Campaigners for human rights in TV have called for the industry to stop “underestimating” post-production workloads and to improve working conditions and mental health support.
In a report, Let’s Fix it in Post, the TV Industry Human Rights Forum identifies “widespread examples of illegal or barely legal practices” in employment conditions, “disparities and lack of transparency over employment relationships” and job insecurity in post-production.
Analysing a string of industry-wide reports, including the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Surveys, as well as 28 interviews conducted specifically for the study, the forum highlights “unrealistic” schedules riddled with delays and last-minute changes, the knock-on effect of late decisions, notes and approvals from commissioners, poor communication, and late payments.
It says that while these problems dog many parts of TV, the “isolation” of working in post-production – sometimes with unexpected sensitive material, and no subsequent counselling or welfare support - puts huge demands of people in this sector, risking their mental health.
Working in airless, dark and small basement rooms puts people at risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder and can reduce life expectancy, the forum notes.
The report also criticises “a culture that lionises those that work continuously can make it very difficult to take the breaks that are needed, particularly for those early on in their careers.”
One interviewee said they had worked a six-hour ADR session with breaks forbidden due to the potential cost of overrunning, while another recalled working continuously for 21 hours to deal with client amendments.
“Everyone is working 15-plus hours a day,” said one. “That’s two people’s jobs.”
One editor said they had been offered £800 for a project that would take at least two weeks of 10-hour days - around £8 an hour.
Above all, respondents felt that post-production bears the brunt of budget squeezes as they are expected to cut their own schedules to accommodate production delays while still hitting deadlines.
“Transparency is not there - and by the time things arrive at post, there is not a lot of money, time or patience left and post is hard stop before delivery,” said one production co-ordinator.
The forum called on commissioners and producers to “reset expectations” about the amount of budget and time needed for post, and to work with unions to ensure post production is a part of all industry agreements.
To read the full report, click here
