Massive hiring rebound spells good news for film industry workers

October was an exceptional month for hiring providing some good news for the wider film industry.

US job figures showed that employers added over 271,000 jobs in October with states such as Colorado seeing unemployment rates falling below 4.5%. Earlier this year the MPAA released figures showing employment in the film and entertainment industry was on the rise.

With a strengthening US economic rebound, the overall national unemployment rate now stands at 5%. With falling unemployment there is a shortage of workers for skilled positions where employers are increasing salaries in order to retain staff. Film studios are also creating new jobs to boost diversity and inclusion in the wider workforce, which will provide more opportunities in many production fields for minorities.

With the economic rebound, purchasing power is also on the rise and will have a positive impact on entertainment jobs. In addition to this, the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" at the end of the year could bump up the domestic Box Office gross considerably for the theatrical distribution business. Record receipts in ticket pre-sales for the film indicate it could become the biggest release of all time, while merchandising is also helping retailers ahead of the Christmas season.