Directors’ earnings, contracts and working practices

An independent survey of UK TV and film directors – conducted by CREATe, the Centre for Regulation of the Creative Economy based at the University of Glasgow, and commissioned by Directors UK – confirms a number of stark findings regarding a lack of sustainable employment practices, fair contracts and equitable pay structures as well as revealing the impact of the poor working practices directors face. 

About the research

Developed by CREATe, who were commissioned by Directors UK to conduct independent research into the earnings and contracts of UK-based directors, this report is situated amid other empirical research which details the evolution of earnings for creators in multiple creative industries.  

The impetus for this research is to document the economic position of individual creators through a standardised design. This data is often not adequately accounted for in official ONS income accounts of creative industries in the UK. 

This report presents the findings of a survey of mostly UK-based directors, totalling 592 respondents (7.2% response rate). This research included information on directors’ earnings, including factors that affect earnings, such as contracts and directors’ rights. 

Key findings

Directors work, on average, just 27 weeks of the year.

78% of directors feel that their income is unstable.  

32% of directors undertake non-paid creative work, such as developing new ideas or writing scripts, showing that a significant part of their working time is dedicated to invisible, unpaid labour. 

39% of directors report that the value of residuals and royalties has decreased – a particular challenge being the change in how directors are compensated for the use of their work in a digital market. 

When directors are in work, 56% report working 41-60 hours a week with 31% exceeding 60 hours and some even noting 17-hour work days. 

Compared with other creative industries surveyed by CREATe, directors are among the least inclusive and diverse. For example, only 31% of directors are women, 6% of directors have a disability, and more than half come from a socio-economic background with the highest levels of privilege – suggesting that those without financial safety nets, or who require any kind of flexibility for project-based work, cannot sustain themselves in an industry where irregular income is pervasive. 

In conclusion

While the industry is undergoing important changes, addressing the working conditions of directors offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen the sector’s resilience. By ensuring fairer contracts, equitable pay structures, and sustainable employment practices, the audiovisual industry can not only support its creative workforce but also position itself for long-term growth and competitiveness. 

You can read highlights and a summary of the findings in The Director’s Cut: Unpacking Earnings, Contracts and Working Practices. 

You can read the full report, UK Screen Directors (2025): A survey of earnings and contracts, here.