This can be life changing and healing for many – with difficult life experiences they’ve had to endure. Or for those with life experiences & stories which aren’t brought to the forefront of mainstream media on a regular basis – it is a chance for representation. For those people to see their lived experiences played by characters on the screen and to be able to share this with friends & family to help explain what they may be (or have) experienced. For others, it is a chance to be enlightened about someone else’s experience when they might not have had the chance to gain that human insight otherwise.
As much as these beautiful stories are beautiful – it can be forgotten when watching your TV or going to your local cinema – that a whole production team has put their time and effort into making these pieces of art for screen. That the people who make shows and films – have to spend long hours writing, working on sets and in editing rooms to bring them to life. It is important that all members of the cast and crew’s mental health, their wellbeing and their ability to work to the best of their ability are supported.
This is why evolving changes that take a human-first approach are so vital to continuing to create the best possible creative projects. For film and TV industry professionals, hiring Intimacy Coordinators, Wellbeing Facilitators, and mental health professionals to support cast and crew is vitally important. It’s part of a broader reframing of how we work as an industry—a shift away from the outdated belief that creative work will suffer if people are cared for, and toward the understanding that people work better when they are not in pain.
It is especially vital for filmmakers and crew to have support when creating sensitive content, and there are numerous ways in which hiring a Wellbeing Facilitator (WBF) can benefit a production by ensuring everyone is cared for while making the best film possible. A WBF is an invaluable resource for productions dealing with sensitive material. They facilitate clear, continuous communication using inclusive language, giving every team member the opportunity to work to the best of their ability—crucial when working on sensitive content.
Below are some steps outlining how a WBF can support a production in creating sensitive content:
1. When a production hires a WBF, they help contextualise the script and film from a mental health perspective to ensure the work is handled safely. This is particularly useful when dealing with sensitive material. Context refers to a shared understanding of the story the production is telling, and the mindset needed when addressing sensitive subject matter. WBFs recognize that each scene requires a different approach, and context allows for the unique attributes of each situation to be identified, addressed, and understood by all involved. A WBF will assess the proposed work and complete the necessary paperwork, including a mental health risk assessment of the script, highlighting its key themes, challenging material, and potential risks for those working with these elements. They will summarise how best to manage these risks when the shoot begins, helping everyone involved anticipate and address any potential issues.
2. When working on a sensitive production, communication is key. Emotions may run high, and cast and crew might unexpectedly confront difficult, traumatic memories from their past in a work setting. Hiring a WBF is incredibly valuable for facilitating communication between all departments with these factors in mind. A WBF provides a non-judgmental ear and an outlet for cast and crew—someone unaffiliated with a specific department, allowing them to speak confidentially about issues that may arise during the day. The WBF can offer immediate support and, if necessary, refer them to external resources for further assistance. Communication is crucial when handling sensitive content. WBFs collaborate with producers and department members to ensure communication remains open and fluid throughout the production, helping everyone understand what is expected of them.
3. A WBF can help maintain the boundaries of crew and cast members, which may become blurred during long hours and while filming difficult content. A WBF is there to remind everyone that it’s important to be mindful of what is being filmed, respect personal boundaries, and ensure that individuals feel free to speak openly. The working environment must remain free from pressure, manipulation, or coercion, and a WBF helps uphold these boundaries throughout the production.
Written by 6ft From The Spotlight Wellbeing Facilitator, Alexandra Healy.
