For this episode, we took Workwise for Screen on the road to Belfast - bringing together people across production, HR, law and support services to ask how we can better support the workplace conditions across the UK screen industry. 

In this episode, Michelle Walsh, Head of Production at Stellify Media - an award-winning unscripted production company committed to telling human stories - shares candid insights on why the company's strong values around wellbeing and trust start with leadership. She also speaks honestly about the importance of integrating freelancers within their work practices and how she’s working towards creating fairer, more supportive workplaces for everyone.

The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. This episode covers:

• How social connection and small gestures build stronger, happier communities
• The importance of one-on-one check-ins and why skipping them isn't an option
• Juggling tight deadlines while still leading with empathy

Introductions for this special episode recording live in Belfast, guest Michelle Walsh, Head of Production at Stellify Media, maximising efficiency from employees through building a happy, sociable workplace culture and by extending trust and flexibility to employees. (00:00 - 06:02)

The importance of regular, open communication in the workplace, strategies for making freelancers feel included and balancing wellbeing with the pressure of busy productions. (06:02 - 09:09)

How training and skills development can help people to stay motivated, and how WorkWise for Screen is an opportunity to share valuable expertise. The episode closes with conclusions from the hosts. (09:09 -  to end)

Chapter Markers

(0.00) Introduction with Tacita and Keith

(01.43) Michelle’s background and trusting employees

(04.34) Strategies for team bonding

(06.02) How to make Freelancers feel part of the company

(07.09) Meeting the needs of staff vs production pressures

(09.09) How to keep the team motivated

(09.50) Skills development for staff and freelancers

(11.21) Working on the docudrama “Titanic Sinks Tonight”

(14.20) What can we learn from WorkWise

(15.11) Conclusions with Tacita and Keith

WorkWise for Screen: 

https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en

Keith Arrowsmith: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/

Tacita Small: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/

BFI: 

https://www.bfi.org.uk/

National Lottery: 

https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/

Stellify Media

https://www.stellifymedia.com/our-team

Michelle Walsh

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michelle-walsh-a9278723a