New group “Action for Freelancers” to tackle growing recruitment challenges in TV and film production
Have you ever considered pitching your freelance skills to the TV and film industry? Now there is an advocacy group to show you the ropes and inform you on things such as wellbeing and working conditions. It’s called Action for Freelancers (AfF) and brings together major players across the UK television industry, including broadcasters, streamers, production companies, freelancers, and trade bodies.
Sarah Swingler, a freelance executive producer has been appointed as AfF’s Project Lead. Swingler brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the camera, having worked on prominent series like Top Guns and Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends and holding senior roles within production companies.
This initiative comes at a time of significant change and uncertainty within the television production landscape. The rise of streaming platforms and the increasing demand for content have led to a surge in freelance hiring. While this offers flexibility and opportunity for many, it also presents challenges:
- Increased competition: The freelance pool has grown, making it more challenging to secure consistent work.
- Lack of protections: Freelancers often lack the benefits and security afforded to salaried employees, such as sick pay, holiday pay, and pension contributions.
- Mental health and wellbeing: The precarious nature of freelance work, coupled with long and unpredictable hours, can take a toll on mental health.
- Skills and training: Keeping pace with the evolving demands of the industry requires ongoing training and development, which can be difficult for freelancers to access and afford.
Action for Freelancers aims to tackle these issues head-on with a coordinated action plan focused on improving working conditions, recruitment practices, skills training, and mental health support for freelancers.
“After many years working both as a freelancer and a senior team member within a number of indies, I’ve seen the benefits of fostering a culture that promotes the wellbeing of our freelance workforce,” said Swingler in a statement published in Televisual. “But I’ve also experienced first-hand the lack of protections faced and the myriad ways that impacts the freelance worker.”
The formation of AfF signals a growing recognition within the industry of the need to better support its freelance workforce. This collaborative approach, uniting broadcasters, production companies, and freelancers themselves, holds the promise of creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all those involved in bringing television to our screens.
To learnmore get in touch with The Film & TV Charity.
