The WorkWise for Screen Podcast

• Navigating Visa Complexity: Bringing International Talent to UK Screen Projects, with Sally McEwen

  How do you bring a talented producer from Australia or a specialist consultant from Sweden to work on your UK production? And just how complex is the visa process for people from another country hoping to work in the UK screen industry? In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small speak with Sally McEwen, an immigration law specialist at OTB Legal, to demystify the UK visa system. With 19 years of experience and Level 2 accreditation, Sally breaks down the visa application routes available to employers and freelancers, from skilled worker visas for producers and directors to creative worker licenses for makeup artists and costume designers. Sally explains why the screen sector has unique advantages but also faces increasing scrutiny as immigration becomes a hot political topic. She explores the difference between sponsoring employees versus working with global talent visa holders, and why getting job descriptions exactly right is critical to comply with Home Office rules. From the importance of budgeting to the surprisingly long timelines involved, this conversation provides guidance for navigating one of the most complex and constantly changing areas of screen industry operations. The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. This episode covers: The two main visa routes for screen sector: skilled worker and creative worker visas Realistic timelines: why you need to think in months, not days or weeks Why legal fees are minimal compared to the cost of getting it wrong The human impact: remembering real people and families behind every application CHAPTER MARKERS (00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita (01:03) Understanding Visa Requirements (02:41) Sponsorship and Visa Types (05:13) Global Talent Visa Explained (07:27) Visa Application Timelines and Costs (09:30) Challenges and Responsibilities in Visa Processes (13:39) Common Pitfalls and Compliance (22:01) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita LINKS WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/  Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/  Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/  BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/  National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/  Sally McEwen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-mcewen-77648b27/  OTB Legal: https://www.otb-legal.co.uk/  UK Home Office Immigration Rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules  PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television): https://www.pact.co.uk/  Arts Council England: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/

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• From Friends to Founders: Building Professional Structures in Startups, with David White

  What happens when a group of university friends builds a successful games studio, and when the company grows, they need to transform friendship dynamics into professional practices? And how do you introduce HR processes, performance reviews, and organisational hierarchy without losing the magic that made the business work in the first place? In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small speak to David White, People and Culture Manager at Junkfish, about the challenges of joining an established startup built by friends. Junkfish is an independent games development studio based in the UK and Singapore. Arriving at the ten-year mark, David faced the task of bringing definition, structure, and professional maturity to a business that had thrived on informal relationships. From conducting individual interviews with every team member to define a company-wide vision, to creating behavioural charts across seven categories, David shares how he helped translate what existed organically into a universal language suitable for sustained growth. He explores managing bias when line managers are best friends with their reports, the importance of active listening, and why value-based interviewing helps protect cherished startup culture while welcoming outsiders. With honest insights about managing bias and creating clear boundaries, this conversation provides a roadmap for creative businesses navigating the transition from informal to professional without losing their soul. The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. This episode covers: Defining mission, vision, values, and organisational identity for the first time Managing bias when managers are friends with their team members Translating informal practices into formal policies and processes Active listening and meeting people where they're at during times of change The problem of people wearing multiple hats and creating clear boundaries (00:00) Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast with Keith and Tacita (01:44) Introducing David White from Junkfish (03:28) Defining Roles and Responsibilities in a Startup (07:14) Building a Professional Culture (09:46) Implementing Behavioral Standards (11:57) Managing Change and Communication (18:08) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita LINKS WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/ Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/ Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/ BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/ National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/ David White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-white-hr/?originalSubdomain=uk  Junkfish: https://www.junkfish.net/

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• Using NDAs as a Shield to Protect Creativity, Commerce and Privacy, with Peter Adediran

  When should you ask someone to sign an NDA? And how do you make sure it protects your business without silencing legitimate concerns? In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith speaks with Peter Adediran from Pail Solicitors about one of the most misunderstood tools in the screen industries: the non-disclosure agreement. From protecting scripts and budgets to safeguarding personal health information on Call Sheets, Peter explains why tailored, proportionate NDAs are essential for creative businesses while warning against their misuse as weapons to stifle whistleblowing. Peter breaks down the two categories NDAs should protect, firstly creative commercial material and secondly personal private matters. He explores why a runner shouldn't sign the same NDA as a casting director, and why proactive, clear drafting prevents costly disputes down the line. From the importance of proper translation for non-English speakers to allowing for disclosures of wrongful conduct, this conversation provides guidance on how to put together an NDA which is used to protect creativity, commercial activity and privacy, rather than to attack or intimidate. The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. The two categories NDAs protect: creative commercial material and personal private matters Why NDAs must be tailored to different roles and access levels Protected disclosures: what NDAs cannot and must not cover The importance of proportionate, clear, plain English drafting Proactive vs reactive approaches to legal agreements When mediation and conversation can prevent disputes CHAPTER MARKERS (00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith  (02:37) The Types of Information Protected by Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) (06:24) Misuse and Limitations of NDAs (08:19) International Considerations of NDAs (10:29) Fairness and Proactive Legal Approaches (12:51) When Mediation is Needed (17:47) Conclusions with Keith Arrowsmith LINKS WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/  Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/  Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/  BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/  National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/  Peter Adediran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteradediran/  Pail Solicitors: https://pailsolicitors.co.uk/  ACAS Guidance on Settlement Agreements: https://www.acas.org.uk/  Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) Information: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/23/contents

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• Building Community and Resilience: Supporting Freelancers and Leaders to Bridge the Skills Gap, with Sara Putt

  How do you combat the isolation of freelance work when your entire industry runs on short-term contracts? And what can we learn from "considerate constructors" about treating our crews with the care they deserve? Sara Putt, founder of Sara Putt Associates and Chair of BAFTA, joins Keith Arrowsmith and Sally Bendtson to explore how to build a community that breaks down the isolation experienced by both freelancers and company leaders in the screen industries. With 35 years of experience as an agent and with her leadership roles at BAFTA and the Film and TV Charity, Sara brings unparalleled perspective on the challenges facing our rapidly changing sector. From the tangible benefits of networking events where opportunities are created and shared, to bridging the soft skills gap that leaves talented people struggling to manage large teams, Sara discusses the challenges facing the freelance backbone of our industry - and why she is positive about the future.  With insights ranging from French three-course film lunches to the potential return of eight-hour workdays, this conversation explores what it means to create sustainable, inclusive careers in the screen industry while maintaining the creativity and storytelling that defines our work. The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. The isolation of freelance work, and why community building matters. Creating tangible employment opportunities through networking and collaboration. Remote technologies as tools for accessibility and regional inclusion. The soft skills gap: management training and professional development beyond technical skills Learning from other industries.  Business cases for inclusive practices and the role of CIISA standards CHAPTER MARKERS (0:00) Introduction with Sally Bendtson and Keith Arrowsmith (01:50) Challenges and Changes in the Industry (02:53) Building Resilience and Community (04:45) The Role of Freelancers and Building Relationships (09.53) The Importance of Soft Skills (13:48) Learning from Other Industries and Countries (23:13) Conclusion with Sally Bendtson and Keith Arrowsmith LINKS WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/ Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/ Sally Bendtson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallybendtson/ Limelight HR: https://limelighthr.co.uk/ BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/ National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/ Sara Putt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraputt/ Sara Putt Associates: https://www.saraputtassociates.co.uk/ BAFTA: https://www.bafta.org/ The Film and TV Charity: https://www.filmtvcharity.org.uk/Creative UK: https://www.wearecreative.uk/

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• BONUS: Building longevity in a freelance world with Daniel Pearl

  How do you build career paths and lasting teams in an industry built on short-term contracts? And what happens when traditional employment structures disappear, even at institutions like the BBC? In this episode recorded at our Sheffield event, Dr Amit Patel is joined by Daniel Pearl, Creative Director at Lion Television, the company behind hit series such as Castaway, Britain's Biggest Dig and Horrible Histories. Daniel discusses the challenges of creating career stability and growth opportunities in today's fragmented screen industry where "everyone's a freelancer" and there is a lack of structured career progression. Daniel discusses the reality facing creative leaders today, from receiving dozens of daily emails from people seeking work to witnessing talented professionals leave the industry entirely. He reveals how Lion Television, as part of the All3Media group, attempts to impose structure through longer contracts, cross-project team movement, and hands-on training opportunities, giving people real decision-making experience rather than just theoretical training. The conversation explores practical approaches to talent retention, the loneliness of freelance work, and why creating connections between projects can make all the difference to both individual careers and business sustainability. The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. This episode covers: The reality of industry fragmentation and loss of traditional career structures How longevity has become a key strategic focus for sustainable production companies Making freelancers feel valued through longer contracts and cross-project movement  Hands-on training approaches: learning by doing rather than formal schemes  Practical approaches to creating career paths within production companies CHAPTER MARKERS (00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith (01:47) The lack of Career Structure in the TV Industry (03:31) Creating a Positive Workplace at Lion Television (05:57) Training and Retaining Talent (07:09) Diversity and Emerging Talent (08:33) Conclusion and Resources LINKS WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/ Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/ Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/ BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/  National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/  Daniel Pearl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-pearl-168a2132/  Lion Television: https://www.liontv.com/  All3Media: https://www.all3media.com/

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