In a significant move for the UK film and television sector, the Film and TV Charity has introduced a groundbreaking set of mental health principles aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of professionals in the industry. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that 35% of surveyed individuals reported their mental health as “poor” or “very poor”. The principles, developed through collaboration with over 45 industry organisations, reflect a collective commitment to fostering a healthier work environment.
Understanding the Crisis
The introduction of these principles follows the Charity’s Looking Glass survey, which highlighted a worrying trend of mental health difficulties within the film and television workforce. The survey revealed that nearly one-third of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year, while 63% acknowledged that their work negatively impacted their mental health. Furthermore, 64% of participants considered leaving the industry due to mental health concerns, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Marcus Ryder, the Chief Executive of the Film and TV Charity, described the guidance as “the biggest industry initiative to address mental health in film and television in a generation”. He emphasised that the mental health challenges faced by those in the sector are not due to individual weaknesses but rather stem from systemic issues within the industry, including high-pressure environments and inadequate support systems.
Core Principles for Change
The nine principles outlined in the new framework are designed to ensure that mental health support is seamlessly integrated into production practices. Key actions include fostering a culture that prioritises wellbeing, promoting respectful and inclusive relationships among team members, effectively managing the impact of challenging subject matter, and addressing workload concerns.
Ryder noted that these principles should be approached with the same seriousness as physical safety measures. This involves identifying potential stressors during the planning phase and establishing clear protocols for reporting any instances of bullying or inappropriate behaviour. While these principles are not regulatory mandates, they are rooted in existing legal obligations and best practices within the industry.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The implementation of these principles is expected to vary among different organisations, with some choosing to adopt them informally while others may incorporate them into official commissioning frameworks or production requirements. Existing legal frameworks, such as UK health and safety law and international standards like ISO 45003, which focuses on psychological health at work, provide a foundation for these new guidelines.
Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA and the Film and TV Charity, highlighted the challenges faced by professionals at every stage of their careers. She pointed out that instability in freelance work, limited access to training, and the pressures of production environments contribute to a significant talent drain and negatively impact mental health.
Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer at the BBC, echoed this sentiment, describing the new principles as a “potential watershed moment” for the industry. She urged both in-house production teams and external suppliers to prioritise these principles, emphasising that a healthier workforce will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and robust industry.
Why it Matters
The introduction of these mental health principles marks a pivotal moment for the UK film and television industry, where the wellbeing of its workforce has too often been overlooked. By establishing a comprehensive framework for mental health support, this initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of individuals but also cultivates a more resilient and sustainable industry for the future. As the sector navigates the complexities of modern production, prioritising mental health will be crucial in fostering an environment where creativity can flourish without compromising the wellbeing of its contributors.
