A survey by The British Film Designers Guild (BFDG) has found that 83% of those who responded have been out of work for 4 months and 30% are considering leaving the industry after the slowdown in work during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
BFDG members responding to the survey say they have been taking on other work outside of the industry or using their savings and taking advantage of available credit. However some have been forced to consider selling their home or car to make ends meet, leaving them without a current place to live. There has also been a great impact on mental health and wellbeing with some experiencing anxiety and depression.
The BFDG says it supports the action by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA but the UK film industry “has had no support or recognition from the government or media. There has been no help offered to the thousands of film industry workers and their families during this time. No initiatives to create and insulate new UK-based projects.”
The BFDG says it “would like to see more visible pressure here in the UK where we make a stand and show how the strikes are affecting us on our home ground.”
Blair Barnette BFDG Chairperson said: “The British film industry drives economic growth and creates thousands of job opportunities throughout the UK. The continuation of the strikes will undermine its success on a global level so we are appealing to our government to recognise and support the current plight of those who work within the industry.”
Jon Creamer
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