On this page
Not being paid, or treated unfairly on a job · Understanding your tax, pay and business set-up · Money worries or financial hardship · Mental health and wellbeing · Bullying, harassment or unsafe behaviour · Building your skills or career · Finding other companies, courses or mentors · Not sure where to start?
This page signposts you to other organisations and services — it isn't legal, tax, financial or medical advice. Please contact the relevant organisation directly for guidance on your own situation.
Freelance life throws up all sorts of problems, and it's not always obvious who actually deals with what. This page is organised by the issue you're facing, with the people and services who can actually help.
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Not being paid, or treated unfairly on a job |
If a production isn't paying you, is in breach of your deal memo, or you're being treated unfairly on a job, this is a union matter.
Bectu can step in with free legal advice for Bectu members, an official to handle your case, and cover tribunal costs if it comes to that. See our full Bectu and IATSE article.
Bectu →
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Understanding your tax, pay and business set-up |
Deciding between Ltd, sole trader or PAYE, or just want a clearer handle on your books.
Our own Ltd company, sole trader or PAYE article is a good starting point.
David Thomas Media runs freelance finance training and "setting up as a sole trader" courses aimed at people in TV and film, and has a free resource hub of tip sheets and templates.
David Thomas Media training → · Our webinar notes →
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Money worries or financial hardship |
Struggling to make ends meet between jobs, or facing a sudden financial shock.
The Film and TV Charity offers financial guidance and grants, including Stop Gap grants for immediate help and the Sir Horace Ové Grant.
Financial support →
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Mental health and wellbeing |
The Film and TV Charity runs a free, confidential support line, open 24 hours a day, by phone, email or webchat.
Solas Minds often provide conselling services for production crew. Check with your production or on your start package as you may be able to get free access to support this way.
Production HR Departmentscan often provide advice and support. If your production has one, it's a good place to start.
24-hour support line → · Solas Minds →
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Bullying, harassment or unsafe behaviour |
If you've experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination on a job.
CIISA (the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority) sets industry-wide behavioural standards and is rolling out a dedicated reporting service for the screen industries.
CIISA website →
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Building your skills or career |
ScreenSkills funds training and bursaries, and runs the Trainee Finder programme to help you move up.
Talking Point provides industry training and mentoring for film and high-end TV drama, and is someone we work closely with and can recommend.
ScreenSkills bursaries → · Talking Point →
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