Professionals working in the film, TV, and animation sectors are facing a difficult time during cutbacks and crisis. FNV KIEM, the trade union for the creative industry, proves to be a good place to unite against measures affecting everyone in the sector. To further increase its impact and membership numbers, FNV KIEM recently launched the Lekkerdoordraaien.nl campaign and calls on all film and media makers to become members. Three viral videos have been produced for the campaign, which will be launched one by one in the coming period.

Finger in the pie
As communications advisor Karin van Zwijndregt explains: 'it is about more strongly consolidating the interests of film and media professionals regarding work and income.' FNV KIEM ensures that its members have a say during important policy moments. For example, at the upcoming Film Summit on April 11. During this meeting, Jet Bussemaker (Minister of Culture, Education and Science) and Henk Kamp (Minister of Economic Affairs) will sit down with representatives of the film sector. They are doing this to listen to a heartfelt plea from a film sector currently under severe pressure. Peter van den Bunder, Freelance and Media Board Member at FNV KIEM, clarifies: 'The Film Summit is a step in the right direction. The previously envisioned tax shelter seems to be off the table for the time being, but a matching or incentive scheme whereby extra public funds or money from the distribution chain can be made available is certainly a possibility.' In neighboring countries such as Belgium and the Scandinavian countries, such an approach has already proven to have led to fruitful results. "We are merely asking for a level playing field, because otherwise it is virtually impossible to remain competitive with foreign countries. We must also contribute from within the sector itself to find solutions. But the government will have to do something to create a level playing field; the companies cannot do that themselves. If you don't do that, film production in the Netherlands will become marginalized," said Van den Bunder.

Lekkerdoordraaien.nl Campaign
Within the AV sector, many different professions can be found: from camera operators, scriptwriters, production designers, and gaffers to editors and sound engineers. 'The more film and media professionals are members of the movement, the more decisively the union can take action,' continues Van Zwijndregt. 'That is precisely why we launched this campaign. We want to grow.' FNV KIEM represents the AV sector (under the name 'Entertainment & Media'). Van Zwijndregt: 'Entertainment & Media is broadly oriented. New disciplines such as game developers and app builders are also in the right place with us. Compared to other interest groups within the sector, FNV KIEM is much more focused on improving working conditions and terms, conducting a broad lobby, providing legal assistance, and supporting our members in legal proceedings.' The (tax-deductible) membership offers discounts, and there are specific services for self-employed professionals such as tax advice and, for example, a standard package of General Terms and Conditions (which can be adopted). 'If you are a member, FNV KIEM can, for instance, also screen your contract for legal validity and whether it meets all the requirements,' says Van Zwijndregt. 'We have a legal helpdesk, we can provide advice on intellectual property and other matters, and we also offer coaching.'

You can find more information about FNV KIEM at:
www.fnv-kiem.nl and www.lekkerdoor Draai.nl



How to respond / more information
You must log in to respond