COVID-19’s effect on the creative industries has highlighted some of the challenges associated with freelance models of creative work. There is growing sense that sectors of the creative industries who employ a large number of flexible freelance employees, such as the film industry, need to be supported in developing better employment infrastructure and security for freelancers. 

This discussion paper considers longitudinal data from Scotland’s Film Bang freelance directory in combination with data taken from an online survey and a series of interviews with freelancers who have been involved with Film Bang. 

Its investigation of freelance careers in Scottish film and television identifies challenges relating to access, diversity and career progression. It makes a range of suggestions for government and policy makers which would help to encourage the development of creative clusters outside of London and to help the creative industries develop more evenly across the UK. 

This discussion paper is a part of the PEC’s first series of commissioned research projects. It is a part of the project ‘Film Bang 1976-2020 – resilience and sustainability for freelance careers in the screen industries’, by the research team from Edinburgh Napier University, in collaboration with Marianne Mellin from Film Bang. 

The lead investigator is Alistair Scott. The project aims to identify ways to support progression, resilience and sustainability for freelance careers in the screen industries. 

Hero image by Shubham Verma on Unsplash