People with decades of experience reveal how they have gone from stable careers to minimum-wage jobsSenior TV producers take shelf-stacking jobs as UK industry remains in crisisThe low point for Stef Loughrey, an established television edit and casting producer, came when she found herself sobbing in HMV’s Blu-ray section. A young, well-meaning colleague had pointed out she was the same age as their dad. It inadvertently brought home the sudden headwinds that had affected her career.Despite 17 years in the industry with steady demand for her skills, the 38-year-old said “things just totally disappeared” in the summer of 2023. She desperately tried to find employment, including asking to do TV jobs for a lower wage. With her mortgage going up and the financial pressures increasing, she turned to the high street music retailer. Continue reading...
UK television producers are facing a crisis due to factors like over-commissioning after COVID, audience fragmentation, and broadcaster focus on expensive dramas. Many experienced producers, particularly in unscripted television, are finding work scarce and are taking entry-level jobs in retail and other sectors, leading to feelings of insecurity and depression.
