ITV expands Green Room freelancer initiative from London to include Manchester, Cardiff

Marcus Ryder launching the initiative in 2025

ITV and The Film & TV Charity (FTVC) are seeking 50 experienced freelancers to join the next iteration of the ITV Green Room programme, more than doubling the size of its initial cohort.

The initiative was launched last year to support freelancers between roles, bringing them together as a cohort to build a peer network, with access to office space, speakers and mentors from across ITV.

The new iteration offers the same access to office space, speakers and mentors, but this time in three locations: White City in London, Cardiff with Boom Cymru and Salford Quays in Manchester with ITV Studios.

Applications opened on Tuesday and close at midnight on Tuesday November 24. The programme runs from January 19 until March 23, 2027.

The initiative was born out of ITV’s Mental Health Advisory Group, consisting of senior leaders across ITV and mental health experts. It came in response to the FTVC’s Looking Glass report, which highlighted the continued deterioration in the mental health of UK freelancers, who are leaving the industry in droves.

The initial pilot took place earlier this year in London, bringing together 21 freelancers to create a supportive peer network and offer access to industry mentors from across ITV, including commissioners Jo Clinton Davis and Joe Mace.

FTVC CEO Marcus Ryder said: “ITV’s Green Room demonstrates the level of positive impact we can achieve when industry partners collaborate. Its success has led to ITV expanding it across the UK, creating a practical model of support that strengthens social connection and resilience across the screen workforce. I hope other broadcasters will emulate their efforts to support freelancers.”

Sarah Hunt, head of strategy and communications for social purpose at ITV, added: “ITV’s Mental Health Advisory Group is committed to addressing the challenges we face in the industry that impact people’s mental health. The initial pilot of the Green Room was a brilliant start, showing the importance of bringing people together and providing a space to work, access to decision-makers and insight into the industry to help boost people’s skills, confidence and networks.”

Nahrein Kemp, diversity, equity and inclusion and talent lead at ITV, said: “The success of the initial pilot of the Green Room proved that there was more that we as an industry can do to support freelancers. We are excited to expand the initiative to support more freelancers across London, Manchester and Cardiff and look forward to supporting a new cohort to build their confidence, increase their network and meet like-minded peers.”