The resource is free for anyone to use, not just Pact members

Pact has launched a new initiative to support anyone involved in High-end TV (HETV) drama, with new resources and connections.

Aimed at broadcasters, streamers, unions, guilds, agents, production companies, line producers, HODs and crew members, the resource also provides an indicative guide to potential cost implications at the different band levels.

Karl Liegis, head of production at 60Forty Films, has developed the tool, intending to complement the production support already in place and demonstrate that no matter what HETV band a production is working at, there are opportunities to create examples of positive action and provide production support.

The Production Support Initiative is broken down into five key areas where users will find a ‘pick and mix’ of available support in:

• Accessibility
• Career Development and Training
• Counselling, Wellbeing and HR
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
• Sustainability

Within each area, there are some suggested foundations for HETV productions at all bands in relation to policy, guidelines and best practice; training; and initiatives/allowances.

Currently, the resource exists as a downloadable PDF which can be accessed via the Pact Resource Hub. It is free to use for anyone in the industry, not just Pact members.

Pact aims to next create an online version that be constantly updated; it may also provide a blueprint to develop sup-port for other areas of the industry, such as unscripted, feature film and children’s production and then nations and regions.

Liegis said: “Based on the advocacy and contributions from broadcasters, streamers, unions, heads of production and line producers, the HETV Production Support Initiative is the centralisation of many positive actions that are being used across our industry already.

“The resource intends to make it as easy as possible for those of us who build the productions to integrate support into them. The document at its core is about inclusivity and this is demonstrated from the outset by the way Pact has actively made it available to everyone.

“It’s now time for us all to be unreasonable and unapologetic in the way we positively engage with, utilise and contribute to the Production Support Initiative to bring about positive transformation in our industry. This is Version 1, now it’s up to all of you to help create every version going forward.”