Emap To Tackle TV Freelance Recruitment
Broadcast magazine is to launch a dedicated online recruitment service for freelance workers in the TV industry on Monday, enabling employers to search by several criteria in order to streamline the recruitment process.
Broadcast Freelancer will hold detailed information to allow specific searches to be carried out by programme and credit listings, as well as being able to view individuals profiles with history, availability and contact details.
In addition, the new site will carry daily news, features, profiles and Q&As from freelancers already in the industry, alongside practical guidance on issues from taxation, marketing, legal matters and networking.
Ahead of its launch, Emap’s business to business division, Emap Communications has received wide-ranging and vocal support from 100 of the UK’s top production companies, while 10,000 CVs have been received from freelancers. The company estimates that around 250,000 freelance positions become available each year.
Commenting on the importance of the freelance industry and the new website’s place within it, Lorraine Heggessey, CEO of programme maker talkbackTHAMES, said: “Broadcast Freelancer is a welcome addition to the recruitment process at a time when there are more and more freelance posts available. It will prove to be an invaluable tool in matching the right production talent to the right programmes, and in an industry that’s based on creativity and talent, this is crucial.”
Conor Dignam, editor of Broadcast, added: “Major broadcasters such as the BBC are significantly cutting their in-house production staff, who will be more reliant on the freelance market for opportunities. With our heritage and experience in this industry we can not only attract the best jobs and candidates but also offer the most reliable news and commentary.”
The new site will be launched with a campaign across business, creative, online and marketing press, as well as all careers sections of national newspapers. An online campaign is also planed, with a viral game and search-based treasure hunt designed to drive people to the new service.
Broadcast Freelancer: www.broadcastfreelancer.com