Mark, you mention that I use the Tangerine as a template, but I would disagree. I would say the main template behind this document is the Festival Policy, the most widely appreciate policy among members, engagers AND staff… that is what’s at the core of this proposal.

I’ve used only a single page from the Tangerine as a useful document that could be included as an addendum, which would be attached to a signed Festival Policy-like Indie. These terms & conditions would be negotiated amongst the members of the project and signed off by all participants. Equity would simply keep a copy on file.

As I’ve mentioned in previous comment threads on our indie posts, I am completely opposed to any new Indie that is modeled after PACT’s Tangerine Project. My reasoning essentially is this:

While I’m a fan of the Tangerine Contract (we used it for phases 2 & 4 of Jesus Chrysler), it really doesn’t address the needs of small-scale work by indie artists. It is my understanding that Tangerine was designed for small to mid-sized PACT organizations to encourage them to actually invest in the development of projects from the early stages, rather than simply buying up the works that have already been created on the backs of tiny indie organizations.

While its provisions do allow for greater flexibility in terms of payment structure and rehearsal schedules, to use the Tangerine Contract, companies would still need to be able to afford the minimum hourly rate for every hour worked, and those kinds of resources are very often not available.

The survey clearly revealed (as was noted significantly in the ITRC final report), members are willing to waive minimums in order to work on projects they deem important for other reasons. For Equity to insist on these minimums will be a clear reflection of an organization that just wants to say “we know best” to its members who believe otherwise.

I note that you use the Tangerine agreement as a template for this. Up until very recently we’ve heard that the Executive Director will be using a “Tangerine-like” model. I actually don’t think the Tangerine would be a very good model for our community and I’ve given lots of reasons why on the equity fb site. My primary objection is that it has PACT’s fingerprints all over it. I am perfectly fine with PACT and Equity using it under the CTA however.

Just a few weeks ago the message coming from Equity about a “tangerine-like” indie appeared to shift. (I’d like to think it was because of my objections – but I think this was already in the works.) Speculation is that we will, instead, be seeing a roll-out of Co-op/Indie 2.0. I can hear the groans of many in our community if this is the case because there are pitfalls with this new course as well – simply rehashing the old agreements.

Love that you have managed to post both documents that could be combined to create this indie contract so policy wonks can see exactly what you are proposing. It is very specific and easy to understand, while maintaining the flexibility the creative process demands..

You also make a good case for why these changes reflect the will of membership as discovered by CAEA through their own survey on the topic. I like the idea of a joint committee made up of the indie community and CAEA reps to talk about potential situations that could abuse the process and vet them. Everyone in this conversation wants artists to be paid appropriately to the resources available and it would be nice to work together on that.

Dear God it all seems so straight forward! The Festival Policy and subsequent Agreed Upon Terms Addendum; CAEA Indie Advisory helping determine projects that are a bit more nebulous; no need for an application for Permission. As someone who has been both a member and engager PROFESSIONAL (never a hobbyist), thank you for dispelling a lot of what makes up these current agreements while proving that what you’ve highlighted above respects the common interests of both members and staff.