PTSD covered on TV – well almost!

I have been somewhat bombarded this month with requests for help from TV companies. They are interested in looking at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a number of different angles and that is because the subject has been very newsworthy recently.

For one company it was a strong interest in the emergency services and PTSD. For another it was the way that soldiers were being affected with traumatic symptoms following tours of duty in Afghanistan or Iraq, or even Northern Ireland.

Both areas of study were of some considerable merit and I was happy to assist in any way that I could with either broadcaster (BBC and Granada). I was aware that working with any television company was always a matter of “hurry up and wait” because they are traditionally madly urgent about signing you up. Then they dangle you on a piece of string while they wait for the other elements of the ‘story’ they are developing actually to slot into place. Only when all the contributors are primed and ready will the producers set the wheels in motion and start filming.

I did drop a slight spanner in the works by daring to mention to one of these television companies the very dirty word - fee!

Anyway, time passed. Emails shuttled back and forth and the occasional telephone call was received by me and things appeared to be developing at the usual pace. The frustrating thing for me is the eternal belief of these TV companies which assume that they always have first call on your time and that everything else you are doing can wait, or be pushed to one side. I swiftly made it clear to both companies that I had other commitments which were carved in stone and just could not be dropped at a moment’s notice. They reluctantly accepted this surprising fact. I have worked with both companies before so I guess we all knew the game the other was playing.

Anyway, when push came to shove, neither company was in a position to continue with the development of the story. The excuses came in thick and fast and placatory words were exchanged in emails and over the phone. I guess I will have to ‘hurry up and wait’ for the next time these people come calling!