An exodus from the UK film and TV industry is looming as mental health tumbles, according to The Film and TV Charity.
The charity has published its full assessment of its 2024 Looking Glass Survey following the earlier release of headline data that showed mental health in the industry has worsened.
The full report paints a bleak picture of the state of mental health and wellbeing among professionals working behind the scenes in the UK. However, the charity said a deeper dive into the data also shows that efforts to improve industry culture and conditions are starting to pay dividends.
As previously reported, from more than 4,300 responses to the survey, 64% are considering leaving the industry due to concerns about mental health, with 32% having taken firm steps to do so. 63% said their work in the industry has a negative effect on their mental health.
On a more positive note, the charity said targeted interventions are starting to yield results. This was seen among respondents who had used the Charity’s Whole Picture Toolkit, its free online resource to improve mental health on productions.
While only 12% of respondents felt that the industry is a mentally healthy place to work, this number rose to 25% among respondents who had worked on a production using the Whole Picture Toolkit.
The report also explores the impact of macro-level challenges on mental health in the industry, and found the industry-wide production downturn has exacerbated the mental health crisis for many. However, there has been a significant decrease in the number of people working excessive hours.
It also found that attitudes to those experiencing mental health issues have improved and the number of people experiencing bullying, harassment, or discrimination has declined.
The report also shows that there is an even greater risk of poor mental health for certain groups within the industry. Freelancers, workers with a disability or long-term health condition, neurodivergent workers, LGBTQ+ workers, carers, people from the Black and Global Majority, women, and younger workers are even more susceptible to poor mental health and issues linked to worklessness, bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
“The results of the 2024 Looking Glass Survey underline that the industry has to go much further to address urgent, persistent issues relating to mental health in our industry,” said Film and TV Charity CEO Marcus Ryder. “We are at risk of seeing a potential exodus of skilled and experienced workers, from directors to scriptwriters, and from directors of photography to set designers – with 64% of survey respondents saying they were considering leaving the industry and 32% already having taken firm action to do so. It would be wrong to attach this risk solely to the mental health crisis the industry is facing, but there is no doubt it is a major contributory factor.”
Channel 5 rebrands linear and streaming platforms
The UK’s Channel 5 and My5 have relaunched as 5, uniting the broadcaster’s linear and streaming platforms under one brand.
Comcast agrees $3bn Olympics rights and technology deal
Comcast NBC Universal has agreed a $3bn deal that will keep its NBC network and streaming platform Peacock as the US homes of the Olympic Games through 2036.
BBC leads nominations for RTS Programme Awards 2025
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has revealed the nominations for its Programme Awards 2025, which take place on March 25 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
BBC secures TV rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland international football
The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Shadowbox Studios hires Mike Mosallam as Chief Operating Officer
Global studio operator Shadowbox Studios, the owner of Atlanta’s Shadowbox Studios in the US and Shinfield Studios in the UK, has appointed Mike Mosallam as its first Chief Operating Officer.
