Performers working on in-house BBC TV productions are set to receive higher pay rates as the corporation has inked a new agreement with UK actors union Equity.The agreement was announced this afternoon after Equity members voted to ratify the changes.The deal, which takes effect from April 7, will see a 13% increase to a performer’s episodic fees alongside an increase in other costs such as production day payments and overtime fees. There will also be a 10% increase to minimum weekly fees.In addition to the pay increase, the agreement includes new provisions on bullying and harassment, reducing environmental impact, and best practices regarding audition self-tapes.“With this agreement, the BBC makes vital commitments to our members that their experience at work will be safe and dignified,” Equity TV Official, Natalie Barker, said in a statement.The BBC TV agreement only covers performers working on in-house BBC drama, comedy, and children’s productions such as Eastenders, Casualty, Doctor Who, and Silent Witness. The agreement covers actors, walk-on and supporting artists, dancers, stunt performers, puppeteers and singers. Equity is in the midst of negotiating separate agreements with ITV and producer trade body Pact, which covers the majority of other UK TV shows.Other headline additions to the BBC agreement include the introduction of penalties for late payment of royalties, provisions for the engagement of minors, and the inclusion of intimacy directors when productions work on scenes of an intimate nature.Barker added that it was important to “secure a significant increase to pay in this round of negotiations” to “mitigate the squeeze our members have experienced on their pay over a number of years of high inflation.”She added: “And the inclusion of commitments from the BBC to prevent and address bullying and harassment and the new requirement to hire intimacy directors for scenes of an intimate nature puts the dignity and safety of working performers front and centre.”
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