Freelance is hard, let’s talk about it
As I am sure many of you know there is no direct path to becoming a producer. Everyone has a different story, different schooling, experience, and most importantly different connections. So when I was starting my career I hadn’t really considered freelance producing, but I didn’t count it out either. I fell into freelancing about a year and a half ago, and I have been trying to figure it out ever since.
I quit my job at NBC (assistant to the co-producer of Chicago Fire, PD, and Med) when I was accepted into the International Film Business Program at the London Film School. Returning to London was, and still is, a dream of mine so I had every intention of going. But the summer before my departure in September I was hired as production coordinator on two ION TV films that were shooting in Chicago. My experience on these films and the connections I made led me to the work I have been doing since. With the prospect of projects ahead of me I decided to postpone grad school and keep working. This was how I accidentally became a freelance producer.
The last project wrapped at the end of June, with my post-production work being mostly completed in August. It is now November and our next big project, and therefore actual paycheck, will begin filming in January. That is almost 4 months of slow paced, and sometimes none at all, low or unpaid work. Having just hopped off filming two back-to-back features in LA this was quite the change of pace. Especially for an always working, constantly planning, future focused person like me. I can’t think of a time since I was 16 years old when I wasn’t overworking myself. And before that, I was filling all my time with shows, classes, and clubs. I haven’t had this much downtime since I could walk!
To say there was an adjustment period is an understatement. At first, I leaned heavily in the opposite direction. Convinced that I needed to learn how to relax - I’m still working on it - I spent my days doing very little. But after a while that started to not only bore me but frustrate me. How could a whole day fly by with me doing nothing when I used to accomplish so much? Turns out that not working caused me a lot of anxiety. I thrive off of the stress that comes with film work and a busy schedule, but I didn’t expect some time off to also cause me stress! It’s taken a lot of self discovery and reevaluation for me to understand the balance of relaxation and motivation, to find that sweet combination of a slower pace and productivity. But no matter how you personally manage your relaxation, a lack of work is a scary thing to face!
Being freelance takes a lot of planning and saving. You have to be prepared in case of downtime between projects, you are usually looking for work while currently working, and you are constantly advocating for yourself. Without stability comes the pressure and necessity of always planning ahead.
These past few months I have learned to be open to anything. It doesn’t matter what I might have lined up I am always looking for more connections and ideas. In the end, I have found that this not only opens up job opportunities but also new friendships and creative collaborations. I am always eager to meet new creators, expand my community and learn something new. So read the script that was randomly sent to you, answer the linkedin message, submit to resume drops, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Try not to be afraid of being underqualified. Imposter syndrome is so common in the film industry, especially among women. But we are all learning and that’s the only way to grow. So take the job that scares you and ask questions. If you hear about a job that doesn’t suit you pass it on to your qualified friends. It’s the greatest reminder that you aren’t alone. Ask for support when you need it.
You got this.
Talk soon,
Katelyn