The UK film and television industry is taking a significant step towards prioritizing the mental wellbeing of its workforce. A new set of principles, developed by the Film and TV Charity in collaboration with over 45 industry organizations, aims to safeguard mental health and foster a more supportive working environment. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns highlighted by the charity’s recent Looking Glass survey, which revealed a concerning decline in mental health among those working behind the scenes.
The principles, described as the “biggest industry initiative to address mental health in film and television in a generation” by Film and TV Charity Chief Executive Marcus Ryder, outline core actions for productions to embed mental health support into their workflows. The move acknowledges the unique pressures of the screen industries – characterized by freelance work, fast-paced schedules, and often high-stakes environments – and seeks to move beyond generic workplace wellbeing guidance. With 35% of respondents to the 2024 Looking Glass survey reporting “poor” or “very poor” mental health, the need for targeted support is clear.
A Crisis in the Creative Sector
The impetus for these principles stems directly from the findings of the Looking Glass survey. The data paints a stark picture: approximately 30% of respondents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months, while 63% felt their work negatively impacted their mental health. Perhaps most alarmingly, 64% have considered leaving the industry due to concerns about their wellbeing. These figures represent a significant increase in reported struggles compared to previous years, even amidst a production downturn that has contributed to job insecurity and financial worries. The survey, which gathered responses from over 4,300 professionals, underscores that the issues are systemic, extending beyond individual resilience and pointing to the impact of working conditions and industry culture.
Ryder emphasized that the principles are designed to be integrated into existing production practices, much like safety protocols for physical risks. This includes proactively identifying potential stressors during the planning phase, preparing for emotionally challenging content, and establishing clear reporting mechanisms for bullying or inappropriate behavior. While not legally binding regulations, the principles are grounded in existing legal duties and best practices, offering a framework for organizations to adopt and implement.
Nine Principles for Positive Change
The nine principles cover a broad range of areas crucial for fostering a mentally healthy production environment. They focus on creating a culture that prioritizes wellbeing, building respectful and inclusive team relationships, effectively managing the impact of sensitive subject matter, and ensuring reasonable workloads. The charity highlights the positive impact of its existing services, such as the Whole Picture Toolkit – a free online resource for improving mental health on productions – noting that respondents who utilized these tools reported improved mental wellbeing. Specifically, only 12% of respondents felt the industry was a mentally healthy place to work, but that number rose to 25% among those who had worked on productions using the Whole Picture Toolkit.
Bafta Chair and Film and TV Charity Chair Sara Putt noted that instability in freelance roles, limited access to training, and the pressures of the industry are contributing to a “talent drain” and negatively impacting the mental health of the workforce. Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer at the BBC, described the initiative as a “potential watershed moment” for the UK creative sector, encouraging the BBC and its suppliers to prioritize the principles to strengthen the industry as a whole.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Impact
The implementation of these principles will vary across organizations. Some may encourage adoption, while others may formally integrate them into commissioning frameworks or production requirements. The principles align with existing frameworks addressing workplace mental health, including UK health and safety law and international standards like ISO 45003, which focuses on psychological health and safety. Organizations like the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority have also introduced standards around behavior and misconduct, providing a foundation for this new initiative.
The Film and TV Charity’s work represents a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for those working in the UK screen industries. The focus now shifts to widespread adoption and consistent implementation of these principles, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess their impact on the wellbeing of the workforce. The industry will be watching closely to see how these principles translate into tangible improvements in the day-to-day experiences of those working in film and television.
What comes next will depend on the commitment of industry leaders to prioritize mental health alongside creative and commercial goals. Continued research and open dialogue will be essential to refine these principles and address emerging challenges. Share your thoughts on this crucial initiative in the comments below.
