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What this resource is

Black text on a yellow background says: Working Class Inclusion: Audiences, colleagues and programming

Inclusive Cinema’s podcast series, Working Class Inclusion: Audiences, Colleagues & Programming, provides information and guidance to support exhibitors in improving cinema experiences for working-class people and those in poverty.

The resource comprises a series of six podcast episodes that cover a range of areas, from sliding-scale ticketing and equitable employment practices, to the films that are programmed and how they are presented.

There is also an access and inclusion checklist to support venues, festivals, industry initiatives and event organisers with strategic and operational measures to welcome working-class audiences and colleagues.

The series is presented by Dr. Leanne Dawson, senior lecturer in Film and Diversity and Inclusion Consultant.

Who this is for

The resources are intended as a practical guide to support cinemas, festivals and film exhibitors to welcome working class people as audiences and staff to their venues and increase access to independent cinema for all.

What can be achieved with the guides

Working through these 6 short podcasts we hope you can find ideas and understanding of barriers for working class people, with a view to increasing access in cinemas, and offer a chance to reflect on where your venue is currently at.

The Podcasts

Click on each link to listen to all 6 podcasts

You can download the transcript for each episode from the downloads section.

EPISODE 1: What does ‘working class’ mean and how are working class people excluded?

This introductory episode explores some issues with working class inclusion such as how we define class and that the term ‘working-class’ groups many different experiences together.

EPISODE 2: Improving working class inclusion for free

What to reflect on your organisation and how it can take small, cost-free measures to improve it’s welcome to working class people.

EPISODE 3: Broader measures: for those who can dedicate some money to welcoming working class people

What to reflect on whilst working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion EDI) in your organisation.

EPISODE 4: Welcoming working class audiences

Consider the barriers you create that prevent people entering and/or enjoying your space or event.

EPISODE 5: Inclusive working class programming

How to include a spectrum of working class representation onscreen.

EPISODE 6: Welcoming and retaining working class colleagues

How to ensure you have working class employees at all levels of the organisation.

You can listen to all six podcast episodes of Working Class Inclusion: Audiences, Colleagues & Programming here:

Coming soon to:

Working Class Inclusion Checklist

We have provided a checklist of measures as suggested in the podcasts to provide your staff and venue with an easy point of reference when considering inclusion of working-class people in your work.

You can find this in the downloads section on this page.

Working Class Programming Suggestions and Film List

We have provided a list of film suggestions which can be used for ideas and inspiration for film programmers when considering working-class representation in cinema. We’ll be updating this with distributor/access materials information as this comes in (until the end of March 2023).

You can find this in the downloads section on this page.

downloads

Working Class Inclusion Checklist PDF Working Class Inclusion Checklist Word DOC Working Class Inclusion: Programming Suggestions PDF Working Class Inclusion: Programming Suggestions Word DOC Transcript PODCAST 1: What does ‘working class’ mean and how are working class people excluded? Transcript PODCAST 2: Improving working class inclusion for free Transcript PODCAST 3: Broader measures - for those who can dedicate some money to welcoming working class people Transcript PODCAST 4: Welcoming working class audiences Transcript PODCAST 5: Inclusive working class programming Transcript PODCAST 6: Welcoming and retaining working class colleagues

Resources

Dismantling Structural Inequality in Your Cinema

Lower-Income Data

SQIFF Accessibility Guide for Exhibitors

FAN’s Guide to Working with Young People

British cinema’s exclusion of the young, skint and state educated is a national shame

42 Podcasts About The Black British Experience & Race In The UK

Working Class Inclusion: Audiences, Colleagues & Programming - Introduction to Podcast

"Despite loving films since childhood, I didn't go to my city's independent cinema until I was 23, as I didn't feel like it was a place for me to go. I remember being around 19 or 20, walking past and seeing the poster for A Scanner Darkly; being a fan of animation, and instantly recognising Keanu Reeves, I stopped and stared at it, made a mental note, and when I got home wrote down the film on a piece of paper so I wouldn't forget it, to eventually buy on DVD. I could have gone in and asked about the film, even bought a ticket to see it, but I didn't."

"I applied for a job as a programmer with a white-led film Welsh festival led, and I am a working-class BAME person. I had done freelance work for them previously with working-class communities in Cardiff. I was rejected for the role and they brought in a programmer from London. 1 month afterwards, I was contacted offering me a new unadvertised role in “engagement”. I wasn’t good enough to programme: but good enough as a working class QTIPOC to do community engagement with working class BAME communities to tick boxes and reach engagement deadlines for funders. It was humiliating."

"My cinema's inclusivity for the working class begins at the door. Sliding scale concession ticket prices factor in employment status as well as age/disability, but paid entry to the facilities isn't a requirement. Access to gender-neutral toilets, with sanitary products and STI tests, alongside Wi-Fi throughout the building is free to the general public until late. As a working-class artist, I frequently attend the free networking events and educational talks open to all at their resident studio, using these opportunities to help build my portfolio and acquire paid commissions."

Case studies...

Screen25 x We Are Parable: The Harder They Come screening

A free and immersive pop-up screening

Leigh Film Society Lockdown: Orange Bags of Cinema Sunshine

The social class of cinema audiences

By Stephen Fellows

The social class of cinema audiences is a subject that is not widely discussed. This piece explores exit polls from cinema showings, and talks about the implications of this work.