People People, Behind the Scenes
Written by @Tacita Small
Photo by Jahanzeb Ahsan on Unsplash
When we talk about what makes a great TV show or film, most people immediately think of the director, cast, cinematography, or maybe even the soundtrack. But behind every well-run production is an often-overlooked group of people keeping everything moving HR and people support in TV and film. In the entertainment industry, where everything is fast-paced, people-driven, and pressure-filled, the role of HR is vital.
HR support for film and television production goes far beyond paperwork. It’s about conflict resolution, wellbeing, onboarding, and ensuring a safe and legally compliant working environment. From onboarding cast and crew to supporting freelancers during long shoots, HR professionals make sure productions are people-ready from day one.
TV and film productions are like temporary businesses - with unique cultures, urgent timelines, constantly shifting teams and specific legal responsibilities. HR has to be agile and proactive, helping producers and showrunners navigate everything from last-minute recruitment to complex employee relations issues. They’re often the first to spot when something’s off - whether that’s burnout, bullying or breakdowns in communication.
The best HR support in entertainment is embedded, trusted, and in tune with the realities of production life. It helps create clarity without killing creativity. It balances compliance with culture. It prevents problems and builds environments where everyone - from talent to technicians – feels safe and supported to do their best work.
Let’s take an example. A mid-sized drama production had a particularly difficult prep phase: multiple heads of department changes, last-minute hires, and high anxiety across departments. HR was brought in not just to manage contracts but to facilitate culture workshops and provide on-call wellbeing support throughout the shoot. That project wrapped on time, with low staff turnover and overwhelmingly positive crew feedback. The producers now involve HR from day one.
The entertainment industry thrives on creativity, but creativity can only flourish in environments where people feel psychologically safe. HR ensures that environments remain respectful and inclusive, even under pressure.
In an industry where freelancers are the backbone of the workforce, consistency and care matter. HR can play a crucial role in setting expectations, resolving conflicts and ensuring dignity at work – even under the toughest conditions. We know that when HR is respected and included early, productions run smoother and people feel seen.
So next time you're watching a series or film and thinking, "Wow, this looks effortless" - remember, there's a good chance there was an HR professional behind the scenes, making it look that way. If you're a production company looking for HR support in TV and film, get in touch. We help creative teams build better working cultures behind the scenes – from prep to wrap. Click here to get in touch or here to book a call.