IRISH stars could be given the same rights and equal pay as their British counterparts after an historic meeting took place between the UK and Irish heads of actors union Equity.
The union has called for film productions in Ireland to ensure equal and fair terms and conditions for both British and Irish performers.
Ireland has in recent years become a hotbed of activity for TV and film and a record €500M was spent there last year but international production companies are still paying lesser terms and applying worse conditions to Irish actors, according to the union.
They say that when working on the same film or TV production, UK performers do so on standard Equity UK union contracts that entitle them to receive payment for royalties, residuals and repeats, while their Irish colleagues are on non-union contracts that do not, called a buyout.
Union members have agreed to mobilise their fellow actors to ensure fair treatment.
President of Irish Equity Gerry O'Brien said: "At the point of production, in both television series and films, the minimum terms and conditions for the engagement of performers can favour non-resident performers over local hire."
General Secretary at Equity Paul Fleming said: "We want to continue to work with Irish Equity and members of both unions to showcase how important it is that the terms and conditions are equitable for those working in film and TV all over Ireland, to harmonise our expectations of fair treatment and ensure a good deal from producers."
