A year ago, Hollywood’s iconic screens went dark as strikes halted production. The ripple effect was felt far and wide, crossing the Atlantic to shake the UK’s TV and film sector.
Now, a sobering survey reveals that more than half of the UK’s TV and film professionals are still out of work. The consequences are stark, and the future looks uncertain.
Impact of Hollywood Strikes
A year has passed since Hollywood’s strikes began, significantly affecting UK TV and film professionals. According to a survey by Bectu, a majority of these workers remain unemployed.
The survey, involving over 2,300 workers, revealed that more than half of them—52%—are out of work, while only 6% have returned to their normal workload.
Uncertain Future for the Industry
There is a growing concern over the future of the UK’s creative sector. Approximately 38% of those surveyed are contemplating leaving the industry within the next five years.
The lack of projects is being described as a ‘drought’ by Bectu, with no clear sight of improvement. The pandemic had already caused tremendous hardships, and now this second crisis is deepening the woes.
Disruptions and Their Causes
The strikes in the US brought the production of numerous TV shows and films to a standstill. This disruption also affected award ceremonies and movie premieres.
While strikes were not held in the UK, the country’s creative industry was hard-hit due to its reliance on Hollywood productions. Many UK studios and staff are heavily tied to these projects.
Issues such as pay from streaming services and unauthorised use of images via artificial intelligence (AI) were at the heart of the dispute. While resolutions have been reached in the US, the UK has yet to recover.
Voices from the Industry
Philippa Childs, the head of Bectu, articulated the ongoing struggles: ‘The film and TV workforce has already faced incredible hardships throughout and following the pandemic and have now been hit by a second crisis that shows little signs of abating.’
Industrial changes have sparked wide-ranging discussions focused on improving conditions for workers, who remain critical to the sector’s success but continue to bear the brunt of industry upheavals.
A seasoned producer, wanting to stay anonymous, mentioned, ‘I have never struggled to find work like this in 25 years. I’ve had nothing at all in 7 months. I feel used and discarded.’
Financial Struggles and Inequities
Financial instability plagues the majority of industry workers. Four in five surveyed have faced financial difficulties due to the lack of available work.
The survey highlighted that those from ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people are disproportionately affected. These groups experience higher rates of unemployment within the sector.
An editor expressed frustration: ‘The worst part is [there is] no communication on future outlook. No idea if the industry is permanently changed or the issue is temporary.’
Calls for Action
The union is actively holding discussions with UK broadcasters and stakeholders to improve the situation for workers. Failure to act could result in a mass exodus of skilled professionals and deteriorate industry diversity.
Philippa Childs warned that without tangible collective actions, the industry faces prolonged mental health challenges and debilitating financial difficulties for its workforce.
Rallying for Change
Industry workers, including well-known actors, held a rally in London last year to show solidarity with their US counterparts. Figures such as Brian Cox, Simon Pegg, and Andy Serkis participated in the rally.
The concerns raised during the Hollywood strikes resonated globally, indicating widespread issues within the film and TV industry that require urgent attention.
The survey results are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the UK’s TV and film industry. Immediate action is needed to address these issues to prevent a further decline in the sector.
Without substantial interventions, the financial and mental well-being of many professionals remain at risk. The industry must unite to find solutions.