New report: UK Film Exhibition Sector 2026 Workplace Survey
New workplace survey with the Independent Cinema Office
The health of the UK film exhibition sector depends on the people who power it
26 May 2026
The Independent Cinema Office (ICO) and the Bridge Group publish new findings in the 2026 Workplace Survey, which gathered evidence about who works in UK film exhibition and the conditions shaping their working lives. Following the last survey conducted in 2022, this new survey, undertaken during March and April 2026, aims to provide a fresh understanding of whether and how the UK film exhibition workforce has changed over the past four years.
The survey sought responses from people working across cinema exhibition (cinemas, mixed arts venues, film festivals, film societies, film collectives), including employees, freelancers, volunteers and anyone involved in helping audiences access cinema in a public space. 620 individuals took part in the survey, representing a robust sample of the film exhibition sector – capturing roughly 3% of the total workforce – essential for making a clear and evidence‑led case to government and industry stakeholders about where investment is most urgently needed.
Notable findings include issues with the pipeline into the sector, particularly for people from ethnically diverse and less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. This compounds in senior leadership roles, with less Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people and disabled people in leadership roles in the sector - especially in venue-based organisations. The workforce appears to be ageing and people earlier in their career are less certain about staying, plus organisations are more reliant on volunteers and unpaid labour.
The survey identified a notable increase in training uptake: 72% of respondents received training in the four years since the last survey, compared to only 50% in 2022 who had ever received training throughout their entire time in the sector. However, barriers to training remain consistent with 2022 with cost and workload most cited. Respondents identified an urgent need for skills in fundraising, environmental sustainability and AI to be prioritised. Training in AI was identified as a future priority by 15% of respondents, but only 6% have undertaken training in this area to date.
For the first time, respondents were asked about their experiences in the workplace revealing that overwork seems to be common, but compensation is limited.
Catharine Des Forges, Director of the Independent Cinema Office, said:
“This year’s survey shows that the pipeline into independent exhibition is still under real strain. People from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from less advantaged socio‑economic backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented, and these inequalities become even more pronounced in leadership roles. At the same time, organisations are becoming increasingly reliant on volunteers and in a challenging economic climate often do not have the resources to invest in the development of the workforce they need.
The findings give us a roadmap for change. With targeted investment and a renewed focus on developing and retaining diverse talent, the sector can build a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves. The ICO is committed to working with partners across the UK to ensure that independent cinema remains a place where everyone can build sustainable, meaningful and joyful careers.”
Jenny Baskerville, Chief Executive of the Bridge Group, added:
“While an increased uptake in workforce training is a welcome step forward, our latest survey analysis for the ICO reveals persistent barriers across entry to the sector, progression and workplace experience. These challenges are not unique to film exhibition but reflect wider pressures within the creative industries. We call upon employers and policymakers to use these rich and timely insights from colleagues to take action, ensuring that talent from all walks of life have the opportunity, means and structured support to thrive in independent cinema.”
To understand workforce development and equity, the survey asked about training access, skills needs, and career progression, and collected detailed demographic information including age, gender, sexuality, socio‑economic background, disability and ethnicity.
The survey was undertaken by the ICO with over 20 years’ experience of delivering practical interventions in the independent film exhibition sector, and the Bridge Group. The survey was promoted widely across the UK exhibition sector to maximise reach and representation and was anonymous, mobile‑friendly and designed to take around 15 minutes to complete, supporting accessibility and encouraging participation. The ICO is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding.
