However, as any experienced film industry professional will know – this isn’t always possible. The truth is it is usually our crew’s mental health which is sacrificed to meet: time constraints, tight budgets, long hours and last-minute metaphorical fires to put out. Enter – the role of a WellBeing Facilitator – a specific, highly trained expert – to support mental health requirements on Film and TV sets.
Whilst the idea of adding another departmental role may have producers tearing their hair out when looking at their budget sheets – most people in leadership positions do want the best for their crew. They also cannot be expected to know or be able to do everything – as much as they are often expected to. Evidence shows how little resource and guidance there is for producers on ensuring their sets are safe and supportive places for the many of the professionals they are working with. It can be difficult for decision makers to prioritise thriving, healthy teams amid the environment of tight budgets, short deadlines, long hours. These challenges have only been exacerbated to a degree which none of us saw coming since 2020 – covid, the rush of content being created after the break and the dual Writers & Actors strikes in 2023. As much good will there is from producers to ensure they’re creating a conducive working environment, most won’t have the time to tackle this. Which is why bringing on a WBF to a production is so helpful. WBF’s work closely with producers and crew to support everyone in the creation of a mentally healthy production from start to finish. It takes the weight off the leadership on a production knowing that WBFs are a visible presence on productions and take an action-based approach that generates real change.
The WBF role is part of a sea of change in the film industries departments and roles, striving for better working conditions of all crew members. WBF’s work alongside and convulsively with other roles such as access coordinators, LGBT & trans advocates – as well as intimacy coordinators. These roles help a production overcome the multifaceted challenges of any production and help look after crew so they can flourish and deliver their best work on their production.
The WBF role can be tailored to a specific production need, and this might sometimes mean onboarding during a production, sometimes due to budgetary constraints or other factors which need to be considered. However – best practice ensures that a WellBeing Facilitator comes onto a production in pre – production to help a production’s journey from start to finish. At the beginning a WBF will help to devise a plan, creating tools to ensure the set is a safe space for all – ensuring a production’s legal duty of care across a production. In pre- production WBF will draw up a Mental Health Stress Risk Assessment, creating a welfare map across your production chain to ensure a production is taking the best steps to protect crew – advising on mental health risks and safeguarding crew members – helping build a basis of resilience and positive wellbeing.
Once production begins a WBF will be there for guidance on the welfare of the production including crew, cast, contributors etc. Due to the many stresses which can occur during a production – WBF’s are on hand to act with a de-escalation approach: toward bullying, harassment, and conflict. They are also there to support challenges related to implementing diversity, equality, and inclusion values. A WBF is there to help with an active and compassionate support and guidance for crew, support of vulnerable individuals and contributors. In some instances, a WBF will be kept on ensuring post teams receive equal care and support – advising around repeated viewing and exposure to sensitive or harrowing content. WBFs are a visible presence on productions and take an action-based approach that generates real change.
Written by 6ft From The Spotlight WellBeing Facilitator, Alexandra Healy.
