News

Nearly nine in 10 people (87%) working in the UK’s film, TV and cinema industries have experienced a mental health issue, according to a major study commissioned by the Film and TV Charity. That compares with two in three (65%)people in the UK population, prompting an urgent action plan and taskforce backed by leading studios, broadcasters, production companies and cinema groups.

The ground-breaking study was conducted by the Work Foundation and included a survey of more than 9,000 industry professionals. Among the key findings:

• Workers are twice as likely to experience anxiety compared with the national average
• Workers are three times as likely to have self-harmed compared with the national average
• Over half of workers have considered taking their own life (compared with one-fifth nationally) and one in 10 have attempted to do so

The in-depth Looking Glass report, says “the survey findings suggest that there is a mental health crisis within the UK film and television industry”.

ITV is part of an agreement of industry leaders to fund an initial £3 million commitment to develop an urgent action plan, known as The Whole Picture Programme, which will launch in April. The industry-led Film and TV Taskforce on Mental Health will work closely with experts in mental health. The action plan – to be co-designed by industry partners – will include an enhanced 24/7 Film and TV Support Line and industry-wide behaviour change campaign.

Our people, both behind and in front of the camera, are the lifeblood of this industry and as our Duty of Care Charter makes clear, their mental health and wellbeing is our top priority. At the heart of ITV's social purpose strategy is our Mental Wellness five-year campaign and as part of it, we back taking an active role in the Taskforce and this programme. We support this initiative which brings the industry together to reiterate and say to our teams, we are there to support you. Julian Bellamy, Managing Director, ITV Studios

I’m pleased to be working with the members of the new Film and TV Taskforce on Mental Health to spearhead a movement for change. Devastating though the findings from our research are, we firmly believe there is cause for optimism. As a cohort, we are committed to working closely together to address the widespread issues, building an industry that has great work; where people are much better supported, in which bullying and the stigma of mental health is relegated to history; and where working practices take account of the very human nature of our work. As the charity supporting the film, TV and cinema workforce we often hear the stories that others dont. We can no longer shy away from the need for real change. Alex Pumfrey, Chief Executive of The Film and TV Charity