Creative careers and issues of gender inequity in independent filmmaking in Australia

The dynamics of careers in the creative industries has been the subject of much consideration across international contexts for the last twenty years, given the complexity of context and the desirability of work and employment in the arts and related occupations. However, understanding the nature of agency and the interplay with structure is highly nuanced. The experiences of skilled professionals and the likelihood of a successful career over time are difficult to predict. Using qualitative data from a doctoral thesis on the sustainability of work and employment for independent filmmakers in the Australian screen industry, this research explores the issue of gender inequity and the realities of caring responsibilities for building a creative career.