this debate seems to be sparking everywhere, I agree with you and everyone else who has commented, only we can stop this. the companies that do this are praying on our insecurities and taking advantage of our skills, we all work to hard to gain our place in this job, we are skilled workers, it is not a privelidge to work, we all need to earn money. I have now stopped taking expences only on the grounds that I can get paid work, people do recognise your skills and will pay for them. Report abusers of this system to your union, the goverment and don't allow this to continue. ALL the people on a film or tv set are important, don't let anyone treat you otherwise. Companeis should recognise that all departments are important and budget appropriately. James