This trade union represents all the acting media - radio, TV, theatre, and film - as well as others involved in the entertainment industry. Though its delegates attend the annual TUC conference to bring members' issues to wider audiences, it is not affiliated to any political party, enabling it to lobby governments of whatever persuasion. Its main function is, of course, the negotiation of acceptable minimum terms and conditions for its members. In 2001, for instance, many well-known actors, including Paul Scofield and Julie Walters backed Equity's campaign to ensure its members had the same pay deals as American colleagues in relation to subsequent uses of their films. It operates not just nationally but also through the Federation of International Artists and the International Committee for Artistic Freedom. Among well-known actors who have held high positions in the Association at various times are Felix Aylmer, Marius Goring and Michael Denison.
Brian McFarlane, Encyclopedia of British Film
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