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	June 25, 2003. The seven IATSE locals of the East Coast Council, representing union members engaged in motion picture, television, commercial, music video and documentary/industrial production in New York, voted recently to raise the ceiling on their Low Budget Contract from $6 million to $8 million. This means that producers with budgets up to $8 million will now have access to the more flexible terms and contracts offered under the East Coast Council agreements, including "the ability to negotiate a deferment of salaries and overtime, and reduced payments to Pension and Health plans. During the production, union workers are paid at a reduced scale" (East Coast Council website). This change is a response to the concerns of independent producers working in the lower budget range, and signifies the readiness of the New York unions to respond to changes in the marketplace. According to their website: The council has been active since 1990, and has successfully negotiated contracts for more than 250 low budget film and television projects in New York City and on the East Coast. It is an extraordinary model of cooperation between all of the parties involved. The council represents seven IATSE production locals. The crafts represented include: camera, publicists, production designers, costume designers, art directors, grip, electric, sound, property, special effects, medics, set builders, set dressers, scenic artists, wardrobe, makeup, hair, videotape technicians, post-production (editorial), script supervisors, production office coordinators and accountants. With one phone call, a producer can initiate a process of negotiation and collaboration with all concerned production locals. For many producers, contacting the East Coast Council is the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship with the unions. All of the above makes it possible for producers with small budgets to work with the finest professional crews in New York and on the East Coast. The East Coast Council is co-chaired by Local 600 I.A.T.S.E. (212) 647-7300 and Local 52 I.A.T.S.E. (212) 399-0980.