ABSTRACT

This chapter examines national screen agencies as key public bodies mediating the impact of the pandemic. A review of the measures put in place by screen agencies suggests that they adopted multiple roles which leveraged their values and value to the sector. The main areas of support were financially supporting production and distribution, allowing greater flexibility in their contractual terms, providing training and skills development, and engaging in local and national “crisis coalitions” to formulate collective responses and advocate for public support. Despite these roles, screen agencies will likely face greater political and financial threats in the coming years as the long-term impact of the pandemic is made clear. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the role screen might play going forward including the innovative circulation of limited public funds, addressing ongoing weaknesses in the distribution of content, and ensuring creative labour markets are both sustainable and equitable.