Bectu negotiates pay increase for background artistes

Bectu has negotiated a new, 3-year set of rates for its Film Artistes Association (FAA) branch with the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact).

The pay increase comprises 5% for 2023, 3.5% for 2024 and 2% for 2025 on all rates and categories. Following pay talks with Pact, this year’s pay increases will commence for all new productions from 1 March 2023, and from 1 June 2023 for those productions which began shooting prior to 1 March.

The travel allowances will also be increased by 5.9% in line with the Transport for London increases from 5 March for all productions.

View the new rates here. Resources for FAA members and for productions working with background artistes are available here.

Bectu Negotiations Officer Emily Collin said:

“Background artistes bring vital skills and knowledge to film and TV production and it’s right that their significant contribution is properly recognised.

“They experience some of the most precarious employment in the industry, particularly with the rise of late notice cancellations, and improved rates are sorely needed now more than ever to help retain the most professional members of this craft in the industry.

“Working with our negotiating reps, we’re pleased to have successfully negotiated these new rates, which will make a real difference to some of the lowest paid members of crew battling the cost-of-living crisis.”