Production Welfare
Ethical filmmaking establishes a solid baseline to ensure the utmost respect and consideration for all involved parties.
WHY WELFARE IS IMPORTANT
Welfare is vital in the film and television industry because it ensures the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in a production on and off-screen. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where long hours, intense schedules, and physical demands are common, maintaining proper welfare standards helps prevent burnout, injuries, and exploitation. It promotes a healthier, more inclusive working culture, improving creativity, productivity, and sustainable careers. As the industry continues to evolve, prioritising welfare isn't just ethical - it's essential.
WHY DO I NEED A CONSULTANT?
Productions face pressure to be cost-efficient while working with OfCom and major UK broadcaster guidelines for participant and team welfare. This can create a conflict of interest for the Production team, which is tasked with balancing timely delivery and making ethical decisions regarding cast and crew.
Participant or team member risk factors may evolve during filming timelines. This evolution could result from changes in the schedule or content, participants' vulnerability, external factors, or personal circumstances impacting the production. Participant welfare processes should be reviewed periodically and at key milestones, particularly when there is a change in the editorial setup or format.
Re:Happy can help you navigate these considerations and risks through training, consultation and support.
OUR MISSION FOR ETHICAL PROGRAMME MAKING
Continued Consent
Ensuring participants fully understand and agree to the terms of their involvement, at every step.
Participant Welfare
Considering the psychological and emotional impact on participants, from first contact through to post-TX.
Risk Assessments
Ensuring the mental health impact of programmes are properly risk assessed, and risks are mitigated accordingly for all those involved in the production .
Transparency
Maintaining clear communication about the aims and processes of the production to all parties.
Crew/Team Welfare
Considering the production crew's working conditions and mental health.
Avoiding Vicarious Trauma
Supporting those members of the team who are working with distressing content, especially within true crime or blue-light genres. Offering space for them to process what they have seen, and move on.
Avoiding Re-traumatization
Being mindful of content or processes that could re-traumatize participants or viewers, and taking steps to mitigate the risk.
Balanced Storytelling
Creating engaging content without compromising ethical standards or participant wellbeing.
Considering Ethics
Integrating ethical decision making into the culture of production. Something can be legal, but not ethical.
With these considerations in place, we can ensure that the storytelling process respects the dignity and wellbeing of all involved, aligning with an ethical filmmaking baseline.