Inside the U.K.’s ‘Unprecedented’ Unscripted Work Drought
K.J. Yossman 2022 was a gangbuster year for the U.K.’s unscripted TV sector. Rates soared as productions struggled to find crew such as editors and producer-directors because of the sheer amount of work available. “You were fighting over staff,” said one producer with almost 20 years experience, who spoke on condition of anonymity. This year, he says, is the complete opposite. WhatsApp and Facebook groups are awash with freelancers desperately searching for a gig. Some have been out of work for months and, in a few cases, since last year. They are terrified about how to pay their rent or mortgages. Many have applied for government welfare. Others have taken work outside television until things pick up. Those who haven’t left the industry already are considering it.