Actors, writers and crew members in need of help will be able to access Paul Henry’s services whether they are there for just weeks working on big projects like Star Wars and other blockbusters or are permanent members of staff.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Pinewood Studios employs resident therapist to work with cast and crew
Actors, writers and crew members in need of help will be able to access Paul Henry’s services whether they are there for just weeks working on big projects like Star Wars and other blockbusters or are permanent members of staff.
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3 comments:
This is such a great idea, and is something that I really hope other studios implement. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and this new position shows that this studio believes in that too. For example, if a person is not mentally healthy and isn't sleeping then they won't be able to do their job to the best of their ability, just like if they were to sprain their ankle or come down with the flu. I'm not sure if having just one counselor for the entire Pinewood staff will be enough to fulfill their demand, but it's definitely a great start. Decreasing the stigma around needing help with a mental health issue is crucial to increasing both the access to and use of resources like this. Our school as a whole has definitely been guilty of neglecting mental health in the past, but I think we're moving towards the right track. Even after one day I've noticed that in the syllabus for one of my classes it lists the information for CAPS, and our professors seem really dedicated to eliminating stress culture. If we can keep this dialogue going throughout the year then hopefully we'll see some real change, and I hope that our industry will also follow Pinewood's lead.
Mental health is a topic that so many in our industry choose to skirt around, regretfully. Given the prominence of high profile cases of depression as well as eating disorders, anxiety and substance abuse in the arts community, one would think that studios and theater companies would see the value of employing someone like Paul Henry. However, Pinewood Studios have made history, becoming the first to employ someone like Mr. Henry on-site.
I hope that this marks the beginning of an industry wide trend of not only acknowledging the importance of mental health, but ensuring that steps are taken in the workplace to improve it.
In addition to the fact of Mr. Henry's hiring, which is remarkable enough, I'd like to draw attention to Mr. Henry's background in the entertainment industry. As someone with decades of experience as an experience producing artwork for big-name musicians, Henry has experience with the arts community as a whole. The article implies that this experience enables a deeper understanding of the sorts of difficulties that an employee in a fast-paced, creative environment, like film, would encounter on a daily basis, and better ways of addressing those issues.
In summary: a tad tardy, but worthy of applause nonetheless.
This is a great effort that ties in with the other article about mental illness in the theatre industry. I think that degrees of separation could also be an inhibiting factor for actors and technicians seeking help. Going to an outside doctor – besides the inevitable scheduling conflicts – could also very easily feel like they do not actually understand what the industry stressors are, as theatre is so niche-y and hard to understand unless you’ve been in the middle of it.
Paul Henry achieving his therapist status can lead a great example for the other people of previous power in the industry. By being a veteran theatre person, he is able to understand the stressors of the industry while also being able to take a step back and really look at the situation. I hope his influence convinces other industry professionals to achieve this status and make mental healthcare locationally available to theatre workers.
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