Entertainment Assist

Michael Hutchence, James Freud, Charlotte Dawson, Robin Williams, and the list goes on. Along with high profile suicides, there are sadly many other suicides in the entertainment industry that don't reach the news. Enough is enough!

We are proud to announce the commencement of a world first research study into “Working in the Australian Entertainment Industry: key factors in longevity and transition”. The research aims to provide key insights into the reality of the health and financial circumstances of many working within the industry. It will help us understand the pitfalls of the entertainment industry, how people cope, what they need and barriers to support. This research will reach all facets of the entertainment industry and ensure we can tailor targeted prevention and support programs vital to the future health and well being of entertainment industry workers.

It’s hard to determine just how many people in the industry face hardship but spasmodic employment and irregular income takes its toll. Entertainers are often in the public eye and discretion and anonymity becoming even more important in the way they access support services. For entertainers and support crew alike, challenges come from a culture of life “on the road” - unhealthy eating and drinking habits; minimal support networks; little time for activities outside work; and a fair amount of illegal substances!

Each week I receive a call from someone “who knows someone” that is struggling with mental health issues in the entertainment industry and doesn’t know where to turn. I’m sure you know people too. They are often scared that they will be found out and dragged through the media. Their friends, co-workers, partners and children are all affected by what they are going through yet it often seems that no matter how much support some people have, they do not seek help.

Your donation will help us understand the issues, and respond to the issues. 

With our friends at Victoria University, the research will be conducted in two stages.

To begin with, we will be interviewing 50 people who work, or have worked, in the entertainment industry. The next step will be a wide-reaching online survey of dancers, musicians, actors, comedians and circus performers to directors, producers, technicians and backstage workers.

With your contribution, we will be able to make the online survey BIG, and make sure we can get as many people across the industry involved as possible. Even with Victoria University and Entertainment Assist providing in-kind support, the online survey, including all the transcripts, analysis and reports, is going to cost $41,279. We've got some of it covered but we need your help!  

Total project costs:
$6,250: Chief Investigator to oversee, supervise and collaborate
$25,029: Research Assistant  to develop questionnaire, analyse the findings and create reports
$10,000: License for tests
$1,200: Marketing and survey recruitment

We are hoping to raise at least enough through this campaign to fund the marketing and half the licensing costs and if we end up raising more will be delighted! 

Our biggest challenge will be recruiting people to participate in the research. People in the entertainment industry are super busy and whilst they will no doubt see the importance of the research, may struggle to complete the interviews and surveys in the time we need. To overcome this challenge, we will work to engage our networks throughout the industry and will continue working closely with our contacts, and utilising online social media and marketing campaigns to ensure the success of this project.