The Ultimate Career Toolkit for Self-Employed Actors in the UK Film & TV Industry

The UK boasts a world-class film and high-end TV (HETV) sector, allowing freelance actors and performers the opportunity to participate in some of the globe’s most thrilling productions. However, navigating the industry and working as a freelancer can be challenging. To support you on your journey, we have compiled the ultimate toolkit of organisations and resources for UK performers, including supporting artists.

Looking for help navigating your tax obligations? See our ultimate tax guide for self-employed workers in the UK film and TV industry here.

Unions

The UK film and TV industry is supported by several unions that protect the rights and interests of performers.

• Equity: As the national union for actors and performers in the UK, Equity represents over 50,000 members. It provides union representation, legal advice, pension support and public liability insurance. Equity actively campaigns on behalf of its members on issues that affect performers, including AI regulation, fair pay and improved working conditions.
• The Film Artistes’ Association (FAA) / BECTU: If you are a supporting artist working in London, the FAA can offer valuable support. This branch of BECTU ensures fair pay and safe working conditions and provides various legal, practical and financial resources to its members.
• Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT): PACT is the UK’s trade body for independent production and distribution companies. While it does not represent artists, PACT negotiates with the FAA and Equity on agreements and rates for supporting artists. It advocates for and supports production companies, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

Charities and membership groups

• The Film and TV Charity: An invaluable charity that provides critical financial support and welfare benefits to individuals working in film, TV and cinema. In addition to a confidential helpline, financial grants and employment advice, the Film and TV Charity offers resources such as a benefits calculator to help you identify support you might be eligible for. If you are struggling with mental health issues, the Film and TV Charity Support Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free, confidential support via phone or web chat. They can refer callers to specialist legal and financial advice and offer six free, one-to-one structured counselling sessions.
• ScreenSkills: Provides excellent resources to educate various freelancers and film and TV professionals on the essentials of working on set. Their comprehensive Freelancer Toolkit covers topics such as UK tax law and how to enhance your screen sector portfolio. They also offer training and development opportunities through a multitude of free learning courses, including the ‘ScreenSkills Training Passport,’ ‘Software Upskilling for Screen Professionals’ and ‘Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion on Screen.’
• Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE): a UK not-for-profit organisation that supports self-employed individuals. IPSE provides valuable resources, protection and a welcoming community while advocating for the fair treatment and recognition of self-employment as a respected career choice.
• Women in Film and Television (WFTV): WFTV is dedicated to uplifting and celebrating women in the UK film and TV industry. They host regular networking events, workshops, and an annual mentoring scheme designed to help mid-career women build connections and advance their careers within the screen sector.

Staying informed and inspired

• The Rest is Entertainment: Stay updated on industry happenings with this UK podcast, hosted by Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde. The show explores contemporary entertainment stories across film, and TV, publishing and cultural politics. Each week, two episodes are released: a main episode discussing current events and a Q&A episode addressing listener questions (be sure to check out their previous episode on life as a supporting artist!).
• The Screen International Podcast: This monthly podcast serves as your backstage pass to the global screen industry. Hosted by Matt Mueller, editor of Screen International, and Fionnuala Halligan, chief film critic, each episode keeps you informed about creative and business trends shaping the screen world. With special guest appearances from filmmakers, industry experts and critics, you’ll gain in-depth insight into the filmmaking process.
• Beyond the Frame with Film London: Beyond The Frame is a 7-part podcast from Film London. Hosted by Adrian Wootton OBE, the series shines a light on the amazing creative talents working behind the scenes in the screen industries. Each episode features in-depth and engaging conversations with directors, producers, costume designers and more, giving listeners a sneak peek into the world of film, TV and games.

Interested in becoming a supporting artist on UK film and TV productions? Find out more here!