TVNZ accused of cheapskate search for ideas

TVNZ has come under fire for its decision to run a staff competition to generate programme ideas.

The Life's a Pitch contest invites TVNZ staff to pitch programme ideas to the content department. TVNZ takes the copyright to all entries.

The New Zealand Writers Guild yesterday described the competition as "a real blow" to the local industry.

"The contest will flood TVNZ with no-cost ideas generated by their own workers and as a result TVNZ will be far less likely to purchase ideas from outside creatives," said guild executive director Dominic Sheehan.

"It's hard enough to earn a living as a script writer in New Zealand. TVNZ just made it that much harder."

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little pointed out that the contest also disadvantaged TVNZ's employees.

"Although it's being sold to workers as a fun challenge, an outside creative could expect thousands of dollars for this type of work," Mr Little said.

"Instead, one winner gets a trip for two to Queenstown while TVNZ can use any idea submitted.

"These ideas could potentially earn TVNZ a fortune."

TVNZ had flatly refused to amend the terms of the competition, Mr Sheehan said.

"We've asked them to negotiate fair rates and conditions with their employees but they've declined.

"They claim the contest is not focused on a production outcome. Given that, why is it necessary for TVNZ to take all the rights to the ideas submitted?"

Mr Little said running a competition such as this conflicted with the TVNZ Charter, which required it to "support and promote the talents and creative resources of New Zealanders and of the independent New Zealand film industry".

"In fact, it's clear TVNZ don't care about their own workers or the local industry."

However, TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the primary objective of the contest was to provide "a fun opportunity to 'have a go', leading staff through an exciting and enjoyable process in one of TVNZ's core functions.

"It is not, as repeatedly stated, specifically focused on getting a programme on air," she said.

"Staff are aware of the terms and conditions they would receive if they presented an idea for a TV programme outside of the competition, and they, of course, have a choice how they wish to proceed."

TVNZ employees were free, in their own time, to independently develop programming ideas and negotiate on contract terms and conditions - as was any member of the public.

The competition had received widespread support among staff, who relished the opportunity to "have a little fun together".

- NZPA