Ep 37: Directors UK CEO, Andy Harrower - Inside the Fight for TV’s Freelancers

In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder sits down with Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK, for an honest conversation about the real state of the TV and film industry and what’s being done behind the scenes to protect freelancers.Andy offers a clear-eyed look at where the industry finds itself heading into 2026: a prolonged commissioning slowdown, growing insecurity for freelancers, and an erosion of the director’s role across parts of television. Together, they unpack why directors still matter, why prep and edit time are being squeezed, and how “false economies” are quietly pushing creatives to breaking point.The conversation explores:•Why only 12% of people in TV and film say it’s a mentally healthy place to work•The freelance reality behind the programmes audiences love•How power, budgets, and hiring practices really operate in today’s TV landscape•What Directors UK is doing through lobbying, forums, and policy work to support directors and freelancers more widely•The government’s proposed “Freelance Champion” - what it is, why it matters, and whether it will actually have teeth•How AI, copyright, and data scraping threaten creative ownership•Why diversity “initiatives” aren’t enough•Where hope still exists for directors and freelancers as the industry shifts toward digital-first modelsThis is a serious, thoughtful episode about precarity, power, and protection - and why the fight for freelancers is one the entire industry should care about. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoying the series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspodGot a question or guest suggestion? Email us at [email protected] you to our Sponsors:RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comEdited By Ben SealRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: [email protected] by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite:  www.benleondraws.com