Landmark mental health principles for UK TV and film sector announced

Historically, the UK screen sector has worn its high-pressure culture as a badge of honour. But new guidelines suggest that positive change could be on the horizon.

Now, the Film and TV Charity has launched a landmark set of Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions, designed to tackle systemic issues that contribute to burnout, stress, and poor mental health across film and TV. Announced on 26 February 2026, these principles mark what many are calling a 'watershed moment' for the industry.

Developed with a cross-sector working group of more than 45 organisations – including public service broadcasters, major studios, global streamers, screen agencies, and industry bodies – the guidance is the most comprehensive framework to date for introducing mentally healthy working practices into UK productions.

Pillars of support

At its core are three pillars: People support, content impact, and work planning. Together, they aim to make wellbeing something that is built into production schedules from day one.

The nine principles span leadership and culture, respectful working relationships, visible mental health support, and clear role definition. They also address workload, working patterns, and the psychological impact of sensitive subject matter – both on those making programmes and those appearing in them.

Importantly, the framework has been developed in consultation with health and safety and legal experts. It aligns with established standards including ISO 45003, the HSE Management Standards for Work-Related Stress, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – reinforcing that mental health is not simply a “nice to have”, but part of an employer’s legal duty of care.

TV industry challenges

The charity’s Looking Glass research continues to highlight high levels of stress, loneliness, and suicidal ideation in film and TV compared with the wider UK workforce.

Worryingly, their most recent research found that 30% of respondents had thoughts about taking their own life over the past 12 months, a figure that is much higher than the most recent national average of 5% among adults in England.

Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity, describes the launch as a turning point: “Today marks the biggest industry initiative to address mental health in film and television in a generation – and it’s one that could be truly game-changing. That such a broad coalition of partners has come together to develop these pan-industry principles shows the depth of our shared determination to tackle the long-standing challenges affecting our workforce.”

For freelancers – who make up a significant proportion of the workforce – the focus on workload, working patterns, and role clarity could be particularly significant. The guidance suggests that small adjustments (such as realistic scheduling, clear communication, and structured support systems) can all reduce risk factors for stress and burnout.

Industry-wide wellbeing guidelines

The launch also signals the next chapter for the charity’s Whole Picture Toolkit, which will be redeveloped into a new suite of digital tools and resources set to roll out in autumn 2026. The aim is to make practical support accessible across productions of every size and genre.

Ultimately, these new principles challenge the long-held assumption that creativity must come at the expense of wellbeing, and, instead, position sustainable working practices as the foundation for long-term success.