Employment in the film industry, which the government is striving to consolidate, is still not regulated and, in fact, the recently launched national film policy seeks to promote legislative provisions.

At present, employment issues within the film industry are addressed within the parameters of the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA). But this law does not adequately cover every aspect of employment in the film industry.

Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech said employment regulation was an important part of the national film policy, which was launched for public consultation on Saturday, because standards had to be set to ensure workers were adequately protected.

“The Film Commission has had to tackle instances of discord between employees and producers over working conditions from time to time. As yet, employment conditions in the film industry, which engages many temporary workers who are expected to work unconventional hours, have never been regulated. Temporary workers, such as carpenters, are often at the mercy of producers,” he said.

We want to set out the minimum requirements

It was crucial to regulate employee classification, he added. Producers engaged workers as independent contractors, as opposed to employees, making it more difficult to regulate rights and obligations, the draft policy states.

The drawing up of tailor-made guidelines was suggested as these would allow for flexible legislation required for such an industry while also providing workers with better conditions.

“While we have to make sure Malta’s international competitiveness is retained, we want to set out the minimum requirements,” Mr Grech said.

Apart from setting up the legal framework to regulate employment, the draft policy also identified the need to develop a human resources structure, specifically designed for the industry.

The Employment and Training Corporation would have to facilitate employment registration and assure that job seekers are still listed, even if they are, for a brief period, working on a production.

At present, the industry makes use of informal recruitment systems with no certifying body to act as an intermediary.

The draft policy highlighted this issue and suggested the development of an institution to represent both the employee and employer while ensuring policies being adhered to would be in line with the legal framework.

Other issues tackled in the draft policy are financial incentives, the indigenous industry, education, skills development and screen tourism.