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Working in the industry · Wellbeing

Long days, gaps and bad days.

Hours, rejection, burnout and money worries, and what to do if you're bullied or harassed. With a template for writing it down.

Being bullied? Incident note template Need help now
Checked against GOV.UK, Acas, CIISA and the Film and TV Charity. Sources General information, not legal or medical advice.

Need someone now? Film and TV Charity Support Line, 24 hours, free: 0800 054 0000. Samaritans: 116 123. If a life is at risk, call 999. More helplines

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8

From the Film and TV Charity and the RTS. They play here.

Incident note template

What to write down, the same day. It stays yours until you choose to share it.

Crew in hi-vis prepare a camera on a busy street location.

Long hours

Long days are normal. Running on empty isn't.

GOV.UK: rest breaks

  • The law for workers

    • 11 hours' rest between working days
    • A 20-minute break if you work more than 6 hours
    • 24 hours off a week, or 48 hours a fortnight

  • Under 18

    • 30 minutes' break after 4.5 hours
    • 12 hours' rest between days
    • 48 hours off a week

    Young workers on GOV.UK

  • Look after the basics

    • Eat at lunch, drink water, layer up
    • Too tired to drive after wrap? Tell your HoD or the production office. Many will book a taxi or a room.
    • Check turnaround in your deal memo

Gaps and rejection

Not hearing back is normal

Most crew work comes through recommendations. A quiet month isn't a verdict on you.

    • Keep a routine: up at a set time, a plan for the day
    • Call HoDs you've worked with. Visit the kit houses.
    • Do a free course or a path while it's quiet
Silhouetted crew move a camera rig through green-lit haze on a stage.

Burnout

Spot it early

  • Signs

    • You dread the call sheet landing
    • You can't switch off after wrap, or can't sleep
    • You snap at people you get on with
    • Small mistakes keep creeping in

  • What helps

    • Tell someone: a mate, your HoD, the Support Line
    • Leave a few days between jobs when you can
    • See your GP. Mind's Infoline is on 0300 123 3393.

Bullying and harassment

What counts

Sets can be blunt. A firm note isn't bullying. Being singled out, again and again, is.

Acas: bullying at work

  • It is

    • Shouting at you or humiliating you in front of the crew
    • Being frozen out, or left off call sheets on purpose
    • Unwanted sexual comments, messages or contact
    • "Jokes" about your race, faith, sex, sexuality or disability
    • Threats about your next booking

  • It usually isn't

    • A clear, firm note on your work
    • Being told to move fast when the light's going
    • One bad day from a stressed HoD, put right later

What to do

If you're bullied or harassed

Incident note (DOCX)

  1. Write it down the same dayDate, time, who, the words used, who saw it. Email it to yourself so it carries a date.
  2. Keep the evidenceScreenshot messages and save emails somewhere that isn't a work account.
  3. Tell someone on the productionYour HoD, the production manager or line producer, or the contact in the bullying and harassment policy. If it's your HoD, go above them.
  4. Get adviceCall the Film and TV Charity Support Line (0800 054 0000) and ask for the Bullying Advice Service. Bectu members, call your union. Acas advises on your rights.
  5. Report it confidentiallyCIISA is the independent body for bullying, harassment and discrimination in film, TV, music and theatre. It looks for patterns across the industry.
  6. If it's a crimeAssault, threats or stalking: call the police. 999 in an emergency, 101 otherwise.

If you see it

Back up the person

    • Check in with them after: "That wasn't OK. You alright?"
    • Write down what you saw, the same day
    • Offer to be a witness. Tell your HoD or the production.
    • Don't film it or post about it

You're not on your own

Who can help

  • 24 hours, free

    Film and TV Charity: 0800 054 0000

    For anyone who works or has worked behind the scenes, trainees and freelancers included. Bullying advice, mental health support, grants.

    filmtvcharity.org.uk

  • Report

    CIISA

    Confidential reporting portal. It aims to reply within 10 days. It doesn't give legal advice.

    ciisa.org.uk

  • Your rights

    Bectu and Acas

    Bectu gives members legal help. Acas gives free advice on rights at work.

    Bectu · Acas helpline

  • Right now

    Samaritans: 116 123

    Any time, free. Or text SHOUT to 85258. If a life is at risk, call 999.

Checked 13 Nov 2026

Sources

General information, not legal or medical advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026