Industry figures including Lenny Henry, Steven Moffat, Rosie Jones and Maxine Peake have appeared in a new fundraising campaign from The Film and TV Charity as the UK creative sector faces a tough winter. 
 

As a challenging 2023 comes to an end, the charity’s message is clear: the strikes in the US may be over, but the financial hardship for the UK creative sector is not, leaving many in dire need of support.  
 

The charity has seen an 800% increase in applications for its Stop-Gap Grants during the summer. Even with additional funds allocated by the charity, and a further £250,000 raised from corporate partners, the orgnisation has had to apply new eligibility criteria to its grants applications to ensure those with the most pressing need receive its support, making this winter’s campaign all the more urgent. 
 

Henry said: “The strikes in the US are just one of the things that have made life incredibly tough for UK film, TV, and cinema workers this year, with the Film and TV Charity stepping in to support people affected by a wider downturn in production, the cost-of-living crisis and a host of other factors. 

“I completely understand that many are finding life difficult, but there are also plenty of people across the industry and in wider society who can afford help, so I hope that by making this film, we can appeal to them to put their hands in their pockets.”
 

Marcus Ryder, CEO at the Film and TV Charity added: “The financial pressures being felt by many industry workers – and the strain this has on their mental health – is immense. We have to brace ourselves for what is looking like the toughest winter many people in the industry have ever faced.”
 

As well as supporting the fundraising campaign, Hartswood Films (within which Steven Moffat is a director), has dedicated a donation specific to the eight-week production of Steven Moffat’s forthcoming comedy drama for ITVX, Douglas Is Cancelled, to the charity.  

You can watch the campaign film below.