Lives Behind the Lens
In our conversations with film and TV workers, one major theme keeps coming up: how difficult it is for parents and carers who freelance in the industry. They have fewer employment rights than employees and find it challenging to juggle their career with parenthood and/or caring. And a lack of support means they often leave the industry, taking their talent and experience with them.
The case for flexible working in the film and TV
Flexible working and job-sharing continues to grow in the industry. Despite its success, very few freelancers are offered flexible working arrangements. Many freelancers are also afraid to ask for it for fear of being labelled ‘difficult’. We know, however, that flexible working can and does work. The Bectu members in the video below are a testament to this. Watch the clip to see how job-sharing increased their productivity and improved their lives.
Bectu is calling for change
We are calling on employers to step up and better support freelance parents and carers through:
- Improved support and leave entitlements, including paid time off for anti-natal appointments, adoption visits and hospital appointments
- Working with Bectu to campaign for, investigate and trial flexible working and increasing access to flexible working arrangements in the industry
- Improving statutory rights for freelance parents and carers.
These changes are integral to retaining industry skill and talent. They are also vital to the industry’s sustainability, inclusivity and productivity.
“I tend not to admit to having a child in case I don’t get a job.”
Anonymous – ©Parents and carers survey June 2024
“There’s a culture of fear and being passed for jobs if there’s a sense that caring responsibilities might get in the way. Often it means hiding needs from employers because there’s a fear it means you’re perceived as unreliable or a burden.”
Anonymous – ©Parents and carers survey June 2024
“I can’t work in HETV or movies because they
are fundamentally incompatible with family life.”
Anonymous – ©Parents and carers survey June 2024
“We are expected to be abundantly flexible by production companies and broadcasters but it certainly doesn’t cut both ways. There is absolutely no provision for real life events if you’re a freelancer.”
Anonymous – ©Parents and carers survey June 2024
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Resources and support
Want to get involved?
1. Join the mailing list to stay up to date with the campaign.
2. Spread the word about flexible working. Download a social media pack to get started and request campaign stickers via email.
3. Sign up to our training and improve your understanding of your flexible working options, how it works and how to ask for it.
4. Negotiate locally by discussing your needs with your employers. If you are a Bectu member, email your full-time official for individual case support.
5. Celebrate good practice by sharing your experience of flexible working here. We will use this information to show production companies why flexible working is in their best interest.