A Bigger Future report - BFI - British Film Institute

13
Attracting the brightest
and the best
Reflecting the realities of
the film business
THE PROBLEM
A career in the film industry is an obviously attractive
prospect to many people. However, obtaining good
careers advice on how to get a foothold in the industry,
or how to develop a career once in, is very difficult.
Despite the plethora of services and publications
available throughout the UK, advice given is often
inconsistent or inaccurate.
Universally available and industry-validated careers
information, advice and guidance is a prerequisite to
sustaining a creative and skilled workforce for the
industry. This data should also be made available and
accessible through one clearly recognised brand on a
UK-wide basis.
The industry also needs to manage the expectations
of would be entrants, whilst at the same time casting the
net as widely as possible to attract the best talent from
the diverse cultural and social backgrounds which make
up the UK population.
Those already working in the industry also require
ongoing advice or guidance to help develop their careers
and all need realistic and accurate advice about the
value and utility of training courses and career
development opportunities.
To be effective, this advice also has to be linked to
national careers initiatives and other existing services
that are on offer from school onwards so that information
about the film industry is accurate, up to date,
consistent and accessible throughout the UK.