Research shows minority ethnic led production companies face hurdles

Minority ethnic led (MEL) independent production companies face particular barriers to success in the film and television sector, according to new research conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) for Pact and the UK Film Council.
The study found the most significant barriers for MEL companies included the initial process of breaking into the sector; the commissioning process; and a lack of networks to allow access to key members of the industry, business advice and support.
The study provides a snapshot of company performance, and for the first time, maps the independent sector in terms of success and barriers to success.
The industry, particularly in television, is rapidly changing, and failure to ensure MEL companies are in a position to join the rest of the sector in exploiting their newly-won intellectual property rights could build long-term disadvantage into the sector.
Difficulties experienced when attempting to break into the sectors include the lack of opportunities for gaining paid experience in large organisations, the fact that career path progression is ad-hoc and the lack of role models. Building a positive reputation and track record appears to affect MEL companies to a greater extent as they are often saddled with outdated and negative stereotypes. Based on available data, IES estimates that MEL companies make up, at most, 10% of the independent production sector.
The report also addresses the barriers faced by MEL companies attempting to compete in the sector. Often small in size with a lack of resources, there is a concern that they are being squeezed out by larger organisations. MEL companies feel far more restricted, when compared with white led companies, by the lack of creative risk taking among film funders and television commissioners than other companies, with nearly 60% of MEL companies describing this as a barrier most of the time.
MEL companies are also facing barriers related to the television commissioning process. Over a third (34%) of all respondents reported they experienced commissioners using preferred suppliers most of the time. This appears to be a particular issue for small companies. A quarter (25%) of all responding organisations also reported regular problems with the lack of openness and clarity in the commissioning process.
Additional barriers for MEL companies compared with white led companies result from direct discrimination, ghettoisation and pigeon-holing. Findings suggest MEL companies are often expected to produce programmes or films for minority ethnic audiences or involving minority ethnic actors and writers and so find it difficult to receive commissions for more mainstream productions.
Commenting on the research, Arts Minister, Estelle Morris, said: "The UK has a rich and diverse culture and it is essential that it is reflected in film and on television - we need to encourage a broader range of ideas and talent to develop out creative industries.
"I welcome this report which I hope will lead to more doors being opened and all businesses in our film and television industries being given the same opportunities."
Pact and the UK Film Council will be working with Ofcom and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and organisations such as the Cultural Diversity Network to encourage the industry to feed these findings into current and future work tackling issues of diversity.
(GB)