‘On location’: the realities of precariousness on labour mobility for independent filmmakers in the Australian screen industry

In analysing the working lives of independent filmmakers, a critical consideration is the aspect of where work takes place and the need for both appropriate space in which to shoot films and the mobility to make it happen. The concept of being ‘on location’ is a well-known aspect of film production as the traditional studio system was designed around economies of scale and the minimisation of costs for both environmental and human factors. For those outside of the commercial system who prioritise independence and the freedom to work on projects that enable creative control, the reality of location is a major financial and artistic consideration that affects several critical factors such as: the affordability of where to live; the expectation of mobility; opportunities for career development; and the viability of sustaining enough work in the domestic context. Based on 24 semi-structured interviews with independent filmmakers in the Australian screen industry, this research considers the precariousness of creative work in the cultural industries and how this intersects with both labour mobility and the desire to build a career and sustain meaningful work and employment.