Money Matters survey 2025

Survey

Financial strain for film and TV industry workers

In 2023, our Money Matters report exposed the impact of the U.S. strikes, the cost-of-living crisis, and the production downturn. It also revealed a sobering truth: the financial resilience of film and TV industry workers lagged far behind the wider workforce.

40% of industry workers could cover expenses for no more than one month if they suddenly lost their income – almost double the proportion of the wider UK workforce (22%)

Now, we’re back to uncover what’s changed – and what still needs to be addressed.

Who should take part

We’re asking everyone working in our industry to take part in the only survey uncovering the financial realities of life in film, TV, and cinema.

From runners and writers to marketeers and animators – wherever you work in the screen industry, Money Matters is the only research dedicated to understanding the financial wellbeing of those behind the scenes.

Share your experiences of financial pressure in film and TV

We want to hear from you about

• Financial resilience and confidence in your economic future 

• Pensions, savings, and debt 

• The real pressures of working freelance or full-time, on set or in an office

• Are these challenges temporary – or signs of something deeper and more systemic?

About the survey

• It is completely anonymous (IP addresses are anonymised upon submission)

• It will take you around 10 minutes to complete

• If you require accessibility assistance in completing the survey, please contact research@filmtvcharity.org.uk. We will endeavour to accommodate every request.

Your insights will help us to

• Build a stronger, fairer screen sector

• Advocate for meaningful and lasting change

• Shape future support and policy across the industry

Universal International Studios and Hatch Films launch UK Future Cinematographers Programme

Members of the Future Cinematographers Programme (Credit: Kate Darkins)

Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, has partnered with Hatch Films CIC to launch the Future Cinematographers Programme, a new year-long training course designed for the next generation of directors of photography working in the United Kingdom. 

The programme aims to provide participants with a practical understanding of a cinematographer’s on-set responsibilities as well as opportunities for hands-on training, shadow experience and mentorship. 

Participants kick off the programme with a four-day intensive workshop in which they receive a comprehensive overview of the role and simulate real-life scenarios on set. 

Workshop activities range from preparing second unit production workflows and scene blocking to learning how to navigate set dynamics and communicate effectively with a crew.

The inaugural class of Future Cinematographers includes Toufique Ali, Arushi Chugh, Sabina Claici, Ash Connaughton, Joshua Ighodaro, Ricardo McLeary-Campbell, Louise Murphy and Mari Yamamura.

“Our partnership with Hatch Films is an extension of UIS’ ongoing commitment to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of behind-the-camera talent across the UK,” said Rob Howard, executive vice president, Universal International Studios. 

“This class of Future Cinematographers has a chance to learn from world-class experts and gain invaluable experience that will prepare them for long-term success in this industry.”

The objective of the programme is to “equip emerging cinematographers with the necessary knowledge, skillset and real-life experience to be considered for potential crew opportunities on a future NBCU production shooting in the UK”, said a press release. 

Though placements are not guaranteed as part of the programme, participants are eligible to pursue paid work experience on UIS-produced series. 

“At Hatch Films, our mission has always been to open doors for emerging talent who are ready to take the next step in their careers,” said Robert Douglas, co-founder, Hatch Films. 

“Partnering with Universal International Studios to launch the Future Cinematographers Programme allows us to support a group of cinematographers who are making the leap to head of department, a pivotal and exciting stage in their journey. 

“This inaugural cohort is full of talent and ambition, and we’re proud to champion them as they grow into the next generation of cinematographers.”

In addition to its collaboration with Hatch Films, UIS also partnered with Directors UK and ScreenSkills through ongoing training schemes to place a director and six below-the-line trainees, respectively, on the set of The Capture, creating additional workforce opportunities for UK-based crew members.

ScreenSkills Bursaries

If you’re passionate about your career in film, TV, animation or VFX and you’re unable to develop because of money, bursaries are here for you. 

Region

UK-wide

Age

18+

Career stages

Entry, Early, Experienced, Expert

A ScreenSkills bursary is a cash grant to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you’re in. You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development, such as training fees, accommodation, care, disability access costs, equipment, software and travel. Read the bursary guidelines to understand exactly what's covered.

Bursaries are supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funds, by industry contributions to the Animation, Children’s TV,  Film, High-end TV and Unscripted Skills

Funds. 

We aim to offer funding wherever possible, but we cannot promise that all applications will be successful.

https://youtu.be/KtQv7TK5pcM