012: Empowering Choreographers and Movement Directors: A New Era with Toby James TV and Film Organiser at Equity

“The AI protections that an actor might want could be very different to the AI protections that a choreographer or a movement director might want.”

Toby James

Toby James is the Film and TV Organiser at Equity, the trade union for performers and creative professionals in the performing arts. Equity members are pushing for proper, collectively bargained agreements for choreographers and movement directors. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Perry and Toby James discuss the evolving role of movement directors and choreographers within the Equity trade union. They explore the challenges faced by these professionals, the importance of collective bargaining, and the need for recognition in contracts. The discussion highlights the positive changes occurring in the industry, the impact of AI, and the steps necessary for movement directors and choreographers to advocate for their rights and roles effectively. In this conversation, Toby James discusses the evolution of trade unions for movement directors and choreographers, emphasising the need for representation and empowerment within committees. He highlights the importance of collaboration across various disciplines in the performing arts and the ongoing negotiations with PACT to secure better contracts and recognition for both movement directors. The conversation also touches on the necessity of awareness and education about the roles of movement directors and choreographers in the industry.

Chapters

Introduction to the Conversation

Understanding Equity and Its Role

Challenges Faced by Movement Directors

The Importance of Collective Bargaining

Building a Collective Identity

Positive Changes and Future Directions

Navigating Industry Changes and AI

Next Steps for Movement Directors and Choreographers

Reinventing the Trade Union

Empowerment and Representation in Committees

Collaboration Across Disciplines

Negotiating Change with PACT

The Importance of Awareness and Education

To get in touch with Equity visit www.equity.org.uk and follow @equityuk on Instagram.

To read more about the Choreographers & Movement Directors Network visit: Choreographers and Movement Directors Network | Equity

To join the Choreographers & Movement Directors Instagram visit: @cmdn_equity

To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.