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The WorkWise for Screen Podcast
By WorkWise For ScreenTV & Film
The WorkWise for Screen Podcast episodes
- IR35: How to Be Tax Compliant in the Screen Sector, with Erin Walls
Could the freelancer you have hired for your production actually be seen as an employee in HMRC's eyes? And why does setting up a Limited Company not necessarily protect you from IR35 tax investigations?
In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith speaks with Erin Walls, an accountant with WallsMan Creative, to demystify the tax rules around hiring freelancers versus employees. As an ACA working across the creative sectors, Erin breaks down the criteria that can determine whether HMRC considers someone genuinely self-employed, and how this affects IR35 tax rules.
From the seemingly simple question of whose laptop you use to whether you have a company email address, Erin reveals why the same person could be considered a freelancer for one contract but an employee for another. She explores why production companies often insist freelancers work through Limited Companies, and the grey areas between contractor and employee where many working relationships actually sit.
Erin also gives practical tips about taking the HMRC online test about employment status, and about revisiting rolling contracts that may have initially started as short-term arrangements, but could last for years and create a very different scenario.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
- Why production companies may insist on working only with Limited Companies
- IR35 explained: what HMRC looks for beyond contract wording
- The holistic test: equipment, email addresses, set hours, and sick days
- The online HMRC test
- Practical steps for production companies
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast
(02:25) Understanding Freelancers and Limited Companies
(04:06) The IR35 Legislation Explained
(05:25) HMRC's Approach to Contractor vs Employee
(07:27) Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Compliance
(10:14) Practical Steps for Compliance
(16:54) Conclusion and Resources
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Erin Walls: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-achilleas-walls-aca-00aa4317/
WallsMan Creative: https://creative.accountants/
HMRC Employment Status Test: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax
HMRC IR35 Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-off-payroll-working-ir35
WorkWise PAYE and NIC Resources: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en/topics/management/modules/module/resources/taxation-of-employees-paye-nic
WorkWise IR35 and Freelancer Definitions: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en/topics/management/modules/module/resources/what-is-ir35
https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en/topics/management/modules/module/resources/definition-of-a-freelancer 21 min - Navigating Visa Complexity: Bringing International Talent to UK Screen Projects, with Sally McEwen
How do you bring a talented producer from Australia or a specialist consultant from Sweden to work on your UK production? And just how complex is the visa process for people from another country hoping to work in the UK screen industry?
In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small speak with Sally McEwen, an immigration law specialist at OTB Legal, to demystify the UK visa system. With 19 years of experience and Level 2 accreditation, Sally breaks down the visa application routes available to employers and freelancers, from skilled worker visas for producers and directors to creative worker licenses for makeup artists and costume designers.
Sally explains why the screen sector has unique advantages but also faces increasing scrutiny as immigration becomes a hot political topic. She explores the difference between sponsoring employees versus working with global talent visa holders, and why getting job descriptions exactly right is critical to comply with Home Office rules.
From the importance of budgeting to the surprisingly long timelines involved, this conversation provides guidance for navigating one of the most complex and constantly changing areas of screen industry operations.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
- The two main visa routes for screen sector: skilled worker and creative worker visas
- Realistic timelines: why you need to think in months, not days or weeks
- Why legal fees are minimal compared to the cost of getting it wrong
- The human impact: remembering real people and families behind every application
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita
(01:03) Understanding Visa Requirements
(02:41) Sponsorship and Visa Types
(05:13) Global Talent Visa Explained
(07:27) Visa Application Timelines and Costs
(09:30) Challenges and Responsibilities in Visa Processes
(13:39) Common Pitfalls and Compliance
(22:01) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Sally McEwen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-mcewen-77648b27/
OTB Legal: https://www.otb-legal.co.uk/
UK Home Office Immigration Rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television): https://www.pact.co.uk/
Arts Council England: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
24 min - From Friends to Founders: Building Professional Structures in Startups, with David White
What happens when a group of university friends builds a successful games studio, and when the company grows, they need to transform friendship dynamics into professional practices? And how do you introduce HR processes, performance reviews, and organisational hierarchy without losing the magic that made the business work in the first place?
In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small speak to David White, People and Culture Manager at Junkfish, about the challenges of joining an established startup built by friends. Junkfish is an independent games development studio based in the UK and Singapore. Arriving at the ten-year mark, David faced the task of bringing definition, structure, and professional maturity to a business that had thrived on informal relationships.
From conducting individual interviews with every team member to define a company-wide vision, to creating behavioural charts across seven categories, David shares how he helped translate what existed organically into a universal language suitable for sustained growth. He explores managing bias when line managers are best friends with their reports, the importance of active listening, and why value-based interviewing helps protect cherished startup culture while welcoming outsiders.
With honest insights about managing bias and creating clear boundaries, this conversation provides a roadmap for creative businesses navigating the transition from informal to professional without losing their soul.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
- Defining mission, vision, values, and organisational identity for the first time
- Managing bias when managers are friends with their team members
- Translating informal practices into formal policies and processes
- Active listening and meeting people where they're at during times of change
- The problem of people wearing multiple hats and creating clear boundaries
(00:00) Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast with Keith and Tacita
(01:44) Introducing David White from Junkfish
(03:28) Defining Roles and Responsibilities in a Startup
(07:14) Building a Professional Culture
(09:46) Implementing Behavioral Standards
(11:57) Managing Change and Communication
(18:08) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
David White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-white-hr/?originalSubdomain=uk
Junkfish: https://www.junkfish.net/
22 min - Using NDAs as a Shield to Protect Creativity, Commerce and Privacy, with Peter Adediran
When should you ask someone to sign an NDA? And how do you make sure it protects your business without silencing legitimate concerns?
In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith speaks with Peter Adediran from Pail Solicitors about one of the most misunderstood tools in the screen industries: the non-disclosure agreement. From protecting scripts and budgets to safeguarding personal health information on Call Sheets, Peter explains why tailored, proportionate NDAs are essential for creative businesses while warning against their misuse as weapons to stifle whistleblowing.
Peter breaks down the two categories NDAs should protect, firstly creative commercial material and secondly personal private matters. He explores why a runner shouldn't sign the same NDA as a casting director, and why proactive, clear drafting prevents costly disputes down the line.
From the importance of proper translation for non-English speakers to allowing for disclosures of wrongful conduct, this conversation provides guidance on how to put together an NDA which is used to protect creativity, commercial activity and privacy, rather than to attack or intimidate.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
- The two categories NDAs protect: creative commercial material and personal private matters
- Why NDAs must be tailored to different roles and access levels
- Protected disclosures: what NDAs cannot and must not cover
- The importance of proportionate, clear, plain English drafting
- Proactive vs reactive approaches to legal agreements
- When mediation and conversation can prevent disputes
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith
(02:37) The Types of Information Protected by Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
(06:24) Misuse and Limitations of NDAs
(08:19) International Considerations of NDAs
(10:29) Fairness and Proactive Legal Approaches
(12:51) When Mediation is Needed
(17:47) Conclusions with Keith Arrowsmith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Peter Adediran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteradediran/
Pail Solicitors: https://pailsolicitors.co.uk/
ACAS Guidance on Settlement Agreements: https://www.acas.org.uk/
Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) Information: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/23/contents
22 min - Building Community and Resilience: Supporting Freelancers and Leaders to Bridge the Skills Gap, with Sara Putt
How do you combat the isolation of freelance work when your entire industry runs on short-term contracts? And what can we learn from "considerate constructors" about treating our crews with the care they deserve?
Sara Putt, founder of Sara Putt Associates and Chair of BAFTA, joins Keith Arrowsmith and Sally Bendtson to explore how to build a community that breaks down the isolation experienced by both freelancers and company leaders in the screen industries. With 35 years of experience as an agent and with her leadership roles at BAFTA and the Film and TV Charity, Sara brings unparalleled perspective on the challenges facing our rapidly changing sector.
From the tangible benefits of networking events where opportunities are created and shared, to bridging the soft skills gap that leaves talented people struggling to manage large teams, Sara discusses the challenges facing the freelance backbone of our industry - and why she is positive about the future.
With insights ranging from French three-course film lunches to the potential return of eight-hour workdays, this conversation explores what it means to create sustainable, inclusive careers in the screen industry while maintaining the creativity and storytelling that defines our work.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
- The isolation of freelance work, and why community building matters.
- Creating tangible employment opportunities through networking and collaboration.
- Remote technologies as tools for accessibility and regional inclusion.
- The soft skills gap: management training and professional development beyond technical skills
- Learning from other industries.
- Business cases for inclusive practices and the role of CIISA standards
CHAPTER MARKERS
(0:00) Introduction with Sally Bendtson and Keith Arrowsmith
(01:50) Challenges and Changes in the Industry
(02:53) Building Resilience and Community
(04:45) The Role of Freelancers and Building Relationships
(09.53) The Importance of Soft Skills
(13:48) Learning from Other Industries and Countries
(23:13) Conclusion with Sally Bendtson and Keith Arrowsmith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/
Sally Bendtson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallybendtson/
Limelight HR: https://limelighthr.co.uk/
BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/
National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/
Sara Putt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraputt/
Sara Putt Associates: https://www.saraputtassociates.co.uk/
BAFTA: https://www.bafta.org/
The Film and TV Charity: https://www.filmtvcharity.org.uk/Creative UK: https://www.wearecreative.uk/
25 min - BONUS: Building longevity in a freelance world with Daniel Pearl
How do you build career paths and lasting teams in an industry built on short-term contracts? And what happens when traditional employment structures disappear, even at institutions like the BBC?
In this episode recorded at our Sheffield event, Dr Amit Patel is joined by Daniel Pearl, Creative Director at Lion Television, the company behind hit series such as Castaway, Britain's Biggest Dig and Horrible Histories. Daniel discusses the challenges of creating career stability and growth opportunities in today's fragmented screen industry where "everyone's a freelancer" and there is a lack of structured career progression.
Daniel discusses the reality facing creative leaders today, from receiving dozens of daily emails from people seeking work to witnessing talented professionals leave the industry entirely. He reveals how Lion Television, as part of the All3Media group, attempts to impose structure through longer contracts, cross-project team movement, and hands-on training opportunities, giving people real decision-making experience rather than just theoretical training.
The conversation explores practical approaches to talent retention, the loneliness of freelance work, and why creating connections between projects can make all the difference to both individual careers and business sustainability.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
- The reality of industry fragmentation and loss of traditional career structures
- How longevity has become a key strategic focus for sustainable production companies
- Making freelancers feel valued through longer contracts and cross-project movement
- Hands-on training approaches: learning by doing rather than formal schemes
- Practical approaches to creating career paths within production companies
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith
(01:47) The lack of Career Structure in the TV Industry
(03:31) Creating a Positive Workplace at Lion Television
(05:57) Training and Retaining Talent
(07:09) Diversity and Emerging Talent
(08:33) Conclusion and Resources
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Daniel Pearl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-pearl-168a2132/
Lion Television: https://www.liontv.com/
All3Media: https://www.all3media.com/
12 min - BONUS: Hire standards: Elevating your recruitment game, with Sally Bendtson
What's the difference between recruiting in a rush and recruiting with purpose? And why does treating candidates with respect matter just as much as finding the right skills?
In this episode recorded at our Sheffield event Dr. Amit Patel is joined by Sally Bendtson, the founder of Limelight HR. With years of experience helping Screen Industry businesses build better teams, Sally breaks down why clarity and honest communication is crucial for a successful recruitment process.
From painting an authentic picture of why someone should want to work with you to making sure you don’t waste candidates' time, Sally shares practical insights into how to offer a recruitment process that works for both employers and applicants and will protect your company’s reputation. With advice about not overselling roles, following through on promises, and avoiding making decisions under pressure, this conversation provides a roadmap for recruitment processes that builds great teams.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
THIS EPISODE COVERS
- Why clarity about what you need beats recruiting under pressure
- Being respectful of candidates' time and building an industry reputation
- Moving beyond familiar networks to find diverse talent
- Creating compelling reasons for people to want to work with you
- Following through on promises made during recruitment
- Practical resources for small businesses without dedicated HR support
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith
(01:29) Finding the Right People for Your Team
(02:29) Respect and Efficiency in the Recruitment Process
(03:34) Attracting New Talent: Building a Compelling Workplace
(04:35) Maintaining a Positive Work Culture Post-Recruitment
(06:05) Workwise for Screen Resources
(07:22) Conclusions with Keith Arrowsmith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Sally Bendtson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallybendtson/
Limelight HR: https://limelighthr.co.uk/about/
11 min - BONUS: How Team Satisfaction Fuels Creative Powerhouses, with Steve Wynne
What happens when someone who's always felt like an outsider builds a company that wins "Best Place to Work" not once, but twice? And how do you create an environment where genuine care for your team becomes your competitive advantage?
In this episode recorded at our live Sheffield event, Amit Patel is in conversation with Steve Wynne, the CEO of production company Strawberry Blond, to explore how unconventional leadership can build extraordinary workplace culture. From his working-class roots near Liverpool to founding a production company that prioritizes people over profit margins, Steve shares how questioning "the way things have always been done" led to sustainable success.
Steve reveals why he refuses to accept 12-hour shoots and how his team's recognition means more than any industry accolade.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
- What it means to win workplace awards based on team feedback
- Challenging industry norms around working hours and production culture
- Why looking after junior team members should be a priority
- The relationship between team wellbeing and business success
- The value of questioning established practices
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Keith Arrowsmith
(01:41) Strawberry Blonde's Best Place to Work Award
(02:17) Creating a Positive Company Culture
(04:02) Challenging Industry Norms
(08:32) The Role of Workwise for Screen
(11:16) Conclusion and Final Thoughts with Keith Arrowsmith
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Steve Wynne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynnesteve/
Strawberry Blond TV: https://www.strawberryblond.co.uk/
15 min - BONUS: Employment law and worker classification with Adam McGlynn
What's the difference between an employee, a worker, and a freelancer? And why does getting this classification wrong from the start risk costly consequences for your business?
In this bonus episode recorded at the 2025 Develop Brighton Event, we hear from Adam McGlynn, an Employment Associate at the legal firm Mishcon de Reya. He breaks down one of the most fundamental yet complex areas every creative business must navigate, understanding employment status and getting working classifications right from day one.
Adam cuts through the legal complexity to explain the practical implications of each employment classification. On one end of the scale, employees have various rights you need to consider, but you are able to exercise a lot of control over how they work. At the other end of the scale, employing freelancers gives you maximum flexibility when it comes to payment structures, but you can’t exercise as much control over their work and there are intellectual property considerations that often catch businesses off guard. With the UK's unique three-tier system of employee, worker, and self-employed creating both opportunities and pitfalls, this conversation provides essential clarity for anyone hiring talent in the screen industries.
From HMRC visits and potential criminal charges for tax miscategorisation, to the upcoming Employment Rights Bill changes under the Labour government, Adam shares why getting these fundamentals right isn't just about legal compliance, it's about creating sustainable, fair working relationships that protect both businesses and the people they work with.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
- The three employment classifications and what rights come with each
- Control vs flexibility: understanding the trade-offs in different arrangements
- Tax law vs employment law: why they're different and both matter
- The Equality Act: when it applies and practical approaches to reasonable adjustments
- The upcoming Employment Rights Bill changes and preparing for reform
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita
(01:25) Understanding Employment Types
(03:10) Freelancers and Flexibility
(04:47) Tax Implications and Legal Considerations
(06:55) Equality and Diversity in Recruitment
(09:02) Best Practices for Recruitment and Onboarding
(11:34) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Adam McGlynn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mcglynn/
Mishcon de Reya: https://www.mishcon.com/
HMRC Employment Status Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/employed-or-self-employed
17 min - Everyone is an Apprentice: From Internship to Leadership in the Screen Industries, with Arit Eminue
How do you move beyond just getting people a foot in the door in the Screen Industry to helping them build meaningful, lasting careers? And how does a different attitude to lifelong learning help leadership to navigate changes in the industry?
In this episode, Arit Eminue, a talent and inclusion specialist and former founder of Diva Apprenticeships, joins Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small to talk about her journey from supporting over 2,000 individuals from underrepresented backgrounds into media roles, to now focusing on talent retention, development, and progression at leadership level.
Arit tells us about her experience at Diva Apprenticeships, including why she worked so hard to change perceptions around apprenticeships, and why she believes skills trump qualifications in recruitment. She also talks about why she chose to challenge the apprenticeship minimum wage, and how that can impact the talent pool available to recruiters.
Arit also shares insights from her current work, including why we shouldn’t be afraid of using AI, why learning agility matters more than traditional education, and how transparency and human connection remain crucial even as technology transforms how we work.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
Breaking down biases around apprenticeships vs traditional education paths
Why skills and attitudes matter more than qualifications in recruitment
Fair pay for apprentices and why it matters for diversity
The role of AI in recruitment and seeing it as a tool, not a threat.
Learning agility as a lifelong skill for everyone to prepare teams for technological change and the future of work.
Chapter Markers
(00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita
(01:46) Diva Apprenticeships: Breaking Barriers
(03:29) Challenges and Successes in Apprenticeships
(05:18) Apprenticeships vs. Internships
(09:10) The Role of AI in Recruitment
(15:02) Fair Wages and Valuing Apprentices
(18:17) Continuous Learning and Industry Evolution
(20:55) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
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/
Arit Eminue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariteminue/
National Film and Television School (NFTS): https://nfts.co.uk
24 min
About The WorkWise for Screen Podcast
From the publisher's feed
In the UK we have fantastic talent working across our industry from film to production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. But as you know it's not an easy business to be in. We all…
grapple with complex questions around production and our working practices. On the WorkWise for Screen Podcast we’ll get the lowdown on all your legal and people management concerns from industry experts. The programme is an initiative to improve good working practices in the screen industries with the support of the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding. https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.