BC
Institute of Film Professionals
Phone: 604.291.6525
Fax: 604.692.2551
info@bcifp.com
IN THE WORLD OF LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION- WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?
THE BCIFP RELEASE FINDINGS OF A NEW STUDY TODAY.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Vancouver, B.C. January 31, 2006 - An issue during the recent Federal Election, and evident in Corporate Boardrooms and amongst the ranks of upper-echelon executives across Canada, the low percentage of female participation in key areas of society appears to be systemic. It is a problem that extends to B.C.'s film and television sectors, judging from the findings of a definitive new study released today.
The BC Institute of Film Professionals (BCIFP), an alliance of film industry stakeholders, identified a need to examine the issue. In March of last year, with funding support from Human Resources Skills Development Canada, the Institute commissioned Ferrence Weicker & Company to conduct a comprehensive labour market study of the Province's film and television sector, with a specific focus on the participation rate and employment of women in the industry.
"The idea for this was triggered by a comment made during a speech from a respected local filmmaker," explains BCIFP President Eileen Hoeter. "The first ground-breaking study around Women in the Industry was done in 1986. Twenty years later, it would sadly appear that we are no further ahead. However, we emerged from this process with a clear understanding of the core barriers, and solid recommendations to address them. We are implementing an action plan that kicks off with the national release of this study, and hits high gear with an Industry Round-Table on March 7th, timed to co-incide with International Women's Day on March 8th."
Industry Stakeholders, across the Sector, acknowledged the importance
of the study when it commenced. Dusty Kelly, Business Agent IATSE 891,
now sees it as pivotal to effect progress. "This report will be instrumental
in guiding the Industry in implementing the strategic plans and training
initiatives that are needed to encourage greater employment and career
opportunities for women. It is a demanding, rapidly evolving, high-profile
environment - that needs to be accessible to anyone who wants to be part
of it, regardless of gender."
The BCIFP is an alliance of film industry stakeholders formed to ensure
that the British Columbia film industry workforce is highly skilled and
world class. BCIFP is supported by all sectors of the industry, including
labour organizations, producers, suppliers, post production facilities
and public and private educational institutions. The Institute's mandate
is to ensure that the BC film and television industry workforce has access
to high quality education and training programs and the association acts
as a point of contact for the public, government, educational institutions
and the industry.
Committee members who oversaw the report process include: Eileen Hoeter, Liz Shorten, Colin Browne, Carol Whiteman, Pam Byers, Roula Lainas, Sharon McGowan, Carol Macdonald, Christina Kasperczyk, Dusty Kelly, Sophie McGarry. The Committee Chair was Greg Tolliday.
Key findings and recommendations are attached. Full details of the report: WOMEN'S LABOUR ISSUES IN THE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA can be found on www.bcipf.com.
Click here to see the fill report
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For further information please contact: Susanne Redlig at BCIFP
Telephone: (604) 291-6525
Email: info@bcifp.com
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