About Us
Consisting of a number of leading Film, Television and Broadcasting facilities companies, ASPEC exists to provide a collective voice within the industry
Achievements
Since its inception ASPEC has been responsible for a number of notable achievements gained through professional discussion and negotiation. ASPEC also provides industry representation to a broad range of committees and steering groups.
Health and Safety
ASPEC is a member of the Joint Advisory Committee for Entertainment for Health and Safety in the Film, and Television Industry and has taken an active role in implementing guidelines and Health and Safety standards.
Camera Crane Guidance Manual
The creation of a formal guide for the safe operation of camera cranes was undertaken, financed and successfully introduced into the industry by ASPEC. This document has come to be recognised as the industry standard for the operation of cranes. This document can be purchased directly from ASPEC... more details here
Training
ASPEC has been working closely with Skillset since 1998. With support from both ASPEC and the Government, Skillset were able to introduce an accreditation system enabling technicians to gain NVQs in their specialities.
ASPEC provides active representation on the Skillset qualification and vocational committee as it continues to develop and enhance the skills utilised within the Film and Television industry.
Film Broadcast Health and Safety Group
ASPEC are members of a committee formed to help guide Skillset in its aim to provide coherent health and safety standards in training schemes. In essence the committee acts as a training and guidance board and includes representation from the BBC, ITV, Skillset, The Production Guild of Great Britain, Equity, BECTU, PAWSI and the HSE.
Meetings
ASPEC hold committee and Full Members meetings every two months. Speakers are regularly invited from a range of organisations, associations and groups to provide professional advice relating to all aspects of the industry and business management. Past topics have included Film Industry Tax updates, UK and international employment law plus regular training updates from Skillset.
Commercial Agreement
In August 2002, ASPEC preserved a formalised labour agreement for the provision of Gaffers and Electricians to commercial productions. Following failed negotiations between the electricians union (AMICUS) and the production companies association (APA), ASPEC felt it essential that in order to maintain professional standards within the Commercials industry, a formal agreement should be preserved.
The resulting agreement is now the industry standard.
BBC Terms and Conditions
In 1996 the BBC published a new set of terms and conditions of business, applicable to those Companies providing services and equipment to BBC Productions. The draft was viewed as onerous and in total contradiction to existing working practices and the existing terms and conditions of business of ASPEC members. Subsequent negotiations resulted in the introduction of new terms and conditions which have now been adopted as the industry standard
The Future
ASPEC is always looking to extend its membership; to become larger; to help other groups; to strengthen our industry in the UK. ASPEC members provide employment to many thousands of people and have a combined turnover well in excess of £100,000,000 per annum. Between us, ASPEC members provide their services to almost every UK based production - no one has a greater understanding of the Film, Television and Broadcasting industries; no one is better placed to enhance, maintain and protect it.
