The Italian film and audiovisual sector is going through a particularly difficult period. The recent cuts to public funding by the Ministry of Culture, the uncertainty surrounding the new financing allocation mechanisms, and the long-overdue renewal of the national collective labour agreement — stalled for over 26 years — are having a tangible impact on employment and job security for many professionals across the industry.
In this context, we believe it is important to foster broad, responsible and constructive dialogue among the various organisations and individuals working in the sector. Collettivo Chiaroscuro encourages and supports the active participation of all its members in trade union activities and in sector-wide discussions, in whatever form and under whatever banner.
Over the years, Collettivo Chiaroscuro has promoted and supported initiatives linked to independent movements and various associations, backing them where they were deemed useful and consistent with the goal of protecting and improving working conditions in the sector. At the same time, the Collettivo has not aligned itself with — nor does it intend to identify with — any specific trade union or movement. The association considers it fundamental to guarantee full freedom of choice for all its members. Collettivo Chiaroscuro remains open to all initiatives and processes that can make a concrete contribution to improving working conditions across the industry.
Collettivo Chiaroscuro is also conducting an extensive internal discussion among its members regarding the possibility of the Director of Photography operating the camera, with a range of differing views. The aim is to identify one or more balanced proposals to share with all other associations involved, in the hope of fostering an open, responsible and constructive exchange of views, in the interest of the sector as a whole and the safeguarding of employment.
The value and centrality of the Camera Operator as a professional figure are not, and will never be, called into question.
Collettivo Chiaroscuro will continue to engage with the various stakeholders across the sector with the aim of strengthening protections, professional recognition and the dignity of work throughout the film and audiovisual industry.
