Equity meeting 11.02.12

The other week I attended an interesting meeting of the body union for the artist Equity.
I enclosed it into my plan and I thought it would have been interesting for my topic of inquiry.
The result was as expected very interesting. Even though you could tell I was the youngest and a new face compared to the same people that always take part to these events, they welcomed me and made me feel part of this union which I now I'm part of.

On the day I could tell I wasn't one of the regulars and that I was probably the younger of the group, still they didn't make me feel uncomfortable or anything and welcomed me to the meeting. It was very interesting to see how passioned everyone was on the different matters touched on the day; no matter what age you are, being a actor don't have a professional expiry date.

Even if the average age in the room was somewhere around 40 I noticed how actors in particular are still not treated artistically the way they should. (Personal journal extract, 2012).

The main matters and points touched on the day where "The struggle for gender equality" and few interesting motions that have been aroused on the day and to which we voted against or in favor, the one chosen will be sent to this year's ARC (Annual Representative Conference).
The first one was about Defending BBC towards the latest financial cuts, the second one was about Bullying in the arts, and the last one but not least was about Ending the need for casting director to get sent hard copies of CV's and photos being an outdated and expensive system. Regarding bullying, the story about the ballerina that spoke out about anorexia and bulimia came up, she was then sucked after the article was printed, a very good example of bullying. (It also linked to my studies, see previous blog)
I personally voted in favor of the last one being a topic that touches me the most at this point in my career, but I could see it was the least important for anyone else; it relates more to young and still financially unstable performers rather than adults artists in their 30's 40's 50's and above, which are more likely to be in a better financial situation than an emerging artist.
Other interesting points were a free workshop fundraised by FEU (The Federation of Entertainment Unions) on How to leave a good impression in a digital world which I straight away applied for; I have to say that my interests were slightly different compared to the other actors/actresses in the meeting due to the difference of age (most of the participants were well established performers in the business and in their elderly years), but nonetheless it was encouraging to see what difficulties a performer has to deal with and how supportive and active this body is no matter what's age you are.
About the main matter, the gender equality, very important and interesting things have been said during the meeting, I recorded the one most impressed me:

-Male presence in TV and Theatre is still larger compared to women.

-Same older women parts are played by the same famous actresses not leaving space for other older woman.

-The awareness of the laziness of casting directors nowadays. ( A woman participating told us her experience when she got told by a casting director that they always use the same four agencies, leaving out so many talents not lucky enough to be in one of those ones).

-A point in favor was that broadcasting is ahead of society where the gender racism starts from; you are more likely to see a senior woman police officer in tv than in real life, or a a black judge in a tv serial than in life.

-The still huge difference in wages between man and women that are casted for the same or similar job.

This meeting really brought up my awareness on the many matters Equity fights for, and give me a good hint on where to look next for literatures and others seminars/workshop that can enhance my studying.
Is anyone else in this course a member of Equity? Have you got any story you could share on how Equity helped you? If not I will strongly recommend you become part of it as they can help any type of artistry in the filed of performing and it's a valuable union out there for us.
For anyone interested the next meeting is going to be held on the 10th of March at the Italian Trade Union's Centre in Highbury and Islington.
:)