Mr. David Collins:

Yes, from a slightly different perspective perhaps. I understand entirely why the special purpose vehicle is there. I would like to emphasis though, in regard to trainees and heads of department, HODs, that ultimately it is a highly mobile and flexible industry. I not saying that is an excuse for employers to exploit mobility or flexibility, but in return for flexibility and mobility, individuals rise from trainee right up through the ranks to become a designer who will end up working not just in Ireland, but abroad developing their skills. I tend to produce live action low budget films outside conventional studios. I do not have a big construction requirement on anything that I do.

However, as part of that, normally I would be relying on my head of department to hire the crew needed to do a good job, such as a union crew, and if they do a good job, the chances are that I will work with that person again. However, I am the employer of the individuals and not the head of department. It has happened though that on many occasions I might be looking for a designer, a grip or someone in costume and these people are not available. I suffer from that mobility and flexibility too.