Draw the line on workshop time!

workshop hourse campaign clock

Off-set and ‘workshop’ crew work long, intense hours. They are largely ‘invisible’, and yet they play a crucial role in supporting film and TV productions. In the last few years, Bectu members have seen production timelines and hours increase, and downtime decrease, leading to higher stress levels.

Bectu has conducted in-depth research with our members working in features about the issues workers in these non-shoot departments are experiencing. The results are shocking and represent the potential to exacerbate the increasing crew shortages.

Explore the workshop hours research Download the new research
Departments consulted in this research and affected by these issues include:

•  Art Department and Set Dec

•  Costume and Wardrobe

•  Props including modellers and makers

•  Prosthetics and Wigs

•  Post-Production

•  SFX

•  VFX and Animation

We encourage members and industry stakeholders to read and share this report widely, to consider the issues it raises and consider how we can best safeguard the industry on the back of this research. 

Read the full report Download the report now

Members also helped compile this document by providing detailed case studies of their experiences. We encourage branches to download and view these powerful examples of the issues and how they practically affect our members.

Read the costume case study

Read the Art and Post-Production case study

Keep an eye out for further case studies coming soon.

As a result of this research, it is the position of Bectu members in workshop areas that they should be:

  • Recognised separately under the PACT/Bectu Major Motion Picture agreement.
  • Have defined, reduced hours laid out so that workers are able to maintain the work/life balance that we all deserve.