Greece: Opening Closed Professions, at Long Last?

Reuters reports on legislation concerning the opening of closed professions in Greece.

Having had to wait several years to obtain an ACTT Film and Television Union ticket in the UK in the 1970s, without which I could not have practised as a film maker or film director in the UK (it was a "closed shop" union) - even though I had been to postgraduate film school-, I firmly believe in the importance of access and open professions.

It used to be said: "You can't make a film until you have a union ticket. You can't get a union ticket until you've made a film."

I eventually obtained my almost priceless ACTT film director's ticket, and faithfully paid my subs for years and years. As it turned out I had no need of it when I was filming in Africa. I was obliged to do any or all of  the jobs that specialised individual members of a typical UK film unit would do, directing, scripting, sound, lighting, camera and editing.

We should be thankful that we don't need a Bloggers' Union membership ticket! Some might say it would be a good idea to restrict access to this noble, altruistic but much-abused profession.

Update: Since posting the above, I find that Richard Pine has also addressed the topic in an article in today's issue of The Irish Times.