The British Film Institute (BFI) has launched an ambitious new initiative titled WorkWise for Screen, aimed at enhancing workplace practices across the U.K. screen industry with a substantial investment of £1.5 million ($1.9 million). This pilot program seeks to foster equity, inclusion, and respect, addressing critical issues that have long plagued the sector.
WorkWise for Screen will serve as a comprehensive resource hub, featuring a free online portal, an engaging podcast series, and a peer-to-peer network designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises in production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution, and exhibition. This initiative is set to revolutionize how the industry approaches workplace culture.
Developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, the program will be delivered by Counterculture and spearheaded by creative industries lawyer Keith Arrowsmith. Its primary focus is to help the screen sector navigate the recent changes brought about by the U.K. government’s new Employment Rights Bill. Participants will gain access to essential legal contracting templates, e-learning modules, and expert advice tailored to their needs.
The initiative addresses vital topics including people management, inclusive leadership, mental well-being, contracting practices, and recruitment strategies. This proactive approach is a direct response to findings from the BFI Skills Review and the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Surveys, which highlighted widespread challenges related to working conditions, mental health, and work-life balance.
Sara Whybrew, BFI’s director of skills and workforce development, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “We produce world-class screen content in the U.K. thanks to our talented workforce. However, reports of poor working conditions and mental health struggles demand action. We want to support the industry in building fairer, safer, and more inclusive workplaces.”
Arrowsmith echoed this sentiment, explaining that WorkWise for Screen is designed “with, by, and for the industry,” ensuring that it meets the real needs of those who make the U.K. screen sector thrive.
John McVay, CEO of Pact, the U.K. trade body for independent production and distribution, hailed the initiative as a complementary effort to existing programs, aimed at ensuring that the U.K. film and television industries remain attractive workplaces for talent nationwide.
The initiative was developed in consultation with a wide array of organizations, including BAFTA, Bectu, and many others, as well as input from freelancers across various roles in the industry. With such extensive backing, WorkWise for Screen promises to be a game-changer for the U.K. screen industry, setting a new standard for workplace practices and employee well-being.
