The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is to undertake a survey to assess current trends in employment creation within the wider film and TV industry in Gauteng. The intention of the GFC is to provide factual data that can be utilised to further the development of the sector.
This follows on from previous research which looked at ascertaining the size and scope of the film and TV industry and addresses existing data gaps around employment creation. A secondary objective of the survey is to establish the extent of the impact of the current financial crisis on sector employment.
Explaining the rationale behind the research, GFC Research Manager, Sebastian Siseko Ndayi, says: “We are looking for a quantifiable indication of the nature and scope of both direct and indirect employment creation in the film and TV industry in Gauteng, as well as to get a sense of job losses as a result of the current global financial crisis, coupled with the financial challenges affecting our national broadcaster. Further, we wish to report on the representation of women, youth and disabled people in the industry, to ascertain the number of black owned companies as well as report broadly on trends pertaining to the skills required by the industry.’
The survey will commence on the 27 October 2009 and industry stakeholders will receive a web-based questionnaire from Quest Research Services, an experienced and independent research agency appointed by the GFC to undertake the study. The questionnaire was developed in consultation with the Gauteng Film Partnership to ensure the relevance of the research.
The GFC calls on the industry to co-operate in ensuring a successful study by availing themselves when contacted by Quest Research Services. “We have taken into account the limited time and demanding deadlines associated with our industry, and have structured the questionnaire to be as brief as possible while still enabling us to obtain the relevant information,’ explains Ndayi.
He adds that the GFC anticipates reporting back to the industry on the survey findings in November this year, provided that industry players are willing and available to offer the required information timeously.
Ndayi stresses that all information supplied will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and all information will be used solely for research purposes.
For more information please contact:
Jacques Stoltz of the Gauteng Film Commission on +27 (0)83 455 9688 or jacques@gautengfilm.org.za
