Fulfilling our representation mandate and being the voice of 2,500 event production members, the PSA have recently participated in several discussion sessions at industry events with similar themes related to collaboration, the event ecosystem and vital role freelancers play.
In May, we will participate in a Power of Events panel session at PLASA North discussing the topic The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration (no spoilers here, promise). Back in February we were at Confex/Event Production Show considering the events ecosystem with a panel of agency and supplier representatives, between these and other discussions, we reflect and reinforce the recurring theme that freelancers and small businesses are a significant resource to be valued, because they help hold the UK live performance and corporate communication events industries together.
Whether its agencies representing brands, promoters staging tours, shows and festivals, trade show organisers or corporate communications businesses; they all have one thing in common. Their dependency on flexible, high quality and reliable resources. Tour management, production houses, technical suppliers and personnel providers all rely on dedicated and skilled independent workers to support them. Technical teams, production management, logistics, operations, safety, support crews, infrastructure and site overlay… all include significant independent personnel resources.
Collaboration with and reliance on these assets are increasing in importance by clients of all types. It’s in their interests to achieve their objectives effectively, efficiently and safely. It is in everyone’s interests to treat these resources as part of a collaborative team. Encouraging inclusion and involvement in planning and development stages as much as in delivery.
So, that’s a good thing, right? Maybe… A lot of freelance work still relies on a level of trust and mutual respect rather than a formal contract of services between supplier and client. Thankfully, we hear of few breaches of this relationship.
We always recommend our members gets a written agreement from a client. Ask yourselves why not, if not. Especially if there isn’t any history of a good working relationship. On our panels, pay and working conditions are both frequent, major talking points.
At ILMC, the past research by the PSA on working hours and its dangers is still a matter of discussion. Who really wants a rigger working over 16 hour shifts as a hypothetical example. Does, and should, our industry still expect long hours of attendance without quality rest and breaks allowances.
The PSA is dedicated to evolving and improving our industry good practice. As we head into a busy spring and summer season, let’s all take responsibility to look after ourselves, each other and the clients we work for. As well as calling out poor practice and unreasonable expectations to help improvement of standards.
If a client is pushing for more effort, for longer and it’s compromising anyone’s health and welfare: do them a favour and yourselves – push back. It’s not always about the money. It’s also about being able to work the next booking, doing it well and maintaining that all important mutual respect.
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Words: Liz Madden and Tom Rees
Photo: PSA
