably.

With support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, a pilot is therefore being carried out in the film and AV sector. This pilot investigates how an independent structure can be set up to act as a central point of contact for workers, employers, chain partners, and other stakeholders.

The pilot has a duration of approximately nine months and consists of two phases: an exploratory phase, focused on organizational form, legal entity, and governance, followed by a trial phase in which the setup is tested in practice.

The pilot is being carried out under the auspices of the Netherlands Film Festival (NFF). The NFF is responsible for project administration and financial management. Doreen Boonkamp, chair of the Film/AV Production and Film Festivals Chain Tables, is involved as a quartermaster. For the implementation, she will engage a secretary, legal advice, and communication support. In addition, the chain table working group for communication, implementation, and anchoring (or a delegation thereof) will also be actively involved.