I’m insanely privileged to even have these complaints. I love what I do. Unscripted TV is a made-up nonsense job—we’re not working in a sweatshop or doing hard labour. I feel so lucky to work in this industry and take pride in it.That said, this year has been challenging. Turning 30 has brought a lot of... Read more
I’m insanely privileged to even have these complaints. I love what I do. Unscripted TV is a made-up nonsense job—we’re not working in a sweatshop or doing hard labour. I feel so lucky to work in this industry and take pride in it.
That said, this year has been challenging. Turning 30 has brought a lot of reflection, and the state of the industry hasn’t made it easier. I started 2024 strong, with a long location job lined up in January. After months of delays and changing logistics, it finally began in April—only for me to face toxic dynamics the production company knew about but didn’t address. Sadly, this isn’t uncommon. Most peers I talk to have their own stories of being overworked, undervalued, or mistreated by higher-ups.
With shrinking budgets and rising costs, the decisions being made often feel hypocritical. Productions stack multiple execs but can’t budget for more APs, researchers, or production, leaving overworked teams to pick up the slack. Roles are being squeezed together, and last-minute demands pile extra stress on production teams, with no consideration of the time or effort it takes to meet them.
Freelancers feel powerless. The idea of choosing projects you’re passionate about often feels like a fantasy. You take what you can, when you can, and hope it works out. With 57% of freelancers out of work in July (BECTU’s stat, not mine), I’m one of the “lucky” ones—I’ve only been out of work a couple of months this year. But temp work isn’t sustainable. By now, I’d hoped to be moving forward, gaining responsibility, and earning enough to stop stressing over bills.
Starting out was hard enough for me as a kid from rural Wales with limited experience. I don’t think I’d make it if I were starting now. The barriers are even higher, and only those with privilege can afford to bear the struggle.
Being out of work is tough, and ghosting is rampant. I get that production companies can’t respond to every job application, but there’s got to be a middle ground. I’ve been ghosted by people and projects that reached out to me. If I wanted to be ghosted, I’d be on dating apps.
Broadcasters, streamers, and commissioners prioritise profits while freelancers bear the brunt. The unscripted industry is broken. BECTU’s Unscripted Union is pushing for change, but they need support. Without it, freelancers will continue to be exploited and burned out.
I don’t know what 2025 will bring. Maybe the industry will bounce back; maybe I’ll pivot elsewhere. If it’s the latter—thank you, TV, for the stories and the (mostly) amazing people I’ve met along the way.
If ANY interesting docos get commissioned and need an experienced AP who thrives on the details, let me know. I’m ready to work hard on something inspiring again.
That said, this year has been challenging. Turning 30 has brought a lot of reflection, and the state of the industry hasn’t made it easier. I started 2024 strong, with a long location job lined up in January. After months of delays and changing logistics, it finally began in April—only for me to face toxic dynamics the production company knew about but didn’t address. Sadly, this isn’t uncommon. Most peers I talk to have their own stories of being overworked, undervalued, or mistreated by higher-ups.
With shrinking budgets and rising costs, the decisions being made often feel hypocritical. Productions stack multiple execs but can’t budget for more APs, researchers, or production, leaving overworked teams to pick up the slack. Roles are being squeezed together, and last-minute demands pile extra stress on production teams, with no consideration of the time or effort it takes to meet them.
Freelancers feel powerless. The idea of choosing projects you’re passionate about often feels like a fantasy. You take what you can, when you can, and hope it works out. With 57% of freelancers out of work in July (BECTU’s stat, not mine), I’m one of the “lucky” ones—I’ve only been out of work a couple of months this year. But temp work isn’t sustainable. By now, I’d hoped to be moving forward, gaining responsibility, and earning enough to stop stressing over bills.
Starting out was hard enough for me as a kid from rural Wales with limited experience. I don’t think I’d make it if I were starting now. The barriers are even higher, and only those with privilege can afford to bear the struggle.
Being out of work is tough, and ghosting is rampant. I get that production companies can’t respond to every job application, but there’s got to be a middle ground. I’ve been ghosted by people and projects that reached out to me. If I wanted to be ghosted, I’d be on dating apps.
Broadcasters, streamers, and commissioners prioritise profits while freelancers bear the brunt. The unscripted industry is broken. BECTU’s Unscripted Union is pushing for change, but they need support. Without it, freelancers will continue to be exploited and burned out.
I don’t know what 2025 will bring. Maybe the industry will bounce back; maybe I’ll pivot elsewhere. If it’s the latter—thank you, TV, for the stories and the (mostly) amazing people I’ve met along the way.
If ANY interesting docos get commissioned and need an experienced AP who thrives on the details, let me know. I’m ready to work hard on something inspiring again.
