Putting people first: using communication and data to create safer workplaces, with Elizabeth Peyton-Jones
What does transparency really mean in production? And how do we make it more than just a buzzword?
In this episode, Elizabeth Peyton-Jones - founder of Talent Trust - an organisation that helps productions create safer, more inclusive sets through anonymous, real-time crew feedback - joins Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small to break down why transparency, preparation, and communication are essential ingredients in creating psychologically safe and inclusive working environments on set.
They explore how small missteps at the start of a project can lead to silence, burnout, and costly fallout later on, and why data-driven insights matter when it comes to supporting diverse crews and creating a culture of trust.
With plentiful experience and evidence gathered from anonymous surveys, Elizabeth shares practical steps production teams can take from the hiring process to the wrap party - to ensure teams feel heard, protected, and proud of the projects they’re part of.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
What transparency really means in screen work
How miscommunication early on erodes trust and morale
How Talent Trust uses anonymous feedback to improve productions in real-time
Why inclusive hiring is just the beginning - and what comes next
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en
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/
Elizabeth Peyton-Jones: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-peyton-jones-4599a331
Talent Trust: https://www.talenttrustservices.com/
Chapter Markers
00:00 Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast
01:00 The Importance of Transparency in Governance and HR
03:24 Challenges in the screen industry
03:57 The role of Talent Trust
05:20 Complexities in the Screen Sector
07:26 Psychological safety and production practices
12:09 Feedback mechanisms and their impact
18:40 Diversity and Inclusion in Productions
21:21 Conclusion and key takeaways
23:34 Closing remarks and contact information
--------
24:14
--------
24:14
BONUS: Legally Different - NI and UK Employment Law with Leanne Murphy
In this bonus episode of the WorkWise for Screen podcast, we bring you highlights from our recent live event, featuring Leanne Murphy - Employment and Equality Solicitor at Rosemary Connolly Solicitors.
She shares practical advice on how small to medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland can legally protect themselves by investing in solid HR foundations early on. From understanding the difference between freelancers, workers and employees, to navigating free legal resources and policy templates, Leanne breaks down what every screen employer should know. She also highlights the legal obligations that apply to any production taking place in Northern Ireland - crucial knowledge for producers working across the UK.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
Low-cost HR resources for NI-based businesses
Why written contracts and clear policies matter
The importance of training, annual policy reviews and duty of care
How NI employment law differs from the rest of the UK and what producers should consider when filming there
Outlines expected changes under the proposed Employment Rights Bill
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en
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/
Leanne Murphy: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leanne-murphy-388bb047
Rosemary Connolly Solicitors: https://www.solicitorsni.net/
Chapter Markers
00:00 Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast
01:13 Setting the stage: Legal protection for your business
01:18 HR Structures and resources in Northern Ireland
05:59 Understanding employment status: freelancers vs. employees
09:26 Importance of clear policies and procedures
12:18 Upcoming changes in employment law
16:20 Workwise for Screen: a valuable resource
19:50 Conclusion and call to action
--------
20:34
--------
20:34
Fix it in Post: Looking at Post-Production through a human rights lens with Amelia Knott
Has the area of post-production been overlooked when we talk about safe and fair working conditions in the screen industry?
In this episode, Tacita Small and Keith Arrowsmith sit down with Amelia Knott, Human Rights Specialist for the TV industry Human Rights Forum, to explore how to improve working conditions once filming has wrapped.
From working for long hours with few breaks, to working with sensitive or disturbing material, to the pressures of shrinking budgets, Amelia shares some tips to create a culture where everyone working in post-production, including people in ancillary roles, feels comfortable to raise issues and speak up.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
The right to health in post-production, including mental and physical wellbeing and the right to family life
Working with traumatic or sensitive content
The pressures facing the industry and how these can impact individuals
The challenge of championing creativity without forgetting about safeguarding
Making sure everyone on a production works in fair and safe conditions, including ancillary workers like security guards.
Introduction to Amelia Knott and her work in the area of human rights, and the specific challenges involved with working in post production, from physical wellbeing to working with sensitive content. (0.00-08.15)
The pressures facing production companies, insecure working environments and how to consider the wellbeing of ancillary workers on a project while balancing the need to champion art and creativity. (08.15-13.11)
Amelia gives examples of a positive working culture where nobody is forgotten and a culture is created where everyone feels valued and able to raise issues. (13.11-end)
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita
(01:51) Amelia’s background and the human rights lens
(05:00) The human rights issues we see in post-production
(10:00) The pressures facing the post-production industry
(12:38) Considering everyone who is at risk on a project
(14:55) Creating a culture where everyone can raise issues
(18:12) Examples of good working practices to foster trust
(21:34) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en
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/
Amelia Knott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-knott-897a722/
TV Industry Human Rights Forum: https://www.tvhumanrights.org/
--------
25:16
--------
25:16
BONUS: Building a workplace where people thrive with Michelle Walsh
For this episode, we took Workwise for Screen on the road to Belfast - bringing together people across production, HR, law and support services to ask how we can better support the workplace conditions across the UK screen industry.
In this episode, Michelle Walsh, Head of Production at Stellify Media - an award-winning unscripted production company committed to telling human stories - shares candid insights on why the company's strong values around wellbeing and trust start with leadership.
She also speaks honestly about the importance of integrating freelancers within their work practices and how she’s working towards creating fairer, more supportive workplaces for everyone.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
How social connection and small gestures build stronger, happier communities
The importance of one-on-one check-ins and why skipping them isn't an option
Juggling tight deadlines while still leading with empathy
Episode Topics
Introductions for this special episode recording live in Belfast, guest Michelle Walsh, Head of Production at Stellify Media, maximising efficiency from employees through building a happy, sociable workplace culture and by extending trust and flexibility to employees. (00:00 - 06:02)
The importance of regular, open communication in the workplace, strategies for making freelancers feel included and balancing wellbeing with the pressure of busy productions. (06:02 - 09:09)
How training and skills development can help people to stay motivated, and how WorkWise for Screen is an opportunity to share valuable expertise. The episode closes with conclusions from the hosts. (09:09 - to end)
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Tacita and Keith
(01:43) Michelle’s background and trusting employees
(04:34) Strategies for team bonding
(06:02) How to make Freelancers feel part of the company
(07:09) Meeting the needs of staff vs production pressures
(09:09) How to keep the team motivated
(09:50) Skills development for staff and freelancers
(11:21) Working on the docudrama “Titanic Sinks Tonight”
(14:20) What can we learn from Workwise
(15:11) Conclusions with Tacita and Keith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en
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/
Michelle Walsh: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michelle-walsh-a9278723a
Stellify Media: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stellifymedia
--------
20:34
--------
20:34
BONUS: Creating sustainable careers in the screen industries with Mairéad Regan
This bonus episode, recorded live in Belfast, explores how we can better support workplace conditions across the UK screen industry - from production and HR to legal and support services. This time we’re joined by HR consultant and executive coach Mairéad Regan. She shares her deep experience working across both in-house and freelance sectors in the screen industries. With a focus on fair, inclusive and effective hiring.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
Why job descriptions need regular reviewing
Structuring interviews to minimise bias and ensure fairness
Creating safe work cultures
The importance of seeking legal advice early
Episode Topics
Introductions for this special episode recording live in Belfast, guest Mairéad Regan, HR consultant and coach shares practical guidance on recruitment, broadening talent pools and emphasises the importance of safe and open workplace cultures. (00:00 - 08:35)
The importance of foundational HR practices, inclusive recruitment partnerships and internal accountability through D&I training. (00:08:35 - 00:14:05)
WorkWise for Screen as a valuable and growing resource, the need for greater flexibility in working practices. the episode closed by inviting listeners to explore the platform. (00:14:10 - to end)
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Tacita and Keith (01:47) Mairéad Regan’s background as an HR Consultant and Executive Coach in the Screen Industry (02:43) Getting the fundamentals in place when recruiting and setting the right expectations from the start (04:52) Ensuring you have an environment where people feel safe to speak up (05:32) How to make roles more suitable for people who have outside responsibilities (08:35) How companies can attract talent from underrepresented groups (10:49) Advice and useful resources for small companies (14:06) The resources available at WorkWise and the importance of networks (14:59) Conclusions with Tacita and Keith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en
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/
Mairéad Regan: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mairead-regan-165a153a
MR Coaching: https://mrcoaching.co.uk/
In the UK we have fantastic talent working across our industry from film to production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. But as you know it's not an easy business to be in. We all grapple with complex questions around production and our working practices. On the WorkWise for Screen Podcast we’ll get the lowdown on all your legal and people management concerns from industry experts. The programme is an initiative to improve good working practices in the screen industries with the support of the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding. https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.
Netherlands