VSTA - Victorian Screen Technician’s Association

In Sept 2005, a group of us got together to start a lobby group. This stemmed from crew complaints and dissatisfaction in Victoria and a call for greater unity. This informal group was known as The Committee and in November 2005 a ballot was held to elect a Film Crew & Technician Representative Committee. In August 2006 the Committee became an Incorporated (Not for Profit) Association and took the name V.S.T.A.

In this time, the group approached the State Government, Film Victoria and the Union, asking them to open their doors to us and listen to what challenges are facing Victorian freelancers. A dialogue has commenced and is ongoing between VSTA and these organisations addressing issues that include: Improving the incentives and guidelines of the Production Incentive Attraction Fund run by Film Victoria, simplifying OH&S regulations that have become more and more restrictive and looking at ways to improve the conditions and everyday life of freelancers. The response VSTA has received from these groups has been very welcoming and positive - we have established our place at the table.

Since we began lobbying, we have seen a significant increase in the amount of production in Victoria and the ratio of local crew employed on these projects has also increased.

The next AGM will be held either in the last week of August or the first week of July 2008. Anyone who is a member of VSTA can nominate for a position on the Committee of Management. A detailed copy of the rules by which the Association is governed is available to download from this site. PDF file

VSTA is currently staffed by volunteers and managed by the elected committee members who also volunteer their time. While the activities undertaken by VSTA to date have affected some change, we would be able to achieve much, much more with appropriate systems and people in place to help share the workload.

Together, we can make a difference!