Inequities in financial support for movies based on social class
Hear, hear! Let's dive into the world of film funding and inequality, shall we?
Inequalities within the showbiz realm have been causing quite a stir, with the 'Me Too' movement and campaigns such as #OscarsSoWhite shining a spotlight on diversity issues. However, social class hadn't received as much attention in media or academic research, partly due to data collection challenges in the UK.
The Creative PEC team, along with researchers from the University of Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield, have changed that by analyzing data from the British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund. This fund supports aspiring filmmakers in various stages of their careers, but until recently, we didn't quite know how social class influenced things like funding and career progression in the industry.
Using the BFI's data, which includes applicants' socio-economic backgrounds, the team found that those from middle-class backgrounds dominated applications across the board. For instance, 68% of producer applicants for 'NETWORK' funding or 63% of director applicants for developmental funding hailed from middle-class backgrounds.
Interestingly, the situation isn't as grim for those from working-class backgrounds in the early-career 'NETWORK' fund. They have a better chance at getting funded compared to their middle-class counterparts. However, things get sketchy in the development and production stages. Here, applicants from middle-class backgrounds consistently receive more funding, regardless of their role.
To top it off, the team looked at the intersection of class, gender, and ethnicity in funding decisions. Women applicants overall have slightly higher success rates than men, but fewer ethnic minorities apply for funding. The team found that there are comparatively high rates of success for those from working-class backgrounds of any gender or ethnicity when it comes to the 'NETWORK' fund. But in the development and production stages, which offer more substantial funding, middle-class writers and producers are more likely to receive funding.
In conclusion, the team's analysis reveals some glaring inequalities in the BFI Film Fund, particularly regarding social class. But remember, merely demonstrating inequalities isn't enough. It's essential to take action and promote change to create a more diverse and inclusive film industry.
This post was a guest contribution from Professors Dave O'Brien, Peter Campbell, and Mark Taylor, each from their respective universities. All views expressed here are their own.
PS: For all the data nerds out there curious about the numbers, check out the original research article published in Media, Culture and Society.
Cheers! 🥂
- The analysis of data from the British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund by the Creative PEC team and researchers from several universities has shed light on social class influence in film funding and career progression.
- Intriguingly, while those from working-class backgrounds have a better chance at funding in the early-career 'NETWORK' fund, the development and production stages present significant funding disparities, favoring applicants from middle-class backgrounds.
- Moreover, the research found an intersection of class, gender, and ethnicity in funding decisions, with fewer ethnic minority applicants overall and higher success rates for women applicants, but a consistent favoritism towards middle-class individuals in the development and production stages.
- The findings of this study emphasize the need for policy changes to promote diversity and inclusivity in the film industry, moving beyond mere identification of inequalities.
- As educators and advocates of personal growth, learning, and culture in education-and-self-development industries, it's crucial to acknowledge these findings and take action towards a more equitable and equal future for all artists.
- For those thirsty for more data-driven analysis, the team's original research article can be found in Media, Culture and Society, providing a deeper exploration of the inequalities apparent within the BFI Film Fund.
