Challenges faced by small Film Industries : the case of the labour conditions in the Portuguese Film sector

Abstract

This presentation aims to highlight the need to address and better understand labor conditions in the film and audiovisual sectors of small European countries. Using Portugal as a case study, we will argue that alongside the challenges related to competitiveness, examining the workforce and the issues it faces is crucial for devising evidence-based policies and improving current paradigms. Building on the results of the EU-funded project CresCine- Increasing the international competitiveness of the film industry in small European markets (HE; ref: 101094988),, this presentation seeks to give visibility to often-overlooked areas such as labor conditions, workforce dynamics, and the impact of technology on cultural and artistic diversity. We will start with an overview of the current situation in Portugal, identifying major problems in its film and audiovisual sectors. We will then resort to statistical data and recent insights on the competitiveness of film industries in small European countries to offer angles of approach to workforce issues, drawing from sociology, precarity studies, and production studies. This analysis is particularly relevant at a time when AI is influencing both the filmmaking process and consumption patterns, posing challenges to maintaining artistic and cultural diversity. Finally, we will propose approaches to effectively incorporate labor conditions into the discussion on small cinemas. By addressing these critical issues, we intend to contribute to integrated studies and solutions to foster the growth and sustainability of small European film industries.