The MHM production unit is now closed. However, we are aiming to set up a project to support users to make their own digital productions. This project is currently under development. Please check back with this site periodically for updates on this and other cross-media projects or send us an email titled ‘Creative Survival mailing list’ if you are keen to be contacted about Creative Survival when the project starts up.

You can access an online guide to production here: Digital Production – A very rough guide! It includes funding and training links, how to set up a shoot and other handy tips to get you on your way.

If you don’t feel up to making a digital product without some expert help and if you are looking for people with video skills and direct experience of mental health issues, you could try some of the contacts below.

Production contact list

Lou Birks is a producer/director who has done participatory video work as well as broadcast work (including Black Dog, for Channel 4). She has experienced mental health services and has worked with service users to tell their experiences of services on a DVD. For more info contact loubirks@yahoo.com

Flexible Films is run by Sybil Ah-mane (who has used mental health services) and her partner Russell Hall. They film, edit and produce using their own professional equipment; their work has been broadcast and used as training tools, they have also worked with user groups to help them realise their own production ambitions. Please see www.flexiblefilms.co.uk for more info or contact sybilahmane@yahoo.com

Jacob Stratton, London based producer/director/editor/web and graphic designer with own basic camera kit, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Photoshop etc. Mental Health service survivor with more than 4 years’ production experience including films and documentaries on Channel 4, Edinburgh International Film Festival and New York screenings.
Please see www.interventura.com for more info or contact jake@interventura.com

The Media Trust, who own the Community Channel, help voluntary and not-for-profit organisations with their communications. Not only do they have an award-winning reputation for producing videos for charities and the not-for-profit sector but they also run a media matching service where media professionals to volunteer their time and skills, working across the UK on PR and press, marketing, design, online media and video. To find out more contact info@mediatrust.org.

Stephen Jackson, London-based writer, researcher, author and commentator with broadcast TV and national press experience as well as a professionally-trained photographer, digital image-maker, digital video-maker and published poet. Areas of expertise: psychology, society; arts and classical music; public relations. Mental health survivor. Contact stephen_jacks58@hotmail.com

Please let us know if you wish to be included in this list.

Mental Health Media accepts no responsibility for any undertakings third parties make with any of the contacts listed above or in the production guide.