Broken turnaround
Broken Turnaround Reporting Form
As part of our Broken Turnaround Campaign, we are collecting data about productions breaking turnaround to help us monitor and take action on this issue in collaboration with the HSE.
If you have recently been asked or made to break your turnaround, please tell us what happened by completing the form below.
Bectu is calling for action on ‘broken turnaround’, after our research reveals how widespread it is – and the severe physical and mental health impact it has on film and TV crew.
Fixing the problem of broken turnaround is about preventing film and TV workers from working dangerously long hours without adequate rest breaks, and that affects everyone, whether it be in scripted or unscripted productions.
A worker is considered to have ‘broken turnaround’ when they are required by their employer to return to work within less than 11 consecutive hours in each 24-hour period. This is in breach of workplace rights set out in Regulation 10 of The Working Time Regulations 1998.
Bectu’s recent poll of nearly 500 film and TV crew, working in roles such as grips, costume, hair and makeup, lighting and locations, revealed that broken turnaround is commonly used on UK productions.
“It’s left me burnt out, unable to do my job well or safely, been terrible for my mental and physical health. Often, when finishing on a job of this sort I fall ill for several weeks after.”
Anonymous
“It’s taken for granted that I’ll be first in and last out. However, I’ve had several productions complain about paying broken turnaround, making me feel guilty and a nuisance. The fear of being replaced is still very real.”
Anonymous
“I cried at work from pure exhaustion, it was humiliating. I never see my family, I neglect most of my personal life to be able to keep up with the hours.”
Anonymous