Prioritizing Mental Health in the Film and TV Industry: A Comprehensive Approach

The film and TV industry has long been known for its demanding and high-pressure environment, and the latest survey from the Film and TV Charity has revealed a concerning trend – mental health is worsening for many workers in the sector. With over 4,300 respondents, the 2024 Looking Glass Survey paints a stark picture, with a significant increase in the number of individuals reporting poor or very poor mental health, as well as an alarming prevalence of suicidal thoughts. This data underscores the urgent need for the industry to address the root causes of this crisis and implement comprehensive solutions to support the well-being of its workforce.

Uncovering the Mental Health Crisis in the Film and TV Industry

Deteriorating Mental Health Across the Sector

The 2024 Looking Glass Survey reveals a troubling trend – the percentage of respondents describing their mental health as "poor" or "very poor" has risen from 24% in 2022 to a staggering 35% in 2024. This marked increase highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by those working in the film and TV industry. The survey also found that an alarming 30% of respondents have experienced suicidal thoughts over the past 12 months, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

Factors Contributing to the Mental Health Decline

The survey responses indicate that the current climate across the industry, characterized by a sense of precarity and job insecurity, may be contributing to the deterioration of mental health among workers. The industry's culture, working conditions, and its ability to support the mental well-being of its employees have also been identified as areas of concern. Consistent with previous research, only 12% of those surveyed felt that the industry is a mentally healthy place to work, while 63% reported that their work has a negative effect on their mental health.

Increased Desire to Leave the Industry

The survey results also reveal that many workers are considering leaving the industry due to concerns about their mental health. A staggering 64% of respondents have contemplated leaving their roles over the past 12 months, up from 60% in 2022. Furthermore, nearly a third (32%) of those surveyed have taken concrete steps to leave the industry, such as applying for jobs elsewhere or meeting with recruitment consultants.

Positive Impacts of the Whole Picture Toolkit

On a more encouraging note, the 2024 Looking Glass Survey showed that respondents who had worked on a production utilizing the Charity's Whole Picture Toolkit for mentally healthy productions gave better ratings for their mental health and had a higher awareness of good practices and support services available to them. This suggests that the Toolkit has been effective in promoting mental health awareness and support within the industry.

Building on the Whole Picture Toolkit

Recognizing the clear and persistent need to address the mental health crisis in the film and TV industry, the Film and TV Charity is taking decisive action. The Charity is building on the success of the Whole Picture Toolkit by developing and agreeing on a comprehensive set of pan-industry standards. These standards will outline the core actions that any production must take to ensure that mental health support is positively and routinely embedded in all productions.

Collaborating with Industry Leaders

The Charity is working closely with major players across the industry, including All3Media, Apple TV+, BAFTA, Banijay, BBC, BBC Studios, Channel 4, Creative Diversity Network, Disney+ UK, Fremantle, IMG Productions, ITV, Paramount, ScreenSkills, Sky, Sony Pictures Television, UKTV, and Warner Bros Discovery, to develop and implement these new industry-wide standards.

Partnering with Action for Freelancers

The Charity has also confirmed that it will be working closely with the newly formed Action for Freelancers to develop the standards and provide expertise and guidance on mental health support. This collaboration aims to ensure that the unique needs of freelancers, who make up a significant portion of the industry's workforce, are addressed.

Driving Real Change and Widespread Support

By building on the Whole Picture Toolkit and developing these new industry-wide standards, the Film and TV Charity is poised to drive real change and enable more widespread support for mental health on productions. The Charity's CEO, Marcus Ryder, emphasizes the importance of collectively addressing the root causes of the industry's mental health crisis, stating that "the industry needs to grip the root causes far more robustly than it has so far managed to do."With the commitment and collaboration of industry leaders, the Film and TV Charity is taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to prioritizing the mental well-being of its workforce. By establishing clear standards, providing the necessary tools and resources, and fostering a culture of support, the industry can work towards ensuring that its talented professionals are not only the best in the world but also the best cared for.