🎨 Creative industries and media: a small market with big niches

Between the mountains and the harbour, there is a buzz of applied creativity, from telecommunications and broadcasting technology to live festivals, art venues and films. The centre of gravity is the media cluster around Media City: TV 2, NRK, Vizrt and partners, plus dozens of start-ups and production studios. It is in this ecosystem that English-speaking roles and project work are regularly available. A few steps away is USF Verftet, a former sardine factory converted into a huge home for music, film and performing arts; a little further north is the Bergen Kjøtt production hub. All this provides newcomers with clear entry points and short distances.

🤔 Is it realistic for an English-speaking specialist to find work in the creative industry in Bergen?

Yes, especially in media, production and events. The country consistently ranks in the top two in the world for English proficiency (EF EPI 2024), which lowers the barrier to entry for technological and cross-functional roles. In the media cluster, vacancies and projects are often advertised in English; key players include TV 2, NRK, Vizrt, Vimond, Bergens Tidende, and others. However, Norwegian will still be needed for copywriting for the local audience and editorial tasks. The strategy is simple: enter the product/video/events with English, while simultaneously working on A2→B1 to expand your areas of responsibility.

💻🎬What niches are open for freelancers and production roles?

• Video/graphics/broadcasting. Motion/VFX, AR graphics for broadcast, live broadcast directing — demand is driven by the Media Cluster ecosystem and its R&D/Media Lab.
• Music and live industry. There are venues and rehearsal spaces around USF Verftet; the AKKS organisation rents rehearsal rooms and provides training. For development, there are consultations/events at the Brak music office (Vestland region).
• Creative production and interdisciplinary projects. Bergen Kjøtt is a home for interdisciplinary teams, exhibitions and live shoots. Designers and illustrators should take a look at the Grafill community (including local events).
• Screen industry. The western region is supported by the Western Norway Film Commission and Film Fund: location scouting, grants and talent development tracks — a window into filming and post-production projects.
• Music export. For tours/showcases, check out the programmes of Music Norway — the industry's export office.

📅💡 How does seasonality affect workload and income?

The calendar shows the peaks for frontline roles (stage/lighting/sound/content) and demand for production:

• May–June: Festspillene i Bergen (21 May–4 June 2025), Nattjazz (23–31 May 2025, USF Verftet), Bergenfest (11–14 June 2025). During these weeks, the city needs all hands on deck — from streamers and editors to stage technicians.
• September: Vill Vill Vest showcase forum — dozens of venues, conferences during the day and concerts in the evening; a great opportunity for pitches and networking.
• October: BIFF — film season and demand for video/PR/translations; parallel panels and pitches.
• May (media): Nordic Media Days — the largest industry conference in the city centre, useful for editors, producers and product roles in the media.
• March: contemporary music and cross-art at Borealis — a project employment zone for sound designers and production managers.

Conclusion: the ‘high wave’ is late spring/early summer and early autumn; winter is more for studio work, development and preparation for the festival cycle.

🤝📂 Where to build your portfolio and network locally?

• Hubs. Media City and its Media Lab — regular workshops/meetups and a ‘sandbox’ for joint R&D projects (including with the University). For freelancers — coworking platforms in the building itself and nearby (Spaces), as well as Bergen Works with daily rates and meeting rooms.
• Art houses. USF Verftet hosts exhibitions, film screenings, concert stages, residencies, and studios; AKKS rehearsal rooms are also located here. Bergen Kjøtt is a cross-genre production and community meeting place. These are great spots for live shots for your portfolio and quick meet-ups.
• Professional communities. Brak (music) holds consultations/seminars; Grafill brings together designers and illustrators and often organises local events. Keep an eye on the Visit Bergen city calendar to find festivals and pitches by date.

Bonus: microgrants and paid work. For projects, check out Arts & Culture Norway (cultural foundation, grants for artists), Bergen city subsidies, and regional programmes in Vestland fylke. For screen productions, there are schemes from the Western Norway Film Fund (regular deadlines, talent tracks).

✨ The market is small, but the niches are vibrant and welcoming: media tech is close to broadcasting, festivals are right outside your door, and art factories are right on the water. Put together a ‘visible’ portfolio (cases from live events and studio videos), choose the peak season wisely (May–June, September–October), go to Media Lab/meetups, and keep an eye on city/national grants. This way, even your first season will turn into a steady stream of tasks — from concert shifts to collaborations with media clusters and shooting days on the beach.