10 February 2020 - 19:09People engaged in the film and television industry are worried that proposed legislation to recognise them as employees and not contractors will make SA less attractive as a film location.
The Association of Crew Agents of SA argues that should the changes be implemented they would lessen the country’s attractiveness as a filming destination and only benefit the SA Revenue Service through more tax. SA has in recent years become a popular destination for international filmmakers for offering an affordable alternative. Movies such asThe Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tomb Raider, 10,000 BC, Invictus, Dreddwere shot in the country and created hundreds of jobs for extras, film crews and contractors.
Acasa said should the contractors be deemed to be employees they will be liable to pay unemployment insurance on all their earnings; that their equipment or kit hire would then be non-taxable; and “as employees, you are not able to apply for or receive tax directives”.