New research, launched today by ProductionBase, the industryís online network for people working in TV, film and commercial production, has revealed that thereís still a significant stigma attached to moving from a job in the TV industry to one in film.
The study of 1000 UK production professionals, in both TV and film, sought to collect the industryís views on moving from TV to film, and visa-versa – at a time when the industries appear closer together than ever.
The research found that whilst half of production professionals believe that itís easy to move from TV into film, over 87 per cent of the industry believes that itís still difficult or impossible to move from a role in the TV industry to one in film.
But this perception is at odds with the views of a staggering 98 per cent of respondents – who believe that skills are indeed transferable between the TV and film production industries. 42 per cent of respondents stated that skills are transferable at any level, and 55 per cent believe that this is true for certain job roles.
Furthermore, technological advancements, such as HD or digital editing have made the TV and film industries even closer together. 76 per cent of respondents stated that the advent of new technologies have meant that skills are becoming more interchangeable between industries, with techniques like digital editing used by both TV and film makers. Respondents felt that it is technology which will make it easier for professionals to transfer between industries.
Adding to this is the burgeoning commercial production market – with large and small organisations across the globe producing innovative productions for marketing, advertising and internal and external stakeholder communications. Many freelancers supplement film and TV work with commercial production projects – and there are a vast number of commercial production specialists.
Joe Mahoney, Managing Director at ProductionBase commented: ìItís clear that thereís a massive disconnect between what industry professionals want to happen, and whatís really going on in the industry. While nearly 90 per cent of our surveyís respondents would consider moving their jobs, from TV to film, or visa versa, it appears that itís overwhelmingly difficult for them to do so. Much of this seems to be a perceived prejudice, and one that needs to change. The film industry, in particular, needs to appreciate that the industries are moving closer together and that thereís a significant pool of talent in the TV industry, which could add real value to the world of filmî.
Stigma still evident between film and TV industries
Production professionals find moving between industries tough, while skills become more transferable than ever
