Size and scale of UK film measured
Press Release
January 12 2004
The biggest ever survey of the UK film industry workforce will commence in January 2004. A representative sample of several thousand film workers ranging from set crafts to producers will be questioned providing a profile of the age; sex; earning power; diversity; location; working patterns; and skills needs of the workforce. The survey will be carried out by Skillset and UK Film Council in response to recommendations made in 'A Bigger Future - the UK Film Skills Strategy.' The results, to be published summer 2004, will inform implementation of the strategy which is due to begin in April 2004.
Stewart Till, CEO and Chairman of UIP and Chair of the Film Skills Strategy Committee responsible for the implementation of 'A Bigger Future', said:
"We've got the strategy in place, now its time to focus on hitting the target with delivery. But to do that we need meaningful data on the workforce which is no easy task considering the project-based nature of much film work and the continual movement of freelancers. The results of this survey will, for the first time, give us a true picture of the size and shape of the UK film workforce. This information will be invaluable in helping us direct our efforts and resources where the industry needs it most."
The survey will cover individuals working on productions made in 2002 that are of 80 minutes or longer duration and have a minimum budget of £500,000. The closing date for the return of completed forms is 20 February 2004. For more information on the survey contact: catherineg@skillset.org
-ENDS-
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
2. A Bigger Future is a joint strategy developed by the UK Film Council and Skillset with the support of the Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission, Scottish Screen and Sgrin Cymru Wales.
3. The Film Skills Strategy Committee comprises: Chair Stewart Till CBE - United International Pictures/Skillset/UK Film Council; Members: Steve Abbott - Prominent Pictures; Dinah Caine, Kate O'Connor - Skillset; Jo Dunton, Cineguilds; Eric Fellner Working Title; Susan Finlayson-Sitch - UK Film Council LA; Steve Knibb, Exhibition; Michael O'Sullivan - Paramount Pictures/The Production Guild/Motion Picture Association of America; Iain Smith - Applecross Films; John McVay - Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television; William Sargent - Framestore/CFC; Martin Spence - BECTU; and Marcia Williams, John Woodward, Robert Jones - UK Film Council.
4. The UK Film Council is the lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. We invest Government grant-in-aid and Lottery money in film development and production; training; international development, export promotion; distribution and exhibition; and education. Our aim is to deliver lasting benefits to the industry and the public alike through: creativity - encouraging the development of new talent, skills, and creative and technological innovation in UK film and assisting new and established film-makers to produce successful and distinctive British films; enterprise - supporting the creation and growth of sustainable businesses in the film sector, providing access to finance and helping the UK film industry compete successfully in the domestic and global marketplace; imagination - promoting education and an appreciation and enjoyment of cinema by giving UK audiences access to the widest range of UK and international cinema, and by supporting film culture and heritage.
January 12 2004
The biggest ever survey of the UK film industry workforce will commence in January 2004. A representative sample of several thousand film workers ranging from set crafts to producers will be questioned providing a profile of the age; sex; earning power; diversity; location; working patterns; and skills needs of the workforce. The survey will be carried out by Skillset and UK Film Council in response to recommendations made in 'A Bigger Future - the UK Film Skills Strategy.' The results, to be published summer 2004, will inform implementation of the strategy which is due to begin in April 2004.
Stewart Till, CEO and Chairman of UIP and Chair of the Film Skills Strategy Committee responsible for the implementation of 'A Bigger Future', said:
"We've got the strategy in place, now its time to focus on hitting the target with delivery. But to do that we need meaningful data on the workforce which is no easy task considering the project-based nature of much film work and the continual movement of freelancers. The results of this survey will, for the first time, give us a true picture of the size and shape of the UK film workforce. This information will be invaluable in helping us direct our efforts and resources where the industry needs it most."
The survey will cover individuals working on productions made in 2002 that are of 80 minutes or longer duration and have a minimum budget of £500,000. The closing date for the return of completed forms is 20 February 2004. For more information on the survey contact: catherineg@skillset.org
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
2. A Bigger Future is a joint strategy developed by the UK Film Council and Skillset with the support of the Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission, Scottish Screen and Sgrin Cymru Wales.
3. The Film Skills Strategy Committee comprises: Chair Stewart Till CBE - United International Pictures/Skillset/UK Film Council; Members: Steve Abbott - Prominent Pictures; Dinah Caine, Kate O'Connor - Skillset; Jo Dunton, Cineguilds; Eric Fellner Working Title; Susan Finlayson-Sitch - UK Film Council LA; Steve Knibb, Exhibition; Michael O'Sullivan - Paramount Pictures/The Production Guild/Motion Picture Association of America; Iain Smith - Applecross Films; John McVay - Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television; William Sargent - Framestore/CFC; Martin Spence - BECTU; and Marcia Williams, John Woodward, Robert Jones - UK Film Council.
4. The UK Film Council is the lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. We invest Government grant-in-aid and Lottery money in film development and production; training; international development, export promotion; distribution and exhibition; and education. Our aim is to deliver lasting benefits to the industry and the public alike through: creativity - encouraging the development of new talent, skills, and creative and technological innovation in UK film and assisting new and established film-makers to produce successful and distinctive British films; enterprise - supporting the creation and growth of sustainable businesses in the film sector, providing access to finance and helping the UK film industry compete successfully in the domestic and global marketplace; imagination - promoting education and an appreciation and enjoyment of cinema by giving UK audiences access to the widest range of UK and international cinema, and by supporting film culture and heritage.
