I co-run a popular Facebook group for the television editing community and this post on Edit Jockeys has brought a big response today… sadly this isn’t an isolated case. This is one example of how the rapid decline of the film and television industry is affecting thousands of freelance workers across the board. Please share if you can as the anonymous poster has bravely expressed a desire to highlight their plight in order to make more people aware of the wider problem. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jeA6N3NcobJ8shtS/?

Hello everyone
I’m choosing to post anonymously because what I am about to say is very sensitive and hearbreaking.

I mean no direct Ill will, I just hope what I’m about to add will help atleast one other person avoid where I am.

I’ve worked Continuosly for the past 23 years. I’ve won a bafta, an RTS and have / am on the C4 list. I’ve given everything to editing. I’ve worked 28 hour days, I’ve gone above and beyond. I’ve supported countless PD’s or EP’s, infact a multitude of co workers with horrendous bullying and stress in our industry. I believe it’s part of an editors job to support those around us who suffer

However I’ve not worked a day for a year. I’ve recently heard about 3 or 4 jobs but despite encouragement and sending in credit lists, refs, any number of emails, the line vanishes. And I know this is the form. I know this happens. But at this time of crisis why aren’t people trying harder to be nicer.

Also, and this is the tricky bit. I’d say 95% of my “friends” and Co workers who I have known for so many many years, people I’ve been in the trenches for years, who I’ve supported and drank with and laughed and cried with. Have vanished. Nothing. I’ve told them of stuff I will share but silence. It feels like the titanic. Some of us are in the water and some lucky ones are in the boats. And they do not want to over crowd those boats.

I’m in the water and about to drown.
Bectu have been useless
There is zero support or awareness In the press
The tv charity have been sadly pointless
NO ONE from C4 or any of my employers has been in touch in any way with myself or others or in any form to reach out. Quite the opposite.

So….
As it stands I might lose my home.
I’m suffering from externe anxiety
My adhd is out of control
Im on the verge of losing my family due to divorce because my beautiful wife has had enough of this year and cannot cope.
I am recovering from other sever issues I’m not going to discuss because they are somewhat devisive and will cause alot of you to run for cover which I dont want to cause.

Yesterday for the first time I considered suicide. I was very very close to going through with it

I didn’t. I haven’t told anyone apart from my therapist today. But I’m still very very worried I might. I didn’t do it cos I didn’t have the nerve. Thankfully. It’s very very dark at the moment.

Now. I’m not asking for one iota of sympathy. What I’m shouting from the top of a mountain as loud as I can, can you all take just a moment to contact old freinds. Think about those not in work. Be honest if they can’t get that job, but just get in touch and tell them. Care for others. Show love. Show you sympathise. And do this one thing. Make this industry stop and change because it’s a mental health horror show. And it shouldn’t be. I love the people I’ve worked with and I love my job. I don’t know if I have one anymore. I don’t know if I have anything to look forward to.

Please don’t pity me just please listen and be kind and loving and Caring and Tomorrow take 1 minute extra to contact someone you think might need or not need a kind word. Just say hi. How are you.

We are all beautiful people
Let’s be more beautiful

Thank you
And sorry xxxxxx

Edit: please feel free to share how you all are. I want as many people as possible to remind others this is tough but that you are not alone. Today can be a day that is not like yesterday in a very tiny way. Because the tiny things can often be huge.

I’m overwhelmed with your love