AWG calls for help in collecting residual payments for members

18 June, 2015

AWG members are being asked to let the Guild know if they are now receiving new residual payments and also to help track new contracts with production companies under Screen Australia Enterprise Funding.

Guild Vice President and Chair of the AWG TV Committee Mac Gudgeon says the Guild has worked hard over the past two year to ensure members receive the residual payments due to them. As a result, the AWG has successfully recovered more than $50,000 worth of unpaid residuals that will be disbursed to applicable members: “Now is the time for members to get involved. Our Guild can only help us if we help ourselves. When we send in a copy of our contract the Guild can track, collect and distribute our owed residuals. It’s our money. We worked for it. Let’s get it."

AWG Executive Director Jacqueline Elaine says the work done on the annual Residuals Compliance Review demonstrated the need for ongoing monitoring.  “We would value members’ input in a number of ways,” she says. “Members should advise us if and when they have received residuals payments, provide a copy of any contracts they have entered into that may require tracking of residuals and help out with information the Guild might request to help trace any residuals that may be due.”

The AWG is working with producers in a number of ways, including conducting reviews on various production companies to ensure they are tracking, reporting and paying residuals due to members, she says.

“We are also compiling data on members’ contracts to identify which productions are contracted with residuals for future tracking. We’ve been researching productions to monitor and track those that will require residuals payment to members and we’re assisting members with individual queries regarding residuals calculations, payments and follow-up.” 

As part of the 2015 Residuals Compliance Review, the AWG wants to work with any production company that has received Screen Australia Enterprise Funding, so members are being asked for information on any contracts they’ve signed for television work in the past five years with: Cordell Jigsaw Productions; Essential Media & Entertainment; Goalpost Pictures Australia; Hoodlum; Matchbox Pictures; Renegade Films; Blackfella Films; Playmaker Media; December Media; Chocolate Liberation Front; Jungleboys; WTFN; Porchlight Films; Every Cloud Productions; Fremantle Media Australia; Werner Films; Bogan Entertainment.

Members are asked to email their feedback to residuals@awg.com.au