Bournemouth Uni film and television experts provide evidence for parliamentary report

Experts from Bournemouth University provided evidence for the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report calling for more support from the Government to the film and high-end TV (HETV) industry in the UK.

Dr Christa Van Raalte and Dr Richard Wallis from the Faculty of Media and Communication provided their research and personal experiences working within the industry to aid the committee’s investigation into skills and retention, and how the industry can support inclusivity and sustainability.

The report highlighted the academic argument provided by BU that reliance on freelancers underpins many of the problems with training and staff retention.

The academics claimed 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.”

Evidence provided by Bournemouth University 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 highlighted this link between workplace bullying and three significant contextual features: Job design, work organisation, and organisational culture and leadership.

The academics concluded their evidence to the committee by recommending that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) oversees an industry-wide code of practice on working conditions and terms of employment.

Additionally, the academic recommended introducing a kitemarking system for ethical employment practices.

They also urged that DCMS work with industry, in order to develop and promote continuous professional development for all television professionals.

Featured image via Jorge Royan on Creative Commons and Google Maps