Research by the Film and TV Charity has shown that poor mental health in the industry is not a sign of individual weakness, but a result of systemic pressures, including burnout, bullying, and intense working conditions. 

The newly launched Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions represent a collective commitment to change. Grounded in evidence and aligned with UK law, they provide a practical framework to ensure mental health is embedded into how productions are planned, led, and delivered. 

• Principle 1: Leadership and Culture – Leadership sets the tone. Production companies and managers should demonstrate commitment through written wellbeing policies and regular team check-ins. 

• Principle 2: Relationships on Productions – Fostering respectful, inclusive environments is essential. This includes clear anti-bullying policies and confidential reporting pathways. 

• Principle 3: Mental Health Support – Support must be visible and accessible. This involves signposting resources like the Film and TV Charity Support Line and offering mental health awareness training. 

• Principle 4: Sensitive Content and Themes – Productions must manage the emotional impact of distressing subject matter, such as true crime or news, by assessing risks early and limiting repeated exposure where possible. 

• Principle 5: Relationships with Contributors, Cast, and Presenters – Managers should identify risks arising from power dynamics or unpredictable behaviours, ensuring clear responsibilities and regular debriefs. 

• Principle 6: Production Context – Stressors related to challenging locations, isolation, or long periods away from home must be anticipated and addressed. 

• Principle 7: Workload – High demands and under-resourced teams are major contributors to stress. Productions should plan for appropriate staffing levels and ensure sufficient rest breaks. 

• Principle 8: Working Patterns – While flexibility can be difficult in production, schedules should be communicated early, and managers should monitor hours to ease pressure during peak demands. 

• Principle 9: Team Structure and Role Clarity – Ambiguity causes stress. Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines helps reduce uncertainty. 

Because the screen sector is powered by a mobile, freelance workforce, the Principles were co-designed with input from groups like Action for Freelancers and unions such as Bectu. 

The framework acknowledges that the "instability of freelance jobs" and "realities of production working conditions" have a profound impact on mental health. To address this, the Principles advocate for: 

• Inclusive Accountability: While a nominated person (often the Producer) holds overall accountability, responsibility is shared across the supply chain; from commissioners and studios to Heads of Department. 

   

• Universal Support: Mental health plans and resources, such as the Film and TV Charity Support Line, should be shared openly with everyone working on a production. 

   

• Proactive Prevention: By shifting from crisis management to prevention, the Principles aim to "design out" the stress and burnout that often lead freelancers to leave the industry.