Making Production HR Work: Lessons for Clients

Written by @Tacita Small

Photo by Hans-Peter Gauster on Unsplash

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about what HR consultants actually do in the wonderful world of entertainment, what those clients really need, and why compliance alone doesn’t cut it. Now, let’s flip the script: and look at what can clients do to make HR support really work on their productions? 

Because here’s the thing: great HR isn’t just about the consultant, it’s about how you, as a HoD, producer, showrunner, or production company founder, bring HR into the fold. From the smallest indie shoot to the largest returning serial drama, how you involve HR sets the tone for success. 

Too often, HR is called in after the damage is done. In fast-moving environments like film, TV, theatre, radio, music, or gaming, that’s already too late. The earlier you involve HR, ideally in prep or before the project begins, the better we can identify risks before they escalate, build trust with your crew and team, and offer guidance that matches the unique culture and pace of your production. Even if you’re not sure what you might need, bringing HR in early for a conversation can change everything. 

HR can only be as helpful as the information we have. Share what’s really going on and who’s involved, what’s been tried, what the tensions are. We’re not here to police you; we’re here to help you get the best out of your team, safely and sustainably. 

Yes, we can support with compliance and operations. But the best HR work goes way beyond that. We can coach your department heads on tricky dynamics, support managers who’ve never worked with freelancers before, mediate tensions before they blow up, and help with onboarding, communication, and building a healthy culture from day one. We’re here to make things work for you all, not just tick boxes. 

Photo by marcos mayer on Unsplash

Trust goes both ways. Creative teams and people who work in entertainment can be sceptical of HR, especially if they’ve had bad experiences in the past. But if you want us to be part of the team, we need your trust too. That means being open, even when it’s messy, letting us in on real challenges, not just the headlines, and treating us as a partner, not a formality. Trust us - and we can build the same trust with your team. 

Every production is different. HR support that works for a small indie film might not work for a massive live show or a complex reality show. Let us tailor our support to your world. We’re not here with a generic corporate handbook - we’re here to help you build something that works for you. 

The best productions see HR consultants not as blockers, but as partners that help set the tone, solve issues before they explode, and make the creative process healthier for everyone. 

Want to talk about how to make HR work on your next production? Drop us a message, we’d love to hear what you’re up against. 

And if you haven’t yet - join our HR community for people working in entertainment. It’s where these conversations continue. Click here to join. 

Thank you for following along with this mini-series! Stay tuned for more insights and conversations on what it takes to make creative work… work.