NZ Actors’ Equity is an autonomous part of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and is the industrial and professional organisation representing performers who work in New Zealand’s entertainment industries.
Kiwis first … but obviously not Kiwi performers
Friday, 26 March 2010 16:02
New Zealand performers have today expressed their shock and disappointment over the decision to allow a US performer to enter the country and take work away from a New Zealander.
Under New Zealand’s immigration laws, every film or television production wishing to import a performer needs to meet strict guidelines that are designed to ensure New Zealand performers are provided with opportunities to work on all productions.
Yesterday the Government took the unprecedented step to allow the relatively unknown US actor Vincent Gallo to enter the country and work on a Steinlager Pure television commercial for New Zealand audiences being shot in Queenstown this week.
Hear NZ Equity President Jennifer Ward-Lealand speak to Radio New Zealand’s Jim Mora on the issue. The discussion begins halfway in at 15 mins 45 secs: Listen to the Stream here or download the MP3 here.
