STEPHEN DAVIES / ADVERTISING PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (UK)

The APA’s objective is to create the best possible business environment for our members to operate in. We provide standard contracts, production advice, recommended crew rates, advice on non standard contracts and copyright, disputes resolution, training, promotion and marketing members services and helping members to access new markets in the UK and internationally.

History of the APA

The APA was formed as the AFPA, an adjunct to the British Film Producers Association (BFPA), in 1978 and became the AFVPA in 1982, which it was known as until 2000. Then, as now, the UK (and specifically London) was a global centre for the production of commercial films. Commercials production companies wanted an organisation to champion their interests and provide them with advice and other services. The APA has evolved from its core services of standard contracts and production advice to providing training, promoting its members and helping them market themselves and helping members understand and access new markets.

The APA today

The APA helps provide a framework within which members can manage their key business relationships. The standard production agreement is the basis on which production companies are engaged by advertising agencies. Our work with the agencies association, the IPA, addresses production issues and enables us to help members resolve disputes. Members are provided with recommended terms for engaging crew. We routinely advise on issues such as copyright, insurance, contractual issues and foreign service companies. In addition to those core services the APA now promotes its members through the website, which agencies use as their principal showreel directory, through the APA Collection and APA Show, through the APA Masterclass, our renowned training course. We also help members understand new opportunities and access them, through the Future of Advertising seminars, and our sales events overseas, which members have used to build up new sources of work. The APA continues to strive to build new services and resources to help members meet their objectives.

How does the APA work?

The APA operates from its offices in Soho through its Chief Executive Stephen Davies and his colleagues Louis Barron, (Marketing & Events Manager) and Kristyna Podolska (Member Services Manager, Masterclass and CFP-e Coordinator).

The Chief Executive formulates policy in conjunction with the joint Chairmen, John Hackney and Lewis More O’Ferrall. The Council of Members is a fifteen – strong group, drawn from and elected by member companies, which makes policy decisions.