The results from 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, have been released.
They confirm 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.
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.
Directors interviewed for the survey shared their experiences:
The findings of this survey confirm that directing is a financially precarious profession for the majority of those who work in it. Beyond this, the survey also highlights the human cost of pursuing a career as a director.
The precarity of work, the long and often unpaid hours, and the poor working practices that directors face, exacerbate systemic inequalities in the industry, and have dire consequences on the inclusivity and diversity of the profession. With lead researchers Dr Amy Thomas and Dr Arthur Ehlinger sharing that “compared with other creative industries we have surveyed, 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. This tells us that people 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.”
The survey concludes by stating: “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.
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