TUC hold industry open day for ethnic minorities

Several hundred black and Asian film and television producers, writers, directors and film-makers headed for the TUC's London headquarters today to take part in a unique 'meet the industry' event organised by Bectu.

'Move on up' aims to help ethnic minority workers make contacts with key players in the film and television industry which could help further their careers. Senior personnel from the BBC, ITV, the Film Council and independent production companies will be on hand throughout the day to meet with aspiring broadcasters and filmmakers.

Bectu have organised 530 one-to-one meetings between the 230 ethnic minority professionals attending 'Move on up' and 100 industry executives, including Jane Lush, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, BBC; Dorothy Prior, Controller CBBC; Liam Hamilton, Controller of Daytime, ITV; Sham Shandhu, Controller of Youth and Music, Channel 5; and Paul Trijbits, Head of the New Cinema Fund, UK Film Council.

The opening session of 'Move on up' will be chaired by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, who will introduce presentations from Director General of the BBC, Greg Dyke, BECTU General Secretary Roger Bolton, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, Trevor Phillips, and Lord Macintosh, the Minister for Media and Heritage.

Barber said: "There is no doubt that black and Asian youngsters leaving school and college have a much harder time trying to make it in the film and TV world than do white students. The number of ethnic minority workers in the industry is still far too small, and black producers often find it difficult getting their ideas off the ground.

"The problems faced by black and Asian producers and directors have long been acknowledged, but until now little has happened to alter the status quo. 'Move on up' is a wonderful initiative, and Bectu must be congratulated for getting such an influential group of people involved. Hopefully as a result of today's meetings with key movers and shakers in the industry, doors will begin to open up for black workers in a way many would never have thought possible."

(GB)