SPAA Log 2

About SPAA? What they do?

You'll have to excuse me on my ignorance if any of this sounds stupid considering as, after reading a fraction of what SPAA is all about, most subjects appears to be in the area of Film/Screen law/legalities and the Government; what a coincidence, it happens to be a topic I grasp the least, all I ever learn from watching parliament house is people in Government are exceedingly arrogant; so curse quietly when you come across my incorrect interpretation of SPAA.

I figured I might as well start off the research on this topic by first finding out what the SPAA is and does exactly. I'll start off with what they 'Do' first before we all discover who the silhouetted figures are sitting up at the half table. SPAA consider themselves, and no doubt are seeing their position in Film and Television, an "Industry Body representing Australian Independent Film and Television Producers on all issues affecting business and creative aspects of Screen Production". From what I take it, it's pretty much said they represent the "top brass" in the industry on "everything".

SPAA "members" (Quoted because this is the name given for industry sections and isn't to be confused with "Membership" which is the name of the individual who is a member of the SPAA) are Television, Feature Film, Animation, Documentary, TV Commercial, and Interactive Media Production Companies (The extended and more intelligent or mature name for 'Video Game Developers'). As well as Post-Production, Finance, Distribution and Legal Companies which more or less wraps up loose ends in the industry.

I must have blacked out after reading the next piece, albeit it's still in front of me. Apparently "SPAA gives its members the means to have an effective say in the following areas by:" yet the following areas simply make it sound as if the SPAA does everything for you. It truly is confusing my interpretation of this topic, so let’s hop on it and let you interpret my interpretation.

It's broken up in 5 areas for you to have an 'effective say':


- Policy and Government
From what I understand it's making sure all potential issues are clear for the best outcome of whatever media is being created. It's the 1/5th which confuses me the most considering my Government and Political-esque knowledge.

- Commercial and Industrial Affairs
SPAA help represent the membership thoroughly to the Industry as well as helping out with sponsorship; the SPAA clarify Industry law and obligations in the area that the membership is operating; keeping Industry issues in line with all of the memberships associations plus maintaining Industry negotiations with the membership.

Feeling sick yet?

- News and Info
Perhaps the one area I understood due to its non-vaguality. It's more or less the SPAA bringing the Producer up to date with the Industry surrounding them.

- Events
Essentially the majority of what is said in this section should just be with 'News and Info', it's clear that SPAA wants to sell their primary Sydney based events though. Highlighting the big names and changes in the industry via meetings and seminars plus the annual SPAA and Fringe Conferences. The 'big names' spoken of are from : Finance, Broadcasting, Distributing, Sales, Advertisement, Service, International Industry Affairs, and Writers/Directors/Actors/Production Personnel. It really is a misnomer on SPAA's goal on helping Producers if the information potentially goes out of date before the turn of every annum; but hey, this is why I'm researching this topic...right?

- Getting Started in the Industry
All they had here was a link to a short guide or 'Crash Course' in the art of becoming a film producer which SPAA had compiled (Something I didn't bother reading). It's nice to know how much they're trying to help emerging producers compared to the aid given to already emerged and quite rather successful producers in the industry.


What do you think? About that "Effective say" of course. No doubt you forgot all about it after reading the past 5 key points. This is all being pulled off of something one mouse click away though, so don’t take anything to heart just yet.

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Under ‘Resources’ there are a lot sections to choose from, stuff I can’t see 100% due to not being a member so I’ll put down a simple list of everything and find explanations on them.

Industrial Agreements: In a nutshell, I wouldn’t have a clue what this is suggesting to, but no doubt it has something to do with agreements in the industry that everyone must follow to lead a long and fulfilled life of film making and broadcasting.

Underpinning Awards: Got me…some form of martial arts?

OH&S: Well this one is easy, Occupational Health and Safety. I’m guessing SPAA has their own criteria of it that you can follow. Spur of the second update, SPAA in fact have a resource document you can purchase which will help out in the whole risk management section of your position as a Producer in the industry. Of course you could just develop your own OHS management and reports, it’s not like it’s a locals shop for locals only.

Commercial Production Specific Documents: Documents on Producing Commercial affairs.

Discrimination, EEO (equal employment opportunity) and Harassment: A resource that no doubt makes everyone even with one another in the work space and how to deal with people in the industry being patronizing. This is something that not only the film industry needs, but every other industry for that matter; it would make occupational garbage a lot more even.

Copyright and Intellectual Property: Welp, obviously explanation of how to handle copyright infringement and the likes. I did a quick search to see whether there were any SPAA involved copyright lawsuits but came up blank. It’s there though, and if you were stuck with infringement issues then this resource would be handy to refer to in times of need where you’re really being screwed over.

Child Employment: Likely a document explaining the process of employing kids into a production, right and wrongs, dos and don’ts, etc.

Tax Issues: The other name for money issues.

Producer Offset

Location Offset

PDV Offset: fanning out budget across time, probably explaining the most effective way of putting your budget to use and when/where to use it.

Importation of foreign artists: If you’ve hired a foreign employee, then this resource would explain how to best handle the situation when it arises.

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My interpretation so far? The SPAA is there for Producers/Managers in the industry primarily so that if you get screwed over financially wise you can let them know about it and they’ll METAPHORICALLY send two brute looking men to the person's house on persuasion terms. Unless they really do, post metaphor note, need to send two brutes on persuasion terms.