top of page

Media Industry Consulting
(Mental Health)

ABOUT

Dr Nadeem Akhtar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University; a Psychiatrist with over 20 years experience working within the field of mental health and film-maker (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3212413/) . He completed his undergraduate training at the University of Cambridge followed by University College London and has been extensively involved in the arts. From his early days as a DJ  with consistent dedication to music production, Dr Akhtar has maintained a passionate interest in the creative industry. In 2011, he attended the Central Film School, London, England which set him on a path of combining his interest in Audio-visual media and Psychiatry. Over the last decade, through involvement in several projects, Dr Akhtar has promoted the use of film for therapy and anti-stigma education. 

 

In 2015, with Collaborators, Dr Akhtar created a first of its kind manualised group therapy program for adolescents that utilised short film as psychodynamic discussion material (“Film Therapy”). This combined his expertise in the psychological power of film, with a passion for psychoeducation and psychodynamic psychotherapy. The positive findings from this group were presented at several international conferences.

 

https://shared-care.ca/files/Adolescent_Therapy_using_Film;_theory_and_process_workshop_Final_Condensed.pdf

 

Alongside his therapeutic work with film, Dr Akhtar has continuously engaged in mental health, anti-stigma advocacy through educational film initiatives. He has led multiple film screenings followed by expert panel discussion; authored critical  reviews for the British Medical Journal, appeared in the press and on local television  ( https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0658-5930). Perhaps his most commendable accomplishment is the creation of Cine-Psych (www.cine-psych.com) in 2017. 

 

Cine-Psych is a pioneering non-profit trainee film making team that makes metaphorical films about mental health conditions on a zero budget. Their films aim to serve as discussion points for anti-stigma education and scripts have been informed by those with lived experience to ensure authenticity. To date, all Cine-Psych’s short films have been selected for international short film festivals and almost all of their films have won a range of awards. The team was also shortlisted for a Hamilton Ontario creator Arts Award two years in succession (https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/awards-tributes/arts-awards/arts-awards-short-list#creator-awards).

 

In 2023, the Cine-Psych brand expanded its scope to create  “Change the Script” a highly successful, first of its kind Mental Health and Social Justice short film festival open to international entries (https://filmfreeway.com/ChangetheScript) .

profile pic lens flare_edited.jpg
5977585.png

Dr Nadeem Akhtar

Services

Content Review and Analysis

  • Evaluate Mental Health Representation: Review scripts, shows, movies, and media campaigns for accurate and sensitive depictions of mental health issues.

  • Assess Emotional Impact: Analyze how the material could affect viewers emotionally, especially those with lived experiences or sensitivities around mental health topics.

  • Flag Harmful Tropes and Stereotypes: Identify harmful clichés or inaccuracies 

Consultation on Scriptwriting/Story Development

  • Develop Authentic Storylines: Help writers and producers craft realistic and nuanced mental health-related storylines that avoid over-simplification or sensationalism.

  • Character Development Support: Assist in creating multi-dimensional characters with mental health conditions, ensuring their portrayal is grounded in real-world experiences.

  • Provide Emotional Sensitivity Guidance: Offer insights on how to handle sensitive topics like trauma, suicide, addiction, or abuse with care and empathy.

​

Post-Production Advisory

  • Emotional Impact Analysis After Filming: Review the final product to ensure that emotional tone and content align with the creators’ intentions and avoid unintended negative impacts.

  • Provide Consultation for Support Resources: Suggest relevant mental health resources for the audience, such as helplines or crisis intervention contacts, to be included in credits or marketing materials.

Guidelines/Education

  • Create Ethical Standards and Guidelines for Mental Health Portrayals: Help studios develop a set of ethical guidelines for the accurate, responsible, and compassionate depiction of mental illness.

  • Mental Health Education for Writers & Creatives: Run workshops educating content creators on mental health issues, signs, symptoms, and realities. 

Get in Touch

123-456-7890 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page