Clearly reality TV seems the worst but is it quite similar across all genres? What about natural history, science etc? Very different or largely the same ?
It really is across the board generally speaking, however it is not every single team or show that you work on will be toxic to the same degree. It is a matter of using discernment when choosing and speaking up if something isn’t right I would say. Don’t be afraid to try but don’t accept toxic behaviour or treatment.
I work in TV and would say that reality TV and entertainment do seem to come up the worst. I have had my issues and a few years ago, I quit from the BBC due to similar problems of being cast as 'difficult' and a 'bad apple'. I thought it might impact on my future prospects but fortunately it didn't. I did however end up working for a small company run by two very toxic and slightly unhinged people, but then I've also worked for some great companies. In my personal experience, on balance, I would say my overall experience is about 60/40 in favour of the job in terms of toxicity and working practices. But everything written above resonates with me, because if it hasn't happened to me directly, I know someone it's happened to. For me it's hard to leave because when the job is good, it's great! I also pick my genres and what I want to work on to a degree. I avoid reality shows like the plague! I don't like them as a viewer either, so why work on them! The industry has got much better than it was, but there's still an awful lot of work to be done!
I find this in itself quite interesting - how certain genres seem to accommodate the more toxic colleagues. You're also right about individual teams which can vary enormously. I've worked with amazing teams and terrible teams and that's often just down to luck.
Very much so. Every contract is a gamble. Never know what you’re going to get. I found it easier when I at least knew one or two people on the production but even so, doesn’t guarantee anything and it’s always still a risk...!
Wow thanks for sharing. Your skills would work well in the arts. Having had limited experience in tv I can truly say the arts is much less toxic. Wishing you all the best with future endeavours.
Thank you. I am still going to work in other areas and like I said I may well produce again but most definitely not in those circumstances. Thank you very much, I wish you well too.
Black, female and struggling with my faith in this industry - when I read you were Muslim too it really hit, I really felt this in my heart. This article was so powerful - I hope you’re in a better place now. I hope I get there too inshaAllah
Black, female who works in post-production here... I have worked on entertainment, scripted, and live music and sport, both at the post-house and sometimes on set.
Lots of what you have said happens in the post Dept too.
I made the decision to leave quite a long-standing contract (during Covid) because the pressure was too much. Tough decision, but the best thing I've ever done.
Subsequently, I also left another job after two days because I could see how it was going to pan out and thought, 'nope!'. I worried I would get a bad rep for leaving jobs. But actually, my peace of mind is worth more than feeling ill at ease whilst working, and I haven't had any issues picking up new gigs.
It's a shame we have to resort to leaving, rather than having faith that the issues will be addressed, but needs must.
Well done to you, to us, to anyone who chooses to put themselves first.
Hi Fanta. Our paths haven’t crossed professionally, but I’ve just read your article in Broadcast online and I am simultaneously horrified by your experiences, but saddened that this is the reality of our industry. I think the biggest travesty of all is that someone of your integrity has left an industry that needs integrity more than ever. However I applaud you for sticking to your guns, living your truth and going with your heart. Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you every success with what you do next. Hopefully television improves so we may be fortunate to have you back again. CTS x
Well said Fanta!!! And thank you for saying it out loud. You know what my experiences were and why I left it too so good for you. Hope this helps others and gets rid of the bad eggs that tried to hold us back.
Hi Esme, I kinda took a side ways step into corporate production and I'm now at an advertising agency. Best move I ever made. Try to find something where you can transfer your skillset without having to start from scratch or take too many steps down.
This resonated so deeply, as a current black female TV producer in the UK, I heard and felt every word. Often want to escape and hear myself saying 'I hate this place' meaning the industry, and no one ever understands because 'your job sounds so cool'.
Hi Holly, it’s bitter sweet that this resonates with you but know that you’re not alone and don’t be afraid to speak up if something is harming you in any way. I’m here if you want to talk privately. Much love! xx
Clearly reality TV seems the worst but is it quite similar across all genres? What about natural history, science etc? Very different or largely the same ?
It really is across the board generally speaking, however it is not every single team or show that you work on will be toxic to the same degree. It is a matter of using discernment when choosing and speaking up if something isn’t right I would say. Don’t be afraid to try but don’t accept toxic behaviour or treatment.
I work in TV and would say that reality TV and entertainment do seem to come up the worst. I have had my issues and a few years ago, I quit from the BBC due to similar problems of being cast as 'difficult' and a 'bad apple'. I thought it might impact on my future prospects but fortunately it didn't. I did however end up working for a small company run by two very toxic and slightly unhinged people, but then I've also worked for some great companies. In my personal experience, on balance, I would say my overall experience is about 60/40 in favour of the job in terms of toxicity and working practices. But everything written above resonates with me, because if it hasn't happened to me directly, I know someone it's happened to. For me it's hard to leave because when the job is good, it's great! I also pick my genres and what I want to work on to a degree. I avoid reality shows like the plague! I don't like them as a viewer either, so why work on them! The industry has got much better than it was, but there's still an awful lot of work to be done!
Good for you!! Yes, picking genres definitely lessens the probabilities of encountering toxicity.
I find this in itself quite interesting - how certain genres seem to accommodate the more toxic colleagues. You're also right about individual teams which can vary enormously. I've worked with amazing teams and terrible teams and that's often just down to luck.
Very much so. Every contract is a gamble. Never know what you’re going to get. I found it easier when I at least knew one or two people on the production but even so, doesn’t guarantee anything and it’s always still a risk...!
Wow thanks for sharing. Your skills would work well in the arts. Having had limited experience in tv I can truly say the arts is much less toxic. Wishing you all the best with future endeavours.
Thank you. I am still going to work in other areas and like I said I may well produce again but most definitely not in those circumstances. Thank you very much, I wish you well too.
Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Black, female and struggling with my faith in this industry - when I read you were Muslim too it really hit, I really felt this in my heart. This article was so powerful - I hope you’re in a better place now. I hope I get there too inshaAllah
Black, female who works in post-production here... I have worked on entertainment, scripted, and live music and sport, both at the post-house and sometimes on set.
Lots of what you have said happens in the post Dept too.
I made the decision to leave quite a long-standing contract (during Covid) because the pressure was too much. Tough decision, but the best thing I've ever done.
Subsequently, I also left another job after two days because I could see how it was going to pan out and thought, 'nope!'. I worried I would get a bad rep for leaving jobs. But actually, my peace of mind is worth more than feeling ill at ease whilst working, and I haven't had any issues picking up new gigs.
It's a shame we have to resort to leaving, rather than having faith that the issues will be addressed, but needs must.
Well done to you, to us, to anyone who chooses to put themselves first.
Thank you. It is a shame we had to resort to leaving but every cloud… Proud of us! ❤️
So spot on. Thank you for sharing
Hi Fanta. Our paths haven’t crossed professionally, but I’ve just read your article in Broadcast online and I am simultaneously horrified by your experiences, but saddened that this is the reality of our industry. I think the biggest travesty of all is that someone of your integrity has left an industry that needs integrity more than ever. However I applaud you for sticking to your guns, living your truth and going with your heart. Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you every success with what you do next. Hopefully television improves so we may be fortunate to have you back again. CTS x
Thank you, much appreciated. x
Well said Fanta!!! And thank you for saying it out loud. You know what my experiences were and why I left it too so good for you. Hope this helps others and gets rid of the bad eggs that tried to hold us back.
Indeed! It’s been too many years but I’m proud of us for not staying down no matter how many times we were kicked. ❤️
Hey, I’m also thinking about leaving - but at a loose end as to what to do next! What career did you end up choosing?
Hi Esme, I kinda took a side ways step into corporate production and I'm now at an advertising agency. Best move I ever made. Try to find something where you can transfer your skillset without having to start from scratch or take too many steps down.
This resonated so deeply, as a current black female TV producer in the UK, I heard and felt every word. Often want to escape and hear myself saying 'I hate this place' meaning the industry, and no one ever understands because 'your job sounds so cool'.
Hi Holly, it’s bitter sweet that this resonates with you but know that you’re not alone and don’t be afraid to speak up if something is harming you in any way. I’m here if you want to talk privately. Much love! xx