The globalization of the film industry has created unprecedented opportunities, yet also exacerbated existing inequalities. Consider the plight of freelance translators working on international film projects. Often employed on a per-project basis, these professionals face precarious working conditions, lacking the benefits and job security enjoyed by full-time employees. Their work is crucial. Subtitling and dubbing allow films to reach wider audiences, facilitating cultural exchange and enriching the viewing experience. However, the competitive nature of the freelance market often leads to low pay and demanding deadlines. Translators frequently work long hours, juggling multiple projects to make ends meet, a situation mirrored in many other freelance professions, including those in the broader gig economy. This precarious employment situation is not confined to the translation sector. The film industry itself relies heavily on temporary and contract workers, from camera operators and editors to set designers and caterers. These individuals, often highly skilled, are classified as dispatched workers (派遣労働者), contributing significantly to the industry's success while simultaneously lacking the stability and social safety nets afforded to permanent staff. Many are forced to accept low wages and poor working conditions due to the intense competition for work. The rise of streaming services has further complicated the landscape, creating a boom in demand for translated content but also intensifying the pressure on freelance translators and other temporary workers. Companies prioritize cost-cutting measures, often leading to exploitation of this vulnerable workforce. This situation highlights a fundamental tension: the immense economic benefits of globalization versus the ethical concerns surrounding fair labor practices and equitable compensation for essential contributors. The question of how to balance the economic advantages of flexible labor arrangements with the need for worker protection remains a significant challenge. Finding a solution requires a multi-pronged approach, including industry-wide reforms, government regulations, and collective bargaining, to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared more equitably.
1. According to the passage, what is a major challenge faced by freelance translators in the film industry?
2. The passage uses the example of freelance translators to illustrate a broader point about:
3. What is one of the factors that has intensified the pressure on freelance translators and other temporary workers in the film industry?
4. The passage suggests that a solution to the problems discussed requires: