Equity says Reality TV producers on X-Factor are exploiting performers by not paying them an Equity wage. Equity are calling for all contestants who reach the final round to be paid and have legal status as workers.
X-Factor producers say Equity rates "do not apply" because its shows were competitions and not employment.
This BBC news article describes how X-Factor producers justify not paying their contestants:
"Contestants choose to enter to compete for a substantial prize...The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives."
The article goes on to say that '[Previously] Equity accused production company Endemol of not paying contestants on BBC One show The One and Only. It alleges companies like Endemol and Talkback Thames are exploiting a loophole in minimum wage legislation that means contestants on reality talent shows have no employment rights.The union has called on them to follow the example of the BBC, which paid contestants in the final rounds of talent shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything at Equity rates.'
Do you think that Equity is right in calling for full pay for performers in these competitions? Are they being exploited or is the chance of winning a big contract enough? Alternatively, is this argument reinforcing the "X-Factor Attitude" that anyone off the street can be a performer? Or have these finalist contestants proved that they are professional artistes by being in the final?
I was really interested in this article particularly bearing in mind the reactions to
my last blog post about Online-casting for the film
Submarine. What is exploitation and what is a showcase? Unfortunately in the world of performance, whether this is theatre, music, dance, visual art, when so many people are aiming so high, it seems very easy to allow exploitation of creative people who are desperate to "showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives".
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