Barriers to Diversity in Film – A Research Review – Aug 07

older than the rest of the workforce (Skillset and UK Film Council
2005). These guilds, unions and trade associations provide
opportunities for getting on, as well as accessing the sector. BECTU,
for example, has been running the Moving on Up scheme since 2003,
which has arranged for minority ethnic professionals to meet and be
coached by senior executives in the audio-visual sector (BECTU,
personal contact). In a survey after the first event in 2003, it was found
that 10% of those taking part in the scheme had secured employment.
Employees can also access skills and experience through organisations
such as the Producers Guild. However, producers need to have a range
of credits before they can take advantage of membership, which
excludes many people. These criteria could be widened by the Guild to
encourage more junior members to join. The Producers Guild has
however set up a training programme for production accountants,
setting aside half the places for women and one-third for ethnic
minorities (see Equalities Charter for Film –Programme for Action
www.diversityinfilm.org.uk/caseStudies/casestudy.cfm?casestudy_id=
21).
Awareness raising among young people and the public
Enabling young people and members of the public to become more
film literate may make them more aware of careers in film. This is
particularly timely for young people since there are indications that the
media sector generally is becoming an increasingly attractive
C:\Documents and Settings\mcorless\Desktop\Intranet\Barriers to Diversity in Film_DS_RB 20 Aug
07.doc
77