Marvin OnumonuITV has launched a pilot called the ITV Green Room, working with the Film and TV Charity, to support freelancers between jobs.
The programme was developed by ITV’s mental health advisory group, responding to the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass report, which found freelancers needed more support.
The pilot will bring 20 experienced freelancers together to form a peer network, with access to ITV colleagues as mentors.
Participants will attend events, training sessions and workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and CV clinics, and can use ITV’s London White City office one day a week.
The scheme is set to run from January to April, with plans to expand to the regions over the next year.
Freelancers will get workspace access, with one day a week at the ITV office to work and connect.
There will be “lunch and learn” training sessions covering resilience and strengths, plus three coaching sessions with an ITV mentor.
Three in-person workshops are also planned, with support from ITV academy, including networking with ITV studios representatives, talent managers and commissioners.
Marcus Ryder, CEO at the Film and TV Charity, said: “ITV’s Green Room is a bold response to the Film and TV Charity’s work and research, recognising freelancers’ realities and offering genuine solutions, continuity and community. We warmly welcome this initiative and are proud to support it.”
Sarah Hunt, head of strategy and communications, social purpose at ITV, said: “ITV’s Mental Health Advisory Group is committed to addressing the challenges we face in the industry that impact people’s mental health.
“Through this pilot, we hope to show how bringing people together and providing a space to work, access to decision-makers and insight into the industry will help to boost people’s skills, confidence and networks – something that could be replicated across the industry.”
Nahrein Kemp, DEI and talent lead, said: “Reading the Film & TV Charity’s Looking Glass report showed that there is more we must do to support our freelancers.
“This is why we have launched The ITV Green Room – a chance for us to support freelancers in a bespoke and positive way.”
Sonny Hanley, director, ITV academy, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this high-impact programme.
“The ITV Green Room is built directly on the recommended actions from The Film and TV Charity.
“This pilot is designed to bridge the challenging and isolating gaps between roles, serving as a crucial investment in the well-being and long-term sustainability of the UK’s production workforce.”
