The plethora of extra costs and red tape introduced post-Brexit is severely restricting opportunities for British actors seeking work in the European Union, according to a new report. From blacklists for UK passport holders to being asked to work illegally while on holiday, the barriers have created a 'cultural cul-de-sac' for UK performers.
Sharp Decline in Performing Arts Exports
Between 2016 and 2023, performing arts exports to the EU fell from £1.15bn to £929m, according to the Office for National Statistics. In contrast, exports to non-EU countries increased by 18% over the same period, from £1.57bn to £1.87bn.
Visa Rules and Paperwork Hurdles
New barriers include visa rules that only allow work for up to 90 out of 180 days, inclusive of holiday time, and complex customs, tax, and other documents that vary between countries. These processes are time-consuming and costly, often making it unviable to hire UK talent.
Matt Hood, managing director of Spotlight, the casting directors' resource, said: 'Brexit has placed British performers in a cultural cul-de-sac. The opportunity to export that talent has diminished considerably.'
Impact on Commercials and Tours
Jobs on TV commercials are now 'almost completely unavailable to UK performers,' Spotlight reported. The National Theatre halted tours to mainland Europe in 2021, and White Horse Theatre, Europe's largest educational touring company, warned that Brexit threatened its future.
One casting director noted that post-Brexit, it has become easier to cast UK performers for jobs in Australia compared with the EU.
Dual Citizenship and Blacklisting
Agents are encouraging actors to check their heritage for dual citizenship, such as an Irish passport, while some EU-based businesses actively blacklist UK-only passport holders. More concerning is the anecdotal evidence of UK performers being asked to work without proper visas, a practice Spotlight calls a 'ticking timebomb' that could lead to deportation and blacklisting.
Disproportionate Impact on Young and Working-Class Actors
Jonathan Shalit, founder of InterTalent Rights Group, said: 'Brexit has been catastrophic for the creative industries. This is self-inflicted. Europe doesn't really want us unless they have to.' Young performers, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, are hit hardest as summer contracts for theme parks, tours, and cruises have largely closed off due to visa changes and costs.
Spotlight reported a significant decrease in working-class actors picking up EU jobs, as they cannot afford visa costs or delays in payments.
