Money Matters 2
Our second Money Matters Report, based on insights from more than 2,000 respondents given in October 2025, exposes a workforce under intensifying financial strain.
Far from easing, the pressures seen in our previous report in 2023 have become worse – pushing more people, particularly freelancers, toward the difficult decision to leave the industry altogether.
Financial challenges facing film, TV, and cinema professionals
22% were experiencing ‘sustained worklessness’ – out of work at the time of the survey and having worked fewer than three months in the previous year. Those affected faced an average seven-month gap between jobs
46% of freelancers say they are struggling financially, compared with 27% of permanent staff
74% have considered leaving the industry due to financial worries, and 43% have already taken steps to do so – up from 32% in 2023
Short and long-term financial impacts on industry workers
These challenges are creating both immediate hardship and deep, lasting consequences for the workforce:
36% have less than £1,000 in savings
56% are not saving into a pension – a figure rising to 63% among freelancers
How financial instability is changing the film, TV, and cinema industry
Across film, TV, and cinema, workers are facing depleted savings, stalled pension contributions, and rising financial uncertainty. Instability is reshaping the workforce and threatens the long-term sustainability of the sector.
For many – especially freelancers – the absence of security, financial resilience, and long-term planning means instability has become entrenched. The report makes clear: this is a structural challenge. It cannot be addressed through short-term planning means instability has become entrenched.
The report makes it clear: this is a structural challenge. It cannot be addressed through short-term recovery efforts alone and requires coordinated, industry-wide intervention to safeguard careers and ensure the sector’s future.
Get in touch
For questions about the Money Matters reports, please contact [email protected]
Related research
-
Money Matters Report
22 January 2024
Understanding the finances and financial resilience of film, TV, and cinema industry workers
-
Make Freelancing Pay
6 March 2025
Looking at changes to the UK tax and benefits system, and how that could help film and TV industry freelancers