BECTU Locations Department Branch

Feeling left out?… Not sure what is happening with Film & TV industry currently? Have questions or suggestions on what the branch should be doing?….Come and join us next week - open to all BECTU members! #bectu #bectuunion #locationsdepartment

As we head into the last bit of the bank holiday weekend, and in classic British fashion the sunshine seems to have disappeared and the grey clouds are back, I just wanted to put a quick message out. The slowdown across the industry is being felt by a lot of people, and gaps between jobs can take a toll, not just financially but mentally as well. If you are finding it difficult, you are not alone. A lot of people are in the same boat, even if it is not always visible. There are lots of useful support services and resources out there, including mental health support, financial guidance, industry support funds and practical advice. Bectu has pulled a lot of these together here, so this is a good place to start: .uk/article/creative-industries-mental-health-support-and-guidance/ A few small things that can help when work is quiet: * Try to keep some structure to your days. * Stay in touch with people. * Be careful with comparison. It can feel like everyone else is working, but that is rarely the full picture. * Remember a quiet diary / lack of work is not a reflection of your talent, your value, or how hard you are trying. * Do not put pressure on yourself to “use the time perfectly”. Sorting life admin, updating a CV, sending a few check in messages, or just getting through the day is enough. If things are getting on top of you, reach out early. Whether that is a friend, someone in the department, your GP, or one of the services above, you do not have to deal with it on your own. On a slightly more positive note, there are signs of movement in the industry. The SAG AFTRA deal has just been finalised which is a step in the right direction, and with Cannes coming up, there is always hope that investors start opening their cheque books and getting more projects moving. We know this is a difficult period for a lot of members and it is very much on the Branch’s radar. We will keep sharing anything useful and pushing on the bigger issues affecting work across the industry. Have a lovely Bank Holiday. George | Chair BECTU Locations Branch

Happy Earth Day all! As an homage to Earth day here are few facts and stats for everyone. 🌍 Earth Day is coordinated globally by Earth Day Network (EarthDay.org), which engages over 1 billion people each year in environmental action. 🌡️ The last decade has been the warmest on record globally, driven largely by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. 🌲 Forests absorb about 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ annually—roughly 1.5 times the emissions of the entire United States. 🎬 The UK film and TV industry, supported by organisations like BFI, has introduced sustainability standards such as albert certification to reduce environmental impact during production. ♻️ In the UK, recycling rates have increased significantly over the past two decades, but household waste still exceeds 25 million tonnes per year. 🌊 The UK coastline, often seen in films like Dunkirk, is vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion due to climate change. 🔋 Renewable energy now generates a substantial share of the UK’s electricity—especially from wind, making the UK a global leader in offshore wind power. 🐝 Around 75% of global food crops depend at least in part on pollinators like bees—but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and climate change. 🎥 Productions across the UK are increasingly using virtual production stages and LED technology to reduce travel emissions and physical set waste. 🌿 Peatlands in the UK store more carbon than all the forests in Britain and France combined, making them critical natural carbon sinks. #EarthDay2026 #sustainablefilm #sustainablelocations

Over recent years the film and tv industry has seen a steady increase in power saving solutions focusing on sustainability and efficiency. There are now some excellent hybrid and battery power systems available for use on location yet specific knowledge and practical training is still limited across the industry. To help address this knowledge gap the @bectulocationsbranch partnered with @locationoneuk and @power.savingsolutions to deliver what we hope will be the first of many dedicated training days. A big thank you to Mark and Steve for hosting the day and delivering clear and useful demonstrations. It was great to see a strong mix of roles and departments in attendance. Our goal is to provide valuable knowledge and boost confidence when encountering these systems on set. We hope we achieved this and welcome feedback from all attendees. @bectulocationsbranch plans to run further training sessions later in the year, so keep an eye out for future events. #locationmanagement #sustainabityonset #hybridpower #powersavingsolutions #locationone

Do you want to expand your knowledge of hybrid power and batteries and get a better understanding of how this technology can be used on location? Our Sustainability Reps have been working in partnership with LocationOne and HUSSH Pod to put together a Hybrid Power Workshop and Open House on Tuesday 21st April from 10am to 2pm at Longcross (parking provided). Topics covered on the day will include: *Hybridising generators using HUSSH Pods *Load balancing and why it matters *Introduction to battery systems *Single-phase and three-phase set ups *Stage 3 vs Stage 5 generators The session is free to attend for members and non-members and a chance to learn more about Hybrid Power Solutions in a practical setting. See what is available as the industry continues to look at ways to work smarter and more sustainably on location. Any non-members who sign up for BECTU membership on the day will be eligible for 3 months’ free membership. Sign up via Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/3QwqwUv Any Questions email [email protected]. #sustainablelocations #sustainabilityinfilm #hybridpower #bectulocationsbranch #powersavingsolutions

Happy April 1st!…from today Location Marshalls rates are within the national minimum wage as per the UK Government increase (4.1% increase). All other grades are within the NMW. #nationalminimumwage #wageincrease #payincrease #wagerise

Check out our MARCH NEWSLETTER in your email or PDF above 📧 Latest News: *New Chair welcome message *Highlights of last year *Plans for year ahead *Member benefits recap *Training courses If you’d like to contribute to next issue please pop an email to [email protected] or DM Samantha or Oliver your Comms Reps via Insta DM

Monday blues? Location Department Branch - BECTU is here to help. Join us for a Solas Mind webinar tonight at 730pm. Learn techniques to boost your resilience. Solas Mind founder Sarah McCaffrey talks about how to look after ourselves in a difficult freelance world where uncertainty abounds and so much is often outside of our control. Members only register here: https://bit.ly/LBSolas We hope you can join us and for non members here’s the link to sign up to BECTU: .uk/join/ Most memberships are less than a Netflix subscription and you can opt for monthly membership option. #strongertogether #bectulocationsbranch #bectufilmtv #resilience #solasmind

*EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR FOR BECTU MEMBERS ONLY* We are hosting a Mental health awareness and resilience ZOOM with Sarah McCaffrey founder of Solas Mind from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Monday 2nd March 2026. Solas Mind founder Sarah McCaffrey talks about how to look after ourselves in a difficult freelance world where uncertainty abounds and so much is often outside of our control. This session will explore the ways to improve our wellbeing at this time, introducing key information and practical strategies to manage uncertainty, boost resilience and support positive wellbeing. Please note: This event is exclusively for members of the Bectu Locations Department Branch. Join now to take part in this and other members only events. Register for the Webinar at: https://bit.ly/LBSolas Join BECTU at: .uk/join/ Use code LCTN3MF for 3 months FREE valid until Midnight Monday 23 February. #strongertogether #bectulocationsbranch #locationmanagement #resilience #mentalhealthawareness

LAST CHANCE FOR 3 MONTHS FREE OFFER! Please share with colleagues thinking of joining BECTU Locations branch. We are stronger together. Help shape the future of our industry. 3 months free membership valid until midnight TONIGHT (Monday 23 Feb) Use code LCTN3MF .uk/join/

TWO DAYS TO GO!!! Register NOW: https://bit.ly/BecLocAGM26 Have your say in the future of the Locations Branch for our 2026 Annual General Meeting to be held at Westminster School from 1830 on Wednesday 18th February. Join us for our annual get-together, where we’ll be discussing the past year’s achievements, our plans for the future, and taking the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new colleagues. We will kick-off with a tour of the beautiful venue, followed by our AGM and networking drinks to round off the night. A huge thank you to our sponsors, SP Location Rental, Maloney & Associates Location Services, Location One and Farm Locations. Their generous support allows us to provide drinks and a few nibbles on the night. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Westminster School for providing such a remarkable venue free of charge. We are incredibly grateful to be able to hold the AGM in such a unique and historic setting. The event is open to Members and Non-Members. There will be a chance to join BECTU with a 3 months’ for free offer on the night. Please note only Members will have voting rights. We are looking for REPS to join the Committee, specifically Youth, Health & Safety and Mental Health. See the dedicated post with link for more info and complete a nomination form at https://bit.ly/LBnomform Please spread the word to your Locations colleagues. Very much looking forward to seeing you there! BECTU Locations Senior Committee

ONE WEEK TO GO!!! Register NOW: https://bit.ly/BecLocAGM26 Have your say in the future of the Locations Branch for our 2026 Annual General Meeting to be held at Westminster School from 1830 on Wednesday 18th February. Join us for our annual get-together, where we’ll be discussing the past year’s achievements, our plans for the future, and taking the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new colleagues. We will kick-off with a tour of the beautiful venue, followed by our AGM and networking drinks to round off the night. A huge thank you to our sponsors, SP Location Rental, Maloney & Associates Location Services, Location One and Farm Locations. Their generous support allows us to provide drinks and a few nibbles on the night. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Westminster School for providing such a remarkable venue free of charge. We are incredibly grateful to be able to hold the AGM in such a unique and historic setting. The event is open to Members and Non-Members. There will be a chance to join BECTU with a 3 months’ for free offer on the night. Please note only Members will have voting rights. We are looking for REPS to join the Committee, specifically Youth, Health & Safety and Mental Health. See the dedicated post with link for more info and complete a nomination form at https://bit.ly/LBnomform Please spread the word to your Locations colleagues. Very much looking forward to seeing you there! BECTU Locations Senior Committee