Rebuilding after redundancy: a guide for film and TV professionals

The film and TV industry is still in flux. Streaming dominance, shrinking ad revenue, and the decline of mid-budget productions have reshaped the creative landscape. For many people in our industry, redundancy and freelance instability are no longer rare – they’re routine. 

This blog is for anyone rebuilding, reconnecting, and rediscovering purpose in the wake of change. Whether you’re between projects or facing redundancy, there are tools, strategies, and communities ready to support you.

Understanding the current landscape for UK screen industry professionals 

In our previous blog, Coping with redundancy, we explored the emotional and practical toll of widespread layoffs. Since then, the challenges have only deepened. Today, nearly half of the screen workforce operates as freelancers, often enduring long gaps between projects and extended periods without pay. According to our Looking Glass Survey, two-thirds of freelancers are taking steps to leave the industry within the next five years, citing financial instability and burnout as key reasons why. 

And these pressures are not evenly distributed. Women and talent from the Black and Global Majority face disproportionate impacts, threatening hard-won gains in representation. Redundancy and ongoing joblessness aren’t just financial losses – they’re ruptures in people’s identity too. In an industry where passion and personal investment run deep, losing work can feel like losing a part of yourself. 

But this moment, painful as it may be, can also be a turning point. 

How to reclaim routine and protect your wellbeing 

Isolation can magnify pressure, particularly when there’s no clear shape to the day. Creating some structure – even a light one – can help stabilise energy and focus. Small, deliberate choices like scheduled work blocks, time for creative projects, and regular pauses to reset can make the days feel more manageable. 

Where to find peer support and professional help 

Support networks are equally vital. Weekly check-ins with trusted peers or mentors can offer accountability and encouragement. Informal ​“accountability buddies” help share goals and celebrate small wins. Online groups and local meet-ups for freelancers foster collective empathy and remind you that you’re not alone in this transition. 

Professional help is also available. Our Support Line offers confidential, in-the-moment support and can refer you for up to six counselling sessions. Sometimes, just talking to someone that understands the industry can make all the difference.

Get in touch by calling 0800 054 0000.

Regaining financial control after redundancy 

Financial stress compounds emotional strain, so taking proactive steps to manage your money is essential. Begin by auditing your savings, subscriptions, and non-essential expenses. A simple weekly budget review – just 30 minutes to track spending – can help you identify costs to pause or cancel. Discover how our Budget Planner could support you.

Grants and hardship funds for film and TV workers 

If you’re facing redundancy, check your eligibility for statutory pay or opportunity grants available through industry bodies. These resources exist to help you stay afloat while you plan your next move.

Building a freelance safety net and upskilling 

Redundancy, while daunting, can also be a rare opportunity to reassess and retool. The industry is evolving rapidly, and with that change comes new formats, roles, and ways of working. Upskilling isn’t just about survival – it’s about shaping your future on your own terms. 

Consider pivoting into adjacent fields like branded content or post-production. Shadowing roles outside your specialty – whether in development, marketing, or distribution – can reveal new niches and spark fresh ideas. 

ScreenSkills offers free or subsidised courses in everything from production management to virtual production and sustainability. Micro-courses in editing software, VFX basics, or sound design can broaden your toolkit. Bursaries may be available through ScreenSkills or through training delivered by BFI‑funded regional Skills Clusters. 

Signing up for industry newsletters can also keep you informed about webinars, mentorship schemes, and funding opportunities.

Reframing your professional identity after redundancy 

Redundancy is hard, especially in a field where work often defines worth. But this is a chance to shift focus – from ​“job lost” to ​“skills gained.” Refresh your showreel and website with recent work and testimonials. Curate a targeted social media presence that reflects your expertise and creative voice. 

Take time to list your transferable skills and past achievements. Volunteer for short-term collaborations or passion projects. Explore new outlets – writing, teaching, digital content – that reignite purpose. Creativity itself can be a form of therapy: brainstorming, filming, editing, even sharing ideas with peers can help restore your spark. 

You’re not alone – get in touch today.

Support available from the Film and TV Charity

You’re not starting over – you’re starting fresh. Redundancy may feel like an ending, but it can also be the beginning of something more aligned, more intentional, and more resilient. 

If you’re looking for a change of scene, book a free workspace at our Soho office. And if you need someone to talk to, our Support Line is open 24/7 on 0800 054 0000. 

Frequently asked questions

What support does the Film and TV Charity offer for redundancy?

We offer a free, confidential 24/7 Support Line – available on 0800 054 0000 – with up to six counselling sessions, free legal advice, financial guidance, and access to our free workspace at our Soho office.

Am I eligible for the Stop-Gap Grant?

The Stop-Gap Grant is available to film, TV, and cinema workers facing financial hardship. Eligibility criteria and application details can be found here. 

Where can I find freelance mental health support in the film industry?

The Film and TV Charity provides specialist support for screen industry professionals, including counselling, peer support, and industry-specific resources via our Support Line.