ARTISTS ON THE COUCH Film & TV Psychological Consultancy

On Set Welfare

At AOTC, we understand the pressures of life on set—long hours, high expectations, and the emotional demands of storytelling. Our on-set welfare services provide comprehensive mental health and safeguarding support to ensure that every cast and crew member feels safe, valued, and cared for.

The PISA Model: Prevention, Intervention, Support, and Aftercare

We take a proactive, holistic approach to on-set welfare using the PISA Model, which addresses wellbeing at every stage of production:

Prevention

Creating a supportive environment starts before the cameras roll. Our prevention strategies include:

Mental Health Training: Equipping cast and crew with tools to recognise and respond to early signs of distress.
Risk Assessments: Identifying potential mental health and safeguarding risks in scripts, casting, and production plans.
Wellbeing Policies: Developing bespoke guidelines and procedures to promote a culture of care on set.

Intervention

When challenges arise, we’re there to provide immediate, compassionate support:

On-Set Therapists: Available during filming to provide confidential mental health support for cast and crew.
Crisis Response: Expert guidance for managing emotional distress or safeguarding concerns in real-time.
Team Support: Group sessions or one-on-one check-ins to address stress, conflict, or emotional challenges during production.

Support

Ongoing support ensures that cast and crew feel consistently valued and cared for:

Daily Check-Ins: Providing a safe space for individuals to share concerns or receive encouragement.
Wellbeing Champions: Identifying and empowering team members to advocate for mental health on set.
Access to Resources: Ensuring everyone has tools and information to maintain their mental health.

Aftercare

Supporting wellbeing doesn’t end when production wraps. We offer:

Post-Production Debriefing: Safe spaces to process challenging scenes or high-pressure experiences.
Follow-Up Support: Continued access to mental health resources and professional consultations.
Resilience Building: Strategies to help individuals manage future challenges and maintain long-term wellbeing.

Why On-Set Welfare Matters

The creative process often pushes emotional and physical boundaries. By prioritising on-set welfare, productions can:

Improve productivity and morale.
Foster a safe and inclusive working environment.
Protect the mental health of both cast and crew.

Trusted Expertise

Our team includes certified mental health professionals and safeguarding consultants with years of experience in film, TV, and theatre. We understand the industry’s unique demands and are here to help you navigate them carefully and confidently.

Let’s Create a Safer Set Together
Whether you’re preparing for a feature film, series, or commercial, we’re here to support your team every step of the way.

Why should you work with A.O.T.C ?

"Mental health is an important consideration on film productions, not just for actors, but also for the crew and production staff. The intense and often unpredictable nature of film shoots can be stressful and can take a toll on people's mental health.
It's important for film productions to provide psychological support to their cast and crew. This support can take many forms, such as access to counseling services, mental health resources, and support groups. It's also important for productions to create a culture where it's safe for people to speak up about their mental health needs and to ask for help when they need it.

For actors, the demands of their profession can be particularly challenging. Actors are often required to tap into intense emotions and to go through physically and emotionally demanding scenes. This can be particularly difficult if the actor is also dealing with mental health issues.
To support actors, productions can provide access to mental health professionals and coaches who can help them manage their emotions and cope with the stresses of their work. It's also important for productions to provide actors with clear boundaries and support their need for rest and recovery between scenes.
Overall, providing psychological support on film productions is essential for promoting the mental health and well-being of all involved. By creating a culture that prioritizes mental health and wellness, film productions can ensure that their cast and crew can do their best work while also taking care of themselves."

A.O.T.C