Arts news round-up
22 May 2013
EDDIE BRABEN, MORECAMBE AND WISE WRITER, DIES AT 82
BBC NEWS ONLINE
Eddie Braben, the writer behind comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, has died at 82.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22607531
ANG LEE 'PULLS OUT OF FX TV PROJECT TYRANT TO REST'
BBC NEWS ONLINE
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee has reportedly pulled out of his first TV project, because he needs "some rest", after spending over four years working on Life of Pi.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22610409
MATILDA BROADWAY SHOW TOPS NEW YORK DRAMA DESK AWARDS
BBC NEWS ONLINE
British musical Matilda has topped the Drama Desk awards with five prizes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22607223
BBC2 AND CHANNEL 4 RATINGS DOWN AFTER CORPORATION'S DAYTIME REVAMP
GUARDIAN
Switch to daytime repeats on BBC2 and axing of children's shows on BBC1 hit audiences
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/may/21/bbc2-channel-4-ratings
'NEXT!': THE SECRETIVE WORLD OF CASTING DIRECTORS
GUARDIAN
Casting directors are among the most powerful figures in showbusiness, able to make or break careers. But what exactly do they do? Laura Barnett talks auditions, callbacks – and tears
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2013/may/21/casting-directors
UNION MEMBERS CALL FOR EQUITY’S BACKING OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST DOUBLE TAXATION OF ARTISTS ABROAD
THE STAGE
A campaign against the double taxation of artists performing abroad should be “endorsed and supported” by Equity according to union members.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/union-members-call-for-equitys-backing-of-campaign-against-double-taxation-of-artists-abroad/
CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT LATE PAYMENTS NEEDED, SAY EQUITY MEMBERS
THE STAGE
A campaign to tackle late payments to Equity members working as freelancers has been proposed at the union’s Annual Representative Conference.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/campaign-to-fight-late-payments-needed-say-equity-members/
LOW PAY/NO PAY CAMPAIGN NEEDS REIGNITING, SAY EQUITY MEMBERS
THE STAGE
Union members have urged Equity to relaunch its Low Pay/No Pay campaign due to increasing cuts to funding, which is causing companies to pay employees reduced rates.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/low-payno-pay-campaign-needs-reigniting-say-equity-members/
EQUITY MEMBERS CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO FEES CHARGED BY RECRUITMENT WEBSITES
THE STAGE
An investigation into job advertisement websites that charge entertainers money to see basic information about work has been called for by Equity members.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/equity-members-call-for-investigation-into-fees-charged-by-recruitment-websites/
ACTORS URGE BBC TO PRODUCE AND CAST MORE DRAMAS REGIONALLY
THE STAGE
Lobbying body the Performers’ Alliance Parliamentary Group – which includes Equity and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain – is being urged to pressure the BBC to produce and cast more dramas in the nations and regions.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/actors-urge-bbc-to-produce-and-cast-more-dramas-regionally/
MEMBERS REJECT CALLS FOR UNION TO BE DISSOLVED
THE STAGE
Calls for Equity to be dissolved have been rejected.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/members-reject-calls-for-union-to-be-dissolved/
EQUITY TO INCREASE SUBS TO £120
THE STAGE
Equity’s annual subscription rate will increase to a minimum of £120, after representatives voted in favour of 3.45% hike to rates.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/05/equity-to-increase-subs-to-120/
