Why now?
Today's productions navigate heightened stories, increasing psychosocial responsibilities, and higher expectations around how people are supported at work.
Wellbeing Coordination is about building robust support systems around the people already doing the work.
The question isn't, "Should every production have one?" It's "What level of support makes sense for this story and this team?"
What does that actually look like?
Preproduction
✔ PRODUCER CONSULTATION
✔ SCRIPT REVIEW
✔ PSYCHOSOCIAL PLANNING
✔ ACCESS NEEDS
During production
✔ CAST AND CREW SUPPORT
✔ NAVIGATION OF DEMANDING CONTENT
✔ COMMUNICATION PATHWAYS
✔ WELLBEING STRATEGIES
Post production
✔ DEBRIEFING
✔ REFERRAL PATHWAYS
✔ LESSONS FOR FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
The work is demanding.
The process doesn't have to be.
Consent, ongoing communication, respect for autonomy, and shared responsibility are not merely principles of Intimacy Coordination; they are the very foundations that enable people to engage effectively with demanding work. Wellbeing Coordination focuses on creating the conditions where open conversations are encouraged, accessible support is readily available, and individuals have what they need to perform at their best. Crucially, this support doesn't replace personal responsibility—it strengthens it.
Same Skills, Amplified Impact:
The Intimacy-Wellbeing Connection.
You might be wondering ...
WHY WOULDN'T I JUST HIRE A PSYHCOLOGIST?
Because they're different roles.
A psychologist provides clinical care. A Wellbeing Coordinator provides production support.
The role isn't to diagnose, treat or counsel. It's to help create the conditions for people to do demanding work well through thoughtful planning, clear communication and practical support.
If someone requires clinical care, appropriate referral pathways can be identified. That's where the role of a psychologist begins, and the role of a Wellbeing Coordinator ends.
DO I NEED A WELLBING COORDINATOR ON MY PRODUCTION?
Every production is different. A short-form documentary and a feature exploring themes such as substance use disorder or grief won't have the same support needs.
Sometimes a conversation is enough. Sometimes ongoing involvement makes sense.
The question isn't, "Should every production have one?" It's "What level of support makes sense for this story and this team?"
CAN WELLBEING SUPPORT BE TAILORED TO SMALLER PRODUCTIONS?
Yes!!!
Support can range from a single consultation through to involvement across development, rehearsal, production or post-production. Every engagement is tailored to the scale and needs of the project.
WILL THIS SLOW DOWN PRODUCTION?
Quite the opposite.
Good preparation and support usually saves time.
Clear communication, thoughtful planning and practical systems mean fewer surprises, fewer misunderstandings and more confidence when productions reach demanding moments.
WHAT IS THERE FORMAL TRAINING FOR WELLBEING COORDINATORS?
It's still an emerging discipline. Like Intimacy Coordination, much of the specialist training has developed through international screen and stage contexts before being adapted locally. As with Intimacy Coordination, learning doesn't stop at certification. The role continues to evolve alongside industry research, production practice and emerging psychosocial frameworks.
My training is through the Association of Mental Health Coordinators, a film-specific pathway for live and recorded production. It builds on my background in Psychology, Education and Performing Arts, and my ongoing Intimacy Coordination training.
I hold a Psychology degree, but I have never practised as a psychologist. This is production support — not clinical care.
Resources & research
A two-year study of the Australian screen industry highlighting both job satisfaction and systemic challenges affecting mental health, workplace culture, and working conditions.
The Looking Glass Survey consistently shows that while the screen industry is highly creative and rewarding, it is also structurally demanding — and many of the mental health challenges experienced by workers are linked to industry systems, not individual resilience.
