ADEEL AMINI

TV PRODUCER

Adeel is holding the TV and film industry to account for its negative impact on workplace mental health. He set up The TV Mindset as a platform to support freelancers who may be struggling. He is also behind Coalition for Change, a campaigning body backed by Sky and UKTV.

Adeel’s entry into TV was preceded by an interview he scooped with J.K. Rowling as editor of The Edinburgh Student, his university paper. His candid feature not only went viral in Edinburgh, it was also picked up by national media – helping to land Adeel 1 of only 6 spots on ITV’s national training scheme. He went on to specialise in studio entertainment, comedy and music, working on primetime shows including Blind Date, Catchphrase and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? However, he finally quit after bullying and harassment caused him to have a nervous breakdown. 

Since returning as a freelancer, Adeel is now fighting for lasting change so that others don’t face a similar decline. During the pandemic he has been leading a series of wellbeing webinars for freelancers, which the Edinburgh Television Festival recognised by giving him an Industry Champion Award. Through Coalition For Change, Adeel also has launched a landmark Freelance Charter that aims to improve UK working conditions, and address linked issues such as discrimination, workplace culture and recruitment. The charter has been widely supported across the industry – something that Adeel hopes will mean The TV Mindset won't be needed in future.