An Industry Report since BREXIT became official has been released to the public, and things are not looking good for the live entertainment industry. The insight from several major organisations makes it clear that a smoother service is needed for those working in the industry and something more sustainable is being called for. The report highlights concerns from the masses who have to deal with the ins and outs of BREXIT and trying to work in the European Union from the UK, or the other way around. In short, the complexities of BREXIT and the added issues of a pandemic have made European work for UK professionals and vice versa nearly impossible and definitely not for the faint of heart.
The main careers of those who provided input to the report include audio production (32%), production coordination (18%), backline (13%), lighting (10%), and video (9%). Everyone who participated was verified by at least one colleague in the production industry. The report first list comparisons of the demand for work from 2019 in comparison to 2023. While 41% of those who partook in the industry report are doing more, or much more work than compared to 2019, 48% of those who partook with more than 20 years of experience are doing considerably less work. 70% of crew members said that European touring was a vital component of their yearly income pre-BREXIT, that number dropped dramatically to now only 44%.
A major influence on this is travel for the crew members on a tour. The majority (84%) of those who partook in the industry report since BREXIT said they have personally seen UK and EU tour cancellations which have negatively impacted them and their work. More than half (66%) of those who gave input said their work quotas have not increased to compensate for the new restrictions on EU and UK tours. This led to 62% of all crew having reduced earnings due to the new travel restrictions. There may still be some hope, as some countries still provide UK crew members with several work opportunities. The top ones of course being the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France. Some unexpected countries that still provide plenty of work for those who still find themselves struggling with the new touring restrictions are The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. Oddly, Ireland is a country that provides very little work for live entertainment crew even though Ireland is currently the only country that allows both EU citizens and UK citizens to work there without any visa.
Travel is not the only major influence on having less European work and tours. The industry report since BREXIT found that 75% of participants saw an increase in touring costs while having lower budgets. This is added with further issues and complications with visas, correct paperwork, and general ‘red tape’ with 83% not being made aware of the necessary legislation and processes required to reinstate achievable travel solutions for artists and crew. More than two-thirds said there desperately needs to be more clarity about the carnets if they are able to secure visas. That is not even mentioning that there were 51% fewer jobs because of all the new added restrictions. Due to this, 90% of those in the industry say there is not enough clarity about the BREXIT touring regulations for both EU and UK crew. Not surprisingly, nearly 100% (93%) are unhappy and unclear with their governmental guidelines and say the solution is finding or reinstating a visa-free touring like before BREXIT. Overall, it’s not a bewilderment why those affected by BREXIT in the industry are angry and fighting for a solution to continue working throughout the EU.
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