Experts from BU provided evidence for a report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee calling for more support from Government to the Film and High-End TV industry in the UK.
Dr Christa Van Raalte and Dr Richard Wallis from the Faculty of Media and Communication provided their research insights and experience of working in the industry to help the committee’s investigation into skills and retention, and how the industry can support inclusivity and sustainability.
The committee highlighted the BU academics’ argument that a reliance on freelancers underpins many of the problems with training and staff retention. The report points to their evidence that film and HETV employers have “shouldered little responsibility for worker supply, training, career development or general welfare” and “the autonomous status of freelancers has generally excluded them from the benefits of more conventional employment arrangements (in terms of the expectations and responsibilities placed on employers)”
Evidence from BU was also quoted in the committee’s analysis of inclusivity and why the Film and High-End TV sectors are more likely to suffer from toxic workplace cultures. Previous research by Dr van Raalte and Dr Wallis in this area has highlighted the link between workplace bullying and three significant contextual features: job design and work organisation, as well as organisational culture and leadership.
The academics concluded their evidence to the committee by recommending DCMS oversee an industry-wide code of practice on working conditions and terms of employment, and a kite-marking system for ethical employment practices. They also recommend that DCMS work with industry to develop and promote Continuous Professional Development for all television professionals.
The full evidence provided by Dr Van Raalte and Dr Wallis is available here. The Culture Media and Sport Committee final report and recommendations can be viewed here.
