Productive Interventions: Collaborative Script Development for Stories About Mental Health Issues and Suicide

Abstract

<p>An increasing number of films and TV shows across diverse genres are portraying mental health issues, from <i>Homeland, United States of Tara, Please Like Me</i> and <i>13 Reasons Why</i>, to <i>Little Miss Sunshine, Mental and Split</i>. While some have been welcomed as sensitive and empathetic portrayals, others have proved controversial, prompting debate about screen producers' ethical responsibilities. To explore this debate and, specifically, the role of writers in developing scripts about mental health issues, this chapter examines the case study of <i>Mindframe for Stage and Screen</i>, a collaboration between the Australian Writers' Guild and mental health organisations SANE Australia and Everymind. First developed in 2007, Mindframe's guidelines are internationally recognised as best practice for responsible and accurate portrayals of mental ill-health and suicide. Mindframe provides resources to support writers during script development, including access to research, expert advice and lived experiences. These resources are critical for developing scripts that move beyond stereotypes towards portrayals that are original, innovative and authentic.</p>