Yesterday, 4th June, workers from the audiovisual sector took to the streets to protest against the crisis within the film industry. The demonstration was prompted by the government’s suspension of Tax Credit and failing to publish additional decrees for the new funding measures.
Around 260,000 professionals gathered in various cities, including cinematographers, editors, set designers, costume designers, assistant directors, makeup artists, and many others. Currently, 60% of these workers are unemployed. The protesters called on the government to take action to prevent the industry’s collapse.
Ciro Scognamiglio, spokesperson for the protest and former president of the Association of Assistant Directors and Script Supervisors, explained that producers are at a standstill due to the uncertainty surrounding the new tax credit rules, which have so far provided around 650 million euros. The additional decrees’ draft proposes measures that risk excluding independent productions and worsening working conditions.
Scognamiglio also pointed out that foreign investors have moved to other countries, such as Spain, where tax credit has been significantly increased. The lack of prospects and the absence of social safety nets were highlighted as major issues by the workers, who are facing a dire situation.
