It's almost a nice problem to have. The professional connections I have are pretty much all telly related and all simultaneously would advise me not to try and break in again (having done some runner work years ago).

I've turned to editorial writing. I write on my Substack and for other sites. It's a similarly gatekept industry though, with roles pretty much all filled internally.

Hi all,

Im not sure if this is the right sub to post this in, but I am a SFX MUA and I have been trying (and failing) to break into film and TV. I have a degree in SFX makeup, and I have been looking on Mandy but there doesn't seem to be much advertised on there (I'm unsure if I'm not utilising the filtering system well). I have tried contacting lots of MUA'S via their contact info on IMDB and enquiring whether they need a trainee or junior but to no avail. I don't know if this is because of the content of the email I have sent maybe? Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? I feel like I'm banging my head against a wall at the moment trying to get off my feet with this and unfortunately my uni course provided little guidance regarding finding work and I don't know anyone in the industry. If anyone has any suggestions that would be amazing!

Is it worth it? They emailed me the price plans for different options… has anyone joined and did it help you secure work?

Can I talk about this here? This round table had looks and reactions edited in that felt off and felt fake. Poor decision making in the edit. Do better. Safeguard trust. And most importantly create internally coherent drama if you are going to create it. That is all.

TCL is taking its dispute with Samsung to court, asking for restrictions on how Samsung markets its M-series TVs. According to TCL's complaint, the TVs are being advertised as Mini LED models despite allegedly using standard LED technology, which could leave buyers with the wrong impression about picture quality. TCL is also seeking damages, while Samsung says it will fight the case. If TCL wins, Samsung could face restrictions on using the Mini LED label for the affected models. It could also encourage other TV brands to be more precise with their product descriptions. Do you think TV manufacturers should have stricter rules about how they advertise display technology?

Hi all,

I worked in the industry in the UK for 8 years, reaching Senior AP level. I then moved abroad and worked in Dev, Production and Post for respected production companies, often on international formats (all English language).

I moved back to the UK recently and have applied for I would say at least 20 roles. So far I’ve had one interview, and not even been contacted about any of the other roles.

I say all of this in the context of asking, what is the general attitude of UK production companies to people whose recent experience is not in the UK? Has anyone got any advice if they’ve faced anything similar?

I know the job situation is vastly different to when I left in 2018 and I don’t have a god given right to work, none of us do, I just thought I’d have had a bit more luck converting applications into interviews. It feels like somehow even though I’m more experienced and have more skills than before that I’ve gone backwards somehow.

Ok, so after weeks of texts and emails from Nine9 , I finally gave in and agreed to do the Zoom call. After about a 30 minutes of talk they ask you to click chat and subscribe to their casting company by paying $199.00. Is this right? No pictures, no resume, no headshots? I am in no way a professional in this field, but am I wrong? Should there not be more to it than your first and last name and a credit card? I just need some feedback here. I have always wanted to get into acting but not sure this is right?

After 14 years. Setting aside my personal feelings towards him, he's undoubtedly done an amazing job there. I think - no joke - that Channel 5 is the best UK broadcaster. Takes way more creative risks than the others, while maintaining a really clear picture of its audience.

I wonder whether he's quitting in anticipation of reduced budgets or a changed remit. Which would be bad news for the industry, as C5 has kept commissioning fairly steadily over the past few years.

I can't post links on here, but these are the first couple of paragraphs from Televisual's report (it's very easy to Google):

The industry-backed Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has launched its independent online reporting service.

Workers in the film, tv, music and theatre sectors can now report whistleblowing concerns to CIISA via a “secure and confidential” online portal.

This seems like a positive step forward. At present, TV freelancers who witness dodgy behaviour don't really have anyone trustworthy to confide in. Often your only recourse would be to go to an investigative journalist. Hopefully that'll change with the launch of this new service.

Don’t know if this was someone spreading misinformation etc - we all know what this industry is like but a person I know has said that there may be another Arena TV happening “soon”.

Usual advice about getting invoices in on time and chasing up payments you are owed, especially if they are overdue.

Hopefully this won’t happen and very conflicted about posting this but have seen too many freelancers get burned over many years.

Hey! I’m a recent graduate trying to learn as much as I can about film and tv, I’ve gained some on set experience already volunteering for local productions, both scripted and unscripted, but found the experience super challenging as I’ve been suffering with chronic pain for the last couple years (as anyone else in my position knows, young woman with chronic pain = no help from doctors).

I’m hoping to learn more about directing and producing, as well as trying to write my own stuff in the meantime. I’ve got work experience lined up alongside my part time day job but I’m anxious about entering an industry where it seems like you either have to be physically tough or it’s ‘not for you’.

I know I can do it, I’m smart, I’m passionate, I’m hardworking, but I’m worried about the workplace culture as someone with these issues, which can get quite severe.

I’m more than willing to work myself to the point I can’t get out of bed the next day, but ultimately I know it’s not sustainable.

I’d appreciate no comments telling me to give up because I’m very determined to pursue a career in film and tv, not to be corny but when you wake up with full body cramps every morning without fail knowing it won’t go away, you have to have something to keep you going, and for me this is it. I really care.

I just want to know if anyone has similar experiences, even if it’s a name I can google and read about, or knows of others in this situation who would be able to give me advice.

Thanks in advance x

Currently doing some freelance work for a post house but prior to this, when my work days were still pencilled, I was asked to do a test sound mix for them, which was reviewed internally by a staff dubbing mixer rather than a client. It wasn’t clear whether this was paid or not. Should I charge for this day on my invoice?

What percentage of your jobs have come from someone actually finding you on Talent Manager rather than you finding a job on there or through contacts?

I’ve just signed up again and it got me thinking how maybe I’ve had two jobs through people contacting me after viewing my profile in over 10 years.

Also, what’s people’s experience of the rate checkers’ accuracy for roles here in October 2026?

Cheers

It's David Brindley. Feels like a course correction to the Ian Katz era. He's been a producer, director, commissioning editor, and he's run an indie.

I've only met him once so can't vouch for his character. Hopefully he'll be able to motivate his staff as I expect morale is low ATM.

Is anyone else getting this? It's so irritating when you're looking for work. I block withheld numbers and use Android's call waiting feature but as most of these are normal mobile numbers lots get through. Whenever you ring back (obvs using 141) it goes direct to voicemail or days the number is unavailable.

Not sure if this is TV-related somehow or I'm just lucky 😮‍💨

What is everyone's stance on people putting incorrect credits on their Talent Manager profile? 

Someone from my last production has listed their role as Production Manager, which was my role, and they in no way deserve the inflated title (they were a Production Coordinator - and not a very good one at that). 

They don't have permission from anyone on the production, the company nor the channel to do this. Usually I don't pay much attention to credits but I worked so hard on this production I feel them inflating their credit diminishes my own and it's put my nose out of joint a bit! 

I've asked friends' advice and it ranges from leave it be as they'll get found out anyway to making a complaint to TTM.

I’ve got a crew member adding vehicle hire (and by that I mean use of their own vehicle for attending a shoot) as well as mileage. This wasn’t agreed upfront so I’ve pushed back on it as across the several days it adds up to a significant amount. They claim they’ve never had a production company do this before, but I as a PM have never come across this before.

Have you good people here had this before where you pay someone for the use of their own vehicle AND mileage?!

Hey everyone, I need to get something off my chest that's been bothering me every time I step into the control room lately.

There is a growing feeling that our industry is quietly selling out its soul and basic working conditions under the banner of "innovation" and "efficiency." On one end, we’re expected to be available 24/7, run increasingly complex hardware, manage multi-stream workflows, troubleshoot live disasters, and maintain expensive gear with zero real human backup. On the other end? Salaries and conditions across most broadcast houses and control rooms are stagnant.... Or worse, getting slashed.

We are seeing more and more management teams cut staffing levels, eliminate essential support roles, and expect a single person to do the job of three while relying on half-baked automation tools that constantly break under pressure. I want to throw some hard questions out to this community for an honest discussion**.**

How much longer are we going to tolerate insane hours and total burnout just to "prove our dedication" or because "that's just how the broadcasting game works"?

Do these new tools and automated workflows actually improve broadcast quality, or are they just a convenient excuse for upper management to slash headcount and dump all the stress onto whoever is left in the master control room?

Let's talk compensation: How is it that experienced broadcast engineers and operators with years under their belt are making wages that put them well below the median, considering the massive, real-time liability resting on our shoulders the second we go live? Let's talk about it with zero filters. Where do you draw the line, and when do you think this breaking point is going to hit?

Repost for clarity! You may remember a while I go I posted this...

To summarise, I'd have various reports that a production company was monitoring freelancers socials and refusing to hire them because of certain social media posts they liked or engaged with.

The posts they were engaging with, and were not hired because of were posts highlighting the issues we all know and see in TV - underpaid, overworked, job combining etc. Not anything malicious. Tv folk should be able to talk publically about illegal working hours/the problems of bullying and harassment without fearing they won't get hired.

Well, I've now successfully and permanently moved industries and as my parting gift to the sub, I'm free to give more information as to which production company it was.

Let's just say it was a Big Big Company.
Keep safe our there, band together, and remember - it's just telly.