I would want to provide mental health services for a film or television production. I would provide counseling and support to everyone on set, both behind and in front of the camera.

I enjoy films and television shows not only for the entertainment value but because it has the power to heal and educate. Films or television shows can start conversations and help people understand a perspective different from their own.

One of the cost of filmmaking is that can be emotionally taxing on the cast and everyone involved on set to explore different topics and subsequently film traumatic scenes in short period of time. Additionally, having to film a traumatic scene over and over again can take it’s toll on a person’s mental health. A lot of the time, people may not realize in the moment what a scene is doing to their mental health.

Therefore, I would love to be able to read scripts and help prepare everyone for the scene(s) and then be able to check in after the film has wrapped. It would be the best of both worlds to be part of a film or television show production and to use my educational background (Social Work).

Here are 3 examples where mental professionals would have been beneficial for the production:

Games of Thrones – Hannah Waddingham was strapped to a table while another character poured wine in her face, resulting in feelings of being “waterboarded.”

Crowded Room – Tom Holland decided to take a year off of acting after filming this television series took a toll on his mental health.

Bridgerton – Ruby Barker suffered two psychotic breaks because filming this series took a toll on her mental health.