New report calls for cultural change in Australian screen industry
A new report co-authored by University of Melbourne Senior Lecturer Jo Briscoe has found that cultural problems and destructive work conditions are leading to creative opportunity costs in the Australian screen industry.
The Leadership Matters report, released today, was produced in partnership between the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music and wellbeing advocacy organisation Screen Well, and calls for cultural change in the screen sector.
While the cultural impacts on mental health and wellbeing in the screen industry have been reported in the past, Leadership Matters goes a step further by examining the impacts on creative and commercial outcomes, as well as detailing how people in leadership roles can play a pivotal role in improving these outcomes and the long-term sustainability of the industry.
The report’s researchers believe if screen leaders are better supported and equipped with the skills and knowledge they need, the culture of the industry can improve over time.
“A key finding of this research is that few leaders in the screen industry have received any leadership training, and even fewer have received that training in a screen industry context,” says Jo Briscoe. “This lack of training contributes to the cultural problems, affecting creative and commercial outcomes of the sector.”
“This report offers a practical path forward to improve the culture of our industry and is a valuable resource for all leaders and screen businesses,” says co-author Jonathon Dutton.
ABOUT THE RESEARCHERS
Jo Briscoe is a Production Designer and Senior Lecturer in Design at the Victorian College of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne. She has a particular interest in leadership training as a key aspect of industry preparation for students. She is a member of the National Executive of the Australian Production Design Guild.
Jonathon Dutton has worked in the screen industry for over twenty-five years, primarily as a director/producer. He also has an Executive MBA and works as an independent screen industry and creative business consultant, with a particular focus on workforce sustainability, leadership, and culture.