In the recent years I have been fortunate to adapt my transferrable life skills to work in the Film and TV industry as a flexible AD/PA it is creative, fun, fast-paced and exciting, however working in the industry does comes with certain challenges that are highlighted in recent surveys, such as 'irregular working hours and pressure from stressors associated with meeting demanding schedules'. The Looking Glass Survey conducted in 2019, 2021 & 2022, 'uncovered a mental health emergency in the UK Film and TV industry'.
A mentally healthy production is one where people feel supported, seen and heard. There are policies and procedures in place intended to reduce the risk and effects of bullying, racism and harassment.
Is there space to provide positive care & support to the Wellbeing Cultural within production
and change the stigma associated with mental health in the TV and Film Industry, Australia?
Benefits to providing a wellbeing support system would include:
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positive happy teams and increase productivity
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lower levels of stress and burn-out
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fewer sick days taken with happier and motivated crew
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people work at their best when they feel supported
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production timelines are met within budget
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conflict management - emergency wellbeing support
The mindful moving system will provide the support and care required to maintain a positive Wellbeing Culture within your next production and is designed and tailored to individual needs and within budget!
Support Your Vision
Mindful Moving offers a wellbeing support program for Cast & Crew in Film & Television production.
The roller coaster we all love makes it a bit tricky to maintain the mental & emotional balance some days.
This supportive platform is your 'Rock', providing a private space, on the move, to pause, stop, reset and keep 'rolling'!
~ aka, keep the wheels on the bus ~
"I am grateful in 'knowing' my positive support helps"
The Looking Glass Survey
‘THE LOOKING GLASS SURVEY conducted in 2019 uncovered a Mental Health Emergency in the UK Film and TV industry’
‘The Film and TV Charity commissioned the Work Foundation to assess the prevalence of mental health problems in the Film and TV industry’. They also explored any specific challenges associated with work-life balance and looked at how they could better support cast and crew to manage their mental health.
'The survey's shocking statistics drew industry-wide attention to problems, with poor mental health, bullying, harassment and discrimination and extreme working conditions creating a perfect storm over the wellbeing of our workforce'
The current trend in society and with the government is to encourage businesses to be responsible and support the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
‘The cost to businesses of poor mental health is well evidenced, as is the return of investment associated with early intervention on workplace mental health’. The survey statistics demonstrated that there is an opportunity for the Film and TV industry to be a leader and part of the movement for change in supporting the Wellbeing Culture behind the scenes.
The Looking Glass survey final report stated, ‘this ground-breaking research demonstrated there are underlying factors which may be contributing to mental health issues. Work related stressors such as the culture, working conditions and a limited capability to provide workers with the support they need’.
Work related stressors highlighted from the survey include:
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Intensity of work and lack of control over working hours
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Difficulties balancing work with caring responsibilities
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66% of freelance workers have considered leaving the industry due to concerns over their mental health and wellbeing
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78% of crew said they struggled with work-life balance
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67% said work prevented them from making plans with family and friends
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2 out of 3 workers in the Film and TV industry have experienced depression compared with 2 out of 5 people nationally
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A problematic working culture is causing people to leave the Film and TV industry
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‘The Work Foundation’s analysis found that mental health problems are more prevalent among people who work in the Film and TV industry and that mental health problems present the greatest proportion of long-term health conditions among workers in film, TV and cinema’.
The insight that this research has provided regarding the needs of people working in the Film and TV industry ‘needs to build its capability to support the wellbeing of its workers. The creativity, skills and expertise they bring, are the driving force of Film, TV and Cinema in the UK. Investing in their wellbeing through developing positive and sustainable practices and embedding inclusive cultures will be key for the industry to flourish’.
Champion the Change and nourish the Wellbeing Culture in your next Production!
References
Mindful Moving wellbeing support program will:
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program designed to support management needs
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guide & support to positively maintain happy teams
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improve focus, confidence and team cohesion
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maintain equilibrium on and off set holistically
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manage the quality of energetics behind the scenes
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lift team morale to get the job done positively
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nurture the wellbeing culture positively & confidentially
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change the stigma of mental health
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take 'duty of care' to the next level
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cast & crew will feel supported and grateful