The country's movie and TV industry is "highly dependent" on freelance workers and it should be looked into, a Department of Trade and Industry official told lawmakers Tuesday.
As of 2018, there are only 5,927 fully employed individuals in the motion picture, video and television industry , Darong said, adding it is unlikely that the figure has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The House panel probe, sought by Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar, looked into the plight of Philippine cinema aimed at generating employment in movie productions, reviving Philippine cinema's golden era and maximizing efforts to secure the country’s first nomination or win in the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences.
And while Filipino film workers have adequate level of skills, Darong said there is a need to enhance their competencies by engaging them in training and workshops abroad.