Wednesday, 19 August 2009 17:24 UK

X Factor 'exploits', says Equity

BBC News

 

TV talent shows such as The X Factor are guilty of "cheap exploitation" because they do not pay contestants, performers union Equity has claimed.

 

It is calling for all contestants who reach the final round this year to be paid and have legal status as workers.

 

The union is to table a motion at the TUC conference next month calling on TV companies to pay talent show hopefuls.

 

But X Factor producer Talkback Thames has refuted the union's claims, saying Equity rates "do not apply".

 

The independent production company, which also makes Britain's Got Talent for ITV1, said its shows were talent competitions and were therefore "not employment in their own right".

 

"Contestants choose to enter to compete for a substantial prize," its spokeswoman continued.

 

"The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives."

 

Last year, 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.

 

In June, a court in France ruled that contestants on the French show Temptation Island should be treated as employed workers.

 

Three contestants on the show were awarded 11,000 euros (£9,472) in compensation after the Cour de Cassation decided they were entitled to overtime pay.

 

At the time the head of its production company, TF1 Production, said the decision would cause upheaval for TV reality shows.

 

The X Factor returns to ITV1 on Saturday.

 

Do you think shows like Big Brother and X-Factor should be scrapped if they continue to not pay finalists who participate in the show?

Nah! If anything, X-Factor exploits its viewers! :lol:

 

Norma

:unsure: It's a competition, not a job, I don't think they should be paid. Except maybe expenses, but I'm sure their food is paid for and they definitely have a place to stay

Edited August 19, 200915 yr by BJBB Nick

:unsure: It's a competition, not a job, I don't think they should be paid. Except maybe expenses, but I'm sure their food is paid for and they definitely have a place to stay

 

But surely as all competitors on BBC talent shows get paid a minimum Equity rate; all competitors at the Olympics get paid a minimum rate, etc, then surely competitors on this show should be paid.

 

Or do you seriously expect someone who has a job and mortgage to pay should quit there job; etc to take part in shows like this.

 

Especially as Simon Cowell earnt £54.25million in 2008 (he said so himself on Top Gear that he had to pay +£21.7m in Income Tax). Whilst ITV make over £20m each from the shows via phonelines and advertisements for X-Factor and Britain Got Talent.

 

One major point here, as was raised over on the No Rock n Roll Fun blog, is actually that reality shows and their cheap budgets are preventing equity members from appearing on TV to the same degree they could. I think contestants should be allowed to apply and receive minimum equity rates but it shouldn't be a condition.

 

Better yet, ban the shows completely! Bring back New Faces and Opportunity Knocks!

i dont see why they should be paid, they are volunteers for the show and volunteers dont get paid. after all, they have been appearing on the show for years without pay...

No way can Big Brother be classed as a talent show.

 

I'm all for BB being nuked out of existence.

i dont see why they should be paid, they are volunteers for the show and volunteers dont get paid. after all, they have been appearing on the show for years without pay...

 

 

Agreed. Something that puzzles me is if you have a full-time job do employers let you have weeks off for auditions and the live shows? Wonder if they pay you or it's unpaid leave.

But surely as all competitors on BBC talent shows get paid a minimum Equity rate; all competitors at the Olympics get paid a minimum rate, etc, then surely competitors on this show should be paid.

 

Or do you seriously expect someone who has a job and mortgage to pay should quit there job; etc to take part in shows like this.

 

Especially as Simon Cowell earnt £54.25million in 2008 (he said so himself on Top Gear that he had to pay +£21.7m in Income Tax). Whilst ITV make over £20m each from the shows via phonelines and advertisements for X-Factor and Britain Got Talent.

 

:lol: That's a good point I didn't consider that