What's the
Point?
The Census provides vital insights into the production sector and helps shape our support for the industry. It’s quick to fill in, and your input is hugely valuable.
The Census isn't just information for information's sake. Your responses could impact your business and how the whole sector is represented to Government, broadcasters and regulators. Given the challenging economic context, it’s important to gather data to truly reflect the circumstances of the sector.
In order to better accommodate and serve all of our members we must understand how your businesses are faring financially, even if you have not had any recent commissions, and how you bring in work domestically and internationally.
Why Is an Accurate
Census So Crucial?
The ultimate purpose of Census data boils down to one essential component: representation.
Census data allows us to accurately reflect the state of the sector which helps with our lobbying efforts.
In the past this data has fundamentally supported our work on:
- maintaining the Terms of Trade
- highlighting the impact of a changing UK content supply
- and most recently our work on securing the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC)
After last years’ Census highlighted tough market conditions, it will be particularly important this year to see how the sector has responded. Additionally, the information from the Census will form a big part of the evidence base we will use for our response to the BBC Charter Review, Ofcom’s Public Service Media Review and the ongoing debates around the Terms of Trade.
This year’s Census will also continue to look at the significant advancements in generative AI capabilities. It's essential for Pact to grasp how the sector is utilising this technology, so we can effectively represent members. Additionally, the survey has been streamlined by replacing the 'new media' section with questions related to social media exploitation, ensuring greater insight into this increasingly important revenue stream.
How Do I Complete
The Census?
The Primary Contact for your company will be sent an initial email from Oliver & Ohlbaum next week (commencing Monday 14th April), and will then be sent a survey form to complete on Tuesday 22nd April.
The Census uses an Excel-based template to capture financial information relating to your business for the most recent financial year (and a comparison with last year in some instances). The template contains a series of definitions and guidance notes to help you complete each section. We would be grateful if you could complete all of the sections relevant to your company (and its subsidiaries, if completing a group response).
Is My Data
Secure?
Please be assured that all of the data collected will be kept completely confidential and will be published only in an aggregated and non-attributable basis. Data from each survey will be securely held by Oliver & Ohlbaum.
If you have any questions about the Census, please don’t hesitate to contact me: [email protected].