SIWA - What is it?

The Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA) changes the way that crew are engaged on all productions. It came into force in 2022, and is something that will affect nearly all workers in the screen industry, including visual effects workers.

The Visual Effects Professionals Guild of New Zealand (VFXG) is here to help you understand the process.

In short, SIWA creates a bargaining framework that allows workers to negotiate collectively on guaranteed minimum terms of contracting and employment within the Screen Industry. Previously, as a result of the 2010 “Hobbit Law”, workers were prohibited from doing so, a situation which is at odds with nearly every other industry in New Zealand.

The VFX Guild has been set up, in part, to be a voice for the visual effects and animation workers as this process takes place. We are currently communicating with MBIE and working in conjunction with the Directors and Editors’ Guild, the Screen Industry Guild and other screen organisations.

You can get more information on SIWA here:

THE BEE HIVE – original press release.

MBIE – the agency responsible for coordinating the effort.

THE SIWA ACT itself.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS AUTHORITY

Additional information from other guilds can be found here:

SPADA – The Screen Production and Development Association

Screen Guild - The Screen Industry Guild is The Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated

Screen Writers Guild - New Zealand Writers Guild Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa