Freelance News & Insight

Freelancers remain a vital part of the creative workforce, and for the most in-demand talent, choice is still very much on the table. So when multiple offers land at once, how do you make sure you’re their first pick?

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 43 | 27th March 2025. 📺 Netflix’s Adolescence makes UK TV ratings history 🏀 NBA owners to discuss potential new European league 🟢 Industry first for Channel 4 Sales with advertiser emissions tool 🎥 Gillette Studios have the green light for a major upgrade 🎶 Ticketmaster to change labelling practices following Oasis ticket investigation in the UK and many more insights… Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 42 | 11th March 2025. 🎮 UK gaming set for ‘Spielberg moment’ 📺 BBC strikes TV deal for Scotland, Wales & NI men’s international soccer 🎶 UK government announces Music Export Growth Scheme for 2025 🤝 BMG combines Sync & Production Music to form Global Sync Services 🎵 ​New music venue & events space ‘Renae’ to open in Manchester and many more insights… Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 41 | 12th February 2025. 📃 Introducing the 5th edition of the Voice of the Freelancer Survey ⛳ ITV strikes free-to-air deal with LIV Golf for the 2025 season ⚽ Chelsea sign Live Nation to replace Fever as sleeve sponsor 💰 New funding for film project promoting London charities 🎮 The rumoured PlayStation ‘State of Play’ officially confirmed and many more insights… Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 40 | 21st January 2025. 🙏 Britain’s film studios to rescue Los Angeles from wildfires 🚕 Mother creates playful new campaign for Uber 🎹 Future of live performance insights from Eurosonic Noorderslag panel 🏆 UTA, WME, Wasserman Music, Solo, and One Fiinix Live reveal their top emerging market for 2025 Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Our incredible friends over at Small Green Shoots are looking for young people aged 16-21 to join their Islington Seeds Programme. If you, or someone you know, is interested in working in music or the wider creative industries, but don’t know where to start… keep reading 👇 ✅ A paid four-week bespoke training programme. ✅ Areas covered include; A&R, Marketing, Sync, Management, Content Creation, Confidence skills and much more. ✅ There is also the opportunity to progress onto the Short Sharp Shot Programme. Find out more at Small Green Shoots or you can apply here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e89CVnY2

🟩 Is it easy for your freelancers to get paid? 🟩 Are you paying your freelancers on time…every time? 🟩 Are you comfortable with your compliance risk?

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 39 | 19th December 2024. 📺 The best advertising campaigns of the year 2024 ⚽ A24, Liverpool FC Teaming on Drama Series Charting Rise of Soccer Club Under Legendary Manager Bill Shankly 💚 AEG Europe celebrates as The O2 is certified Commended by AGF 🎚️ PPL pays out £45.3m in Q4 distribution to more than 137k members and much more… Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Have you… 🟩 been paid late or couldn’t be paid weekly? 🟩 experienced overly complicated onboarding and compliance? 🟩 struggled to get a quick resolution to any issues? Anonymously share your experience and together we can stop late payments and non-payment!

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Issue 38 – 4th December 2024 🏟️ AEG Presents launches Milton Keynes Bowl festival 🎬 ‘Moana 2’ makes waves at the UK-Ireland box office with £12m debut; ‘Wicked’ nears £29m; ‘Conclave’ lands in top five 🆕 Former Pulse Films chief unveils media growth firm ⚽ Premier League 3pm blackout ‘unlikely to survive’ beyond 2028/29 And more… Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🏆 Broadcast Sport Awards 2024: The winners & judges’ comments 🎬 Live Nation Q3 results reflect strong global demand for live experiences ↙️ Apply to Talk at SXSW London 🆕 AEO appoints Anna Golden as new CEO 🏟️ Government urges live sector to work on stadium and arena tickets levy to support grassroots venues Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🎬 Adam Elliot’s ‘Memoir Of A Snail’ heads British Film Institute (BFI) London Film Festival 2024 winners 🚀 NOWIE – The Network of Women in Events CIC Relaunched 👖 Levi Strauss pledges net zero emissions by 2050 in first climate plan ↙️ Submissions for the first-ever SXSW London will officially open on Monday 28th October 🚨 A freelancer’s guide to navigating family emergencies Click the link below to read the newsletter 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🏅 Calling the shots: Freelance director Angela MacMillan on her love for high pressure sports broadcasting and being a woman in the hot seat 📺 The London TV Screenings Unveils Initial Line-Up of 36 Distributors for Expanded 2025 Event 🎧 ABBA Voyage doubles profit as sales pass £100m 🆕 Excel London launches brand refresh ahead of 25th anniversary 🎬 Holyport Film studios proposal to go to planning inquiry And much more.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🏅 Twenty million watch Channel 4 Paralympics TV coverage, as channel secures biggest audience share in 12 years 🆕 A+E Networks EMEA rebrands to Hearst Networks EMEA 💰 HMRC pay out to creative industries up 16% with increases across all sectors 📈 Three quarters of ScreenSkills flexi-job apprentices secure further employment in industry 📽 Educational film shines spotlight on numerous job opportunities for young people in ‘Live Events’ industry And much more.

UpliftUs Autumn Gathering sponsored by Handle Freelance Solutions. Whether you are a parent, work with a parent, manage a parent, or are contemplating future parenthood, understanding the intersection of parenting and career is crucial.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🏅 Paralympic Games set for record C4 coverage 🤝 Path clears for Paramount merger with Skydance after Bronfman drops bid 📈 Kurt Geiger pulls in record profits despite luxury slowdown 🎟 Oasis world tour: Ticketing companies set for Champagne Supernova And much more.

As long-term supporters of Under One Sky, we are excited to share that I’M STILL HERE will be screened on 26th August (bank holiday) outside City Hall as part of London Bridge City’s Summer by the River festival.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🟩 Meta and UMG unveil expanded multi-year agreement including WhatsApp 🟩 dock10, The University of York and production company 2LE Media, win AI funding 🟩 Disney commits $5 billion to UK and European production over next 5 years 🟩 Alex Mahon: C4 exploring joint ventures among IP options. And much more.

Do you need to improve your freelancer onboarding experience? HMRC and auto-enrolment compliant, we offer truly personalised onboarding, payroll and compliance support, designed for the creative industries.

The Voice of the Freelancer (issue 31) Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🟩72 Films, Lightbox and Plimsoll lead UK documentary Emmys charge 🟩 Sony Pictures Television and City Football Group ink development deal 🟩 Mercury Prize 2024: Island secures three nominations as debuts dominate albums of the year list 🟩 Social shopping has surged in UK by 32% since 2022 🟩 schuh and Vintage Threads launch reworked collaboration 🟩 UK Advertising spend reached £9.2bn in Q1 2024 🟩 Xbox fans wave goodbye to 360 Marketplace as Microsoft shuts down 19-year-old storefront

When selecting a new payroll solution or payroll process for your freelance talent, you need to ensure you find the right fit for your organisation that provides the support your freelancers expect. If you are you looking for a new solution, here are the initial steps we recommend you take…

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries. Including: 🟩 Channel 4 unveils biggest-ever broadcast plans for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games 🟩 The Killers’ six shows at the 02 see 105,000 tickets sold 🟩 Euro 2024 final watched by 24.2m on BBC and ITV in UK 🟩 The London TV Screenings Expands 2025 Edition 🟩 Q3 in focus – how the recent election might impact freelancers 🟩 Source Fashion achieves ‘exponential’ growth as it celebrates successful first day

As we focus on the new Labour government and anticipate the early Autumn budget, it is crucial to understand how your freelance and temporary workforce may be impacted. Labour’s New Deal for Working People will feature the Employment Rights Bill. Business Secretary Johnny Reynolds confirmed that the Department for Business and Trade will spearhead this Bill, with significant input from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Skydance and National Amusements in new deal for Paramount ⚫ Coldplay, Live Nation and Hope Solutions Form Major Live Music Industry Sustainability Committee 🟢 England v Slovakia ratings confirmed as ITV gets biggest TV audience in 18 month ⚫ Global investment firm KKR acquires festival operator Superstruct Entertainment 🟢 and much more…

A new chapter begins as we open the doors to our new London office.

📍 Ink Rooms, 25-37 Easton St, London WC1X 0DS

The last few years have underscored the importance of an office being more than just a workspace. Having fully embraced hybrid working we wanted to create a destination that provides the creativity, professional space, and social interaction our people need…

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland ⚫ Screen Launches ‘The Future of UK Film Summit to take place at BFI Southbank 🟢 Ed Sheeran named UK’s most played artist of the year for seventh time ⚫ LIVE Awards to Return to London on 11th December 2024 🟢 Over 10 million watch EURO 2024 opener live on ITV

When: Tue, 2 Jul 2024,18:30 – 21:00 (London). Whether you’re a parent, work with a parent, manage a parent, or are contemplating future parenthood, understanding the intersection of parenting and career is crucial.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Wall to Wall preps Nadiya’s Cook Once, Eat Twice for BBC ⚫ UK Music wants politicians to devise a national music strategy: 🟢 The Media Production & Technology Show Celebrated Record Visitor Numbers ⚫ From new Call of Duty to Star Wars Outlaws, it’s a massive few days for game reveals 🟢 Sky Sports and ITV agree deal in principle to broadcast select Carabao Cup and EFL Championship fixtures free-to-air from 2025 ⚫ Stars Call For Extra Funding So UK Bullying & Harassment Reporting Body Can Launch On Time 🟢 and much more…

What is the one thing you would change about life as a freelancer? Last year we asked 1,400 UK-based freelancers and temporary workers within the creative industries to share their voice. The Voice of the Freelancer survey is back for 2024 and will only take a few minutes to complete.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Download your copy of ‘Powered by Freelancers – The Live Music Edition 2024′ ⚫ Mainland Europe and UK becoming one big production hub, say experts 🟢 Music Venue Trust announces ‘The Artist Pledge’ – calling on acts to give back when they reach arena level ⚫ C4 to stream Paris 2024 Paralympics on YouTube 🟢 What is the one thing you would change about life as a freelancer? ⚫ The Film and TV Charity Quiz Night 🟢 and much more…

UK Music Industry’s First, Comprehensive Study of Freelancers in the Live Sector Reveals Both Optimism and Concerns. 60% of Freelancers ‘Optimistic’ about the Next 12 Months but Changes Still Needed.

Why has late payment for freelancers been normalised? Freelancers are crucial to the success of the live music ecosystem and it blows my mind that as part of this research project how many people are paid later than expected.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland ⚫ New Three-day Sheffield festival blueprint launched 🟢 Premier Sports secures Copa America rights in UK and Ireland ⚫ Empowering Black and POC Creatives 🟢 What is the one thing you would change about life as a freelancer? ⚫ Handle Freelance x The Media Production & Technology Show 🟢 and much more…

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 ‘Bluey’ Special ‘The Sign’ Draws 10.4 Million Views on Disney+ ⚫ Multi-million pound funding boost for home-grown video game developers 🟢 EFL fans to enjoy enhanced broadcast experience after transformative production deal with IMG ⚫ Luton’s Bute Street Festival set to return with live music and ‘amazing’ films 🟢 Handle Freelance Solutions x The Small HR Company ⚫ and much more…

With expectations on People leaders within TV, Film & Theatre higher than ever, it was an absolute pleasure to support the launch of the HRPC community and help provide a space for exceptional HR leaders to expand their network, share experiences, and focus on their own wellbeing.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK ⚫ Rise Against have announced several UK and European headline shows 🟢 TNT Sports to air WNBA ⚫ Women’s Esports initiative launches as first-of-its-kind in the UK 🟢 Are you attending PLASA Leeds next month? ⚫ and much more…

As we look back at the first three months of the year here is a round-up of the compliance, people, and payroll updates you need to be aware of.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Sheffield chosen to host UK summit of cultural decision-makers ⚫ Channel 4 and Samsung Extend Sponsorship Partnership for Sunday Brunch 🟢 Universal, Republic launch Boombox Music Player on Roblox ⚫ TNT Sports and discovery+ renew deal with Gallagher Premiership Rugby to remain home of English club rugby: 🟢 Camden’s Roundhouse relaunches resident artist programme ⚫ Paper Owl Films is delighted to begin crewing up for an exciting new 2D Mixed Media Animated series: 🟢 and much more…

(07/03/24) In the Spring Budget of 2024, the UK government announced several significant adjustments affecting employment laws and payroll.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 UK introduces 40% tax relief for films budgeted up to £15m in bid to reignite indie sector ⚫ Finalists named for 2024 Circular Fashion Innovators Fund 🟢 Sky, ITV, Prime, BBCS, Fremantle back Breakthrough Leaders: ⚫ Marshmallow Appoints Uncommon Experience Studio 🟢 Creative Media Production Bootcamp ⚫ and much more…

(07/03/24) This measure confirms the main rate of primary Class 1 National Insurance contributions will be cut by 2 percentage points from 10% to 8% from 6 April 2024.

“The UpliftTOGETHER event on Tuesday gave women working within the creative industry a platform to share insight into the prospects and challenges within the industry, whilst also building a wider network. I found it to be an extremely empowering and motivating event, that was also supportive and friendly and focussed on taking away the ‘daunting’ aspect of networking.” Miah Beal – Head of Client Services.

f you have freelanced in live music within the last 12 months and can spare 5 minutes of your time, your participation in this survey will: 💥 help guide how LIVE lobbies Government effectively to help build an industry that protects freelancers 💥 democratise the sharing of information, including rates and experiences 💥 ensure that we are focused on what needs to change and celebrating what doesn’t.

UpliftHER events promote growth and development by creating community and are specifically designed to make networking less daunting and more accessible for women. If you didn’t manage to secure a ticket to next week’s event (that we are delighted to be sponsoring!) you can still get involved 👇

(23/02/24) HM Government are making changes to the way Paternity Leave and Pay can be claimed and taken, which will make it more flexible for fathers and partners to access. The changes will come into effect from 8 March 2024.

(UPDATED) the consultation period closed 22/02/24.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards: The Winners and Nominations ⚫ Disney invests $1.5bn in Epic Games and announces major Fortnite partnership 🟢 Banijay Takes Stake In Akala’s Production Outfit ⚫ Live Nation planning to stage arts festival in Birmingham 🟢 ABBA Voyage announces first “calmer concert” for neurodiverse guests: ⚫ and much more…

(18/02/24) If you work with contractors, have you told them about the ‘Tax avoidance — don’t get caught out’ campaign.

(17/02/24) HM Government is making changes to the way Paternity Leave and Pay can be claimed and taken, which will make it more flexible for fathers and partners to access.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Construction has started on the BBC’s future landmark home ‘The Tea Factory’ ⚫ Channel 4 shares plans to become digital-first public service streamer 🟢 Omnicom acquires Coffee & TV. ⚫ Introducing the new Wellness Barn at Soho Farmhouse 🟢 Global is the UK’s number one commercial radio company. ⚫ And much more…

LIVE has partnered with Handle Freelance Solutions, The Back Lounge and UK LIVE Event Freelancers Forum to launch a survey, The Hidden Side of Freelancing 2024, to understand and identify the changes required to improve the experience of freelancers who are crucial to the success of the live music industry.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Sunset+Vine to produce ILT20. ⚫ Warner Bros. Discovery warms up for Olympics with Games programming. 🟢 Netflix makes $5 billion deal for ‘WWE Raw’ in livestreaming push. ⚫ Build A Rocket Boy lands $110 million in funding. 🟢 Spun Gold moves to Birmingham. ⚫ And much more…

(17/01/24) On 16 January 2024 the government announced that it will mandate employers to report and collect Income Tax and Class 1A National Insurance contributions on employment benefits through payroll software from 6 April 2026.

If you are looking for your next freelance role or getting ready for what happens next, is your CV freelance friendly?

What is better than hosting an UpliftHER networking event? Agreeing to host another four events in 2024 🎉

(15/12/23) The Carer’s Leave Act will create a new statutory leave entitlement that grants up to one week of unpaid carer’s leave per year, to employees who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need.

(06/12/23) What changes are expected? During the passage of the Act, the Government confirmed its intention to reduce the lower age limit to 18 years old…

(30/11/23) In the 2024/2025 tax year, the government announced during the Autumn Statement it’s removing the 21-22 age bracket so employees aged 21 and over, must receive the National Living Wage. The rate increases from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour.

We all have mental health and just like our physical health, we need to look after it. It is perfectly normal to feel stress and anxiety at different times in our life.

UpliftHER events promote growth and development by creating community and are specifically designed to make networking less daunting and more accessible for women. If you didn’t manage to secure a ticket to next week’s event (that we are delighted to be sponsoring!) you can still get involved 👇

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Plans for 1.75m ft2 film and TV studio in UK’s Bedfordshire approved ⚫ Broadcast Sport Awards 2023: The winners and judges comments 🟢 Paramount to Combine Pluto TV, Channel 5’s My5 in U.K. ⚫ Whisper wins landmark EA Sports contract to deliver Esports tournaments. 🟢 Grimes makes over 200+ GrimesAI Records available for content creators to use on any platform

The Film and TV Charity has launched a new Financial Survey to find out how you’re navigating these turbulent times. But to help make a real impact and so the Charity can understand how to tailor its support for those working behind the scenes, they need your input! It only takes 10 mins, click here to take part now 👇

(20/09/23) The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, brought forward by Blackpool South MP Scott Benton and Baroness Anderson and supported by the Government, gives individuals on atypical contracts – including those on zero hours contracts – more predictable working hours.

If you have been paid late, couldn’t be paid weekly, experienced overly complicated onboarding and compliance, or struggled to get a quick resolution to any issues, share your experience in complete confidence. They are many reasons why freelancers get paid late and we will never name and shame a company that relies on freelancers. Complete the anonymous form below and we’ll do the rest.

Your fortnightly digest of the UK’s production, entertainment, and creative industries, including: 🟢 Tonic Rider on why peer support is important for backstage workers after festival season ⚫ The merging of WWE and UFC is complete, forming the TKO group 🟢 ITV secures the exclusive right to broadcast the Oscars ⚫ The client red flags every freelancer should be aware of 🟢 BMW PGA Championship to be the first TV production to be powered entirely by green hydrogen ⚫ Mustard Media nominated for 4 awards 🟢 and much more…

For UK-based freelancers, it’s crucial to be aware of the important tax deadlines to avoid any potential penalties. The last tax year started on 6 April 2022 and ended on 5 April 2023. Just Google “how to get paid on time freelancers” and the countless pages of advice and guidance about dealing with late payments highlights the size of the issue.

Far too many outsourced payroll solutions are rigid, lack flexibility and lack personality – we decided that this just isn’t good enough for the creative freelancers and industries we support. But don’t just take our word for it!

Freelancers remain in hot demand and the best freelancers often have multiple offers on the table, so how can you ensure that you are the first pick? We asked our community for the most important things they are looking for… and in no particular order:

Whether you’re a freelancer, a business owner, or an employee, understanding the basics of holiday allowance is crucial. This guide looks at the different categories of employment in the UK, including full-time and part-time employees, temporary workers, freelancers, contractors, and those on PAYE or zero-hours contracts, to clarify what summer holidays mean for pay.

Supporting the brilliant people working behind the scenes has never been more important. But the The Film and TV Charity can’t do it alone.

49% of freelancers have felt stressed or anxious because of not getting paid on time (source:IPSE). Just Google “how to get paid on time freelancers” and the countless pages of advice and guidance about dealing with late payments highlights the size of the issue.

Freelancers remain in hot demand and when they have multiple offers on the table how can you ensure that you are the first pick? From last minute cancellations, confusion over IR35, invoicing delays and lengthy onboarding, to basic recognition. Are you providing the best freelancer experience?

Our team hand pick the latest creative news, events, and insight from the UK’s creative industries.

Our team hand pick the latest creative news, events, and insight from the UK’s creative industries.

LIVE (Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment) is the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment business.

Freelancers remain in hot demand and when they have multiple offers on the table how can you ensure that you are the first pick?

The UK government introduced important reforms to IR35 legislation on 6th April 2021. These changes, among other things, moved the responsibility for determining whether a contract is inside or outside of IR35 to the end-client, rather than the contractor. So what happened next?

All of our solutions are driven by people – supported by the best in-class tech. The Handle Freelance App has been designed to make onboarding effortless and dramatically reduces the time it takes for your freelance talent and line managers to authorise timesheets. Ensuring that your talent is paid on time and accurately.

Every year the Film and TV Charity support thousands of people in film, TV and cinema to address and overcome personal and professional obstacles. Some have needed to rebuild their confidence, get past a crisis, develop a new skill, or realise a dream project, whilst others have needed more practical support, such as an emergency grant, or access to mental health support.