A new report backed by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has warned that the UK film industry faces a 'pandemic lack of inclusion', which could lead to a skills shortage. The British Film Institute (BFI) report highlights that the sector needs 10,000 new workers over the next five years to maintain its global standing.
The research, compiled by the Work Foundation for the BFI, reveals that women in the industry earn £3,000 less than men on average, and that 40% of the film workforce is female. It also notes that only 12% of workers come from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds, 5% have a disability, and just 3% of the production and post-production workforce are from black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds.
Barbara Broccoli, who chairs the UK Film Skills Task Force, said: 'We live in a diverse society and it is vital both culturally and commercially that our industry reflects this in front of and behind the camera.' She attended the House of Commons with Culture Secretary Karen Bradley to launch a 10-point skills plan aimed at addressing the issues.
The report cites a culture of nepotism, unpaid work experience, and a lack of appropriate training as barriers to entry. It warns of skills shortages in nearly 40 types of positions, including first assistant directors, costume designers, carpenters, and 3D model makers, despite thousands studying for film-related qualifications.
Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said: 'More points of view, more perspectives, and more voices will only make films better.' Culture Secretary Karen Bradley described the UK film industry as 'one of our biggest success stories' and stressed the need to 'nurture and foster the next generation of talent' to ensure films are 'truly representative of the UK's diverse society'.
