New research launched on independent film and television production companies

A new study exploring how independent film and television companies led by minority ethnic professionals can further share in the success of the production sector as a whole has been announced by the UK Film Council and Pact.
The study will look at all independent film and television companies to establish a benchmark of success in the sector. The data will be used to explore the opportunities and difficulties faced by production companies with minority ethnic professionals at the helm.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that companies led by minority ethnic professionals encounter additional barriers to those experienced by other small production companies. In 2001 a report entitled ‘Pitch Black’ (Paula Watson, Nesta) identified a perceived ‘ghettoisation’ for minority ethnic-led companies, which meant they were largely seen as only making certain narrow types of production.
However, there are currently no hard facts or figures which quantify the number of independent film and television companies led by minority ethnic professionals or compare their success to others in the sector. This study will help to fill a huge knowledge gap in this area and point the way towards solutions.
Improving diversity is widely recognised as making sound business sense. Sectors made up of mixed ethnic groups, backgrounds and gender are likely to be more creative than those which are not. The 2002 Schneider-Ross study of 140 major businesses and organisations discovered that 80% of businesses saw a direct link between good diversity policies and improved performance.
Commenting on the new study, John Woodward Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, said: “Breaking down barriers is vital for the health of our film industry. People from all sections of society must have the opportunity to build and sustain successful businesses.”
John McVay, Chief Executive of Pact, said: “Pact is committed to pursuing a meritocracy in the market in programme supply, and this important research is being driven by Pact’s Diversity Policy Group and the UK Film Council to establish what specific barriers are faced by minority ethnic-led companies."
The study is being undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies and a key part will be a survey of all independent production companies in the industry. This will be launched over the next month and all companies are urged to participate.
(GB)