The UK film industry has been warned it needs to take more action in improving its diversity and inclusion. Not only has bosses from popular film franchises issued the warnings, but a new report has shown worrying statistics about the industry’s workforce.

The new report, published by Works Foundation and commissioned by the BFI, revealed the shocking figures. It explained that only 12% of the UK film industry’s workforce hailed from less advantaged, socio-economic backgrounds.

Out of this 12%, the paper found from its research that only 5% have a disability and 3% came from BAME backgrounds. Also, while women made up 40% of the workforce, they actually earned an average of £3,000 less than men.

While this shows appalling low levels of diversity, the figures also suggest that the UK film industry does not accurately reflect its own society. As the UK grows to become a country of multiculturalism, many will see the new paper as a shock.

And this underrepresentation of society could even lead to a skills shortage within the industry. The report went on to explain how it would need to add an extra 10,000 people. In this way, it can keep its global position in filmmaking.

Obstacles for Aspiring BAME Actors

Heather Carey, an Associate Consultant from Works Foundation, spoke more on the paper’s findings. She explained:

“Learners genuinely lack an awareness that there are opportunities for them in the screen industries. We found, having looked at demand and supply, that the progression into work is not an easy one.

“There is a culture of nepotism, the majority of employers recruit through word of mouth, and that creates real barriers for people who don’t know people.”

She went on to add: “Those obstacles are more pronounced for minority groups, but they face additional barriers. Through our process of consultation, we found examples of discrimination in the workplace.

When we try to get below the surface there are huge obstacles and those obstacles are creating a pandemic lack of inclusion in this industry.”

Now, after the report’s publication, bosses from popular franchises have voiced their worries on the UK film industry. James Bond producer Barabara Broccoli said:

“We live in a diverse society and it is vital both culturally and commercially that our industry reflects this in front of and behind the camera.”

They have formed a group which aims to tackle this threatening issue by launching a 10-points skill plan. They hope it will ensure that UK films truly represent the diverse nature of our society.

These findings come as the Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have invited 774 members to join the US film society. In a new effort to improve diversity in the Oscars, they have invited many BAME actors. These include Riz Ahmed and Naomie Harris.

The Academy has also included many Indian stars to their ranks. Some of whom hail from Bollywood, including Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan.

The US film industry has taken action to improve its inclusion and recognise the achievement of all. Many hope the UK will follow suit. With looming worries of its global position and skills shortage, the UK film industry cannot simply ignore the new findings.

In time, perhaps it will make more efforts to truly reflect its society.

Images courtesy of BFI Offical Twitter and Pinewood Studios Official Twitter.