This has absolutely broken my heart. I think, with the commissioning slowdown and the current lack of work (which still isn't being properly addressed), we're all feeling expendable at the moment. Many are out of work, and those who are employed are forced to work longer, more gruelling hours, and to take huge rate cuts. For those in work, and those who aren't, the industry is letting its freelancer network down. My deepest condolences to John's family, and everyone who knew and worked with him.

If companies and individuals in senior positions stopped treating us like we are nothing then maybe we might feel stronger in this cut throat industry. Its become brutal and things need to change to protect freelancers and their mental health

@RobinParker The broadcasters and indies need to take a long hard look at themselves. The almost impossible, often shifting expectations, the scapegoating from behind closed doors, the chaotic commissioning process, the disconnect between editorial and business affairs, criminally short production/shooting windows…until the fundamental structural issues of unscripted television production are addressed, freelancers' mental and physical well-being will continue to be put at risk.

@RobinParker I’ve had some bad experiences of late. Being promised something and left with nothing. Trying to find any type of work after 15 years in a career is pretty hard. And then the only jobs out there seem to be getting shared with exec friends and friends of friends. It’s pretty dreadful.

@RobinParker This is heartbreaking to read. My thoughts go out to his friends and family.

@RobinParker

@AngusCameron What you so is say important and John's letter specifically references this too. IE that there was never any consideration of the harrowing nature of the content you deal with on a daily basis when working in this genre.Thankyou for sharing this and articulating it so well.

From Channel Controller to Runner, each of us has a responsibility to act with respect towards our fellow workers. Bad experiences linger long in the mind. Often budgets + schedules are tight but that's not a reason to assume we're owned by the production. A simple 'can you stay late?' or 'thanks' goes a long way to make one feel valued and so willing to give more. Cost to budget? - zero. Programmes aren't just 'shows', to be got out the door quickly + cheaply, especially not True Crime.

PS I should add that in a long career in TV, most of my experiences have been good, most people respectful and decent but those 'bad apples' can have a serious impact. Freelancers always have to be thinking about the next job, reputation counts, so it's not always easy to speak out.
Deepest sympathy to John's family.

Omg this is awful. I work on true crime a lot and I can vouch that it definitely does affect you. You take home everybody's grief and deal with the intimate details of someone horrific murder. And for what? For someone else's entertainment. The funny thing is that they 'care' about the contributors and some companies offer a chat with a psychologist if needed, but it's very rare that the production companies think about the staff. The only place I was offered support as a producer was at Crackit. I accepted and was grateful. One particular murder I worked on while there was horrendous and it really affected me. The industry is a tough one that's for sure. And the only important thing is that people are entertained 😏