Surviving the Recession
by John D. Estes on January 17, 2010
Esther B. Robinson has a good article on filmmakermagazine.com with survival tips for the filmmaker during this recession. Survival in the film/entertainment business is about just that. Survival. And time like these bring about a lot of upheaval and turnover as people reevaluate their career goals and progress. Many people who are just getting by, pick these times to get out and get a “real” job. Especially those who are getting older and contemplating long term life goals such as starting a family.
It can be a sad time for these folks as they flush their dreams down the toilet, but it can also be a good time for those struggling on the fringes to get in as new places open up. The key is surviving right now.
More, including my own take, after the break.
For my own 2 cents… This is the second recession I’ve gone through in the industry, and I learned some good survival skills during the first one. Some of those skills and tactics are covered in Robinson’s article. Another suggestion I would add is “Be the boss.” If you can’t find work, create your own. I know. Easier said than done. But that’s how I became a producer in the first place. The money is just as tough, if not tougher and you will probably have to keep that day job while you’re raising (or saving) funds for your project, but at least it will keep you in the business.
If you are not the producer type, you still have some options. If you have specific skills for a specific industry job, and are just on the fringes of breaking in, bear this in mind… Newer people have two distinct advantages: 1. They are used to supplementing their income through a day job (or jobs) and can carry on. They don’t have as far to fall. 2. As pay rates fall, they are able to come in a do the work for less, and sometimes get opportunities that they normally wouldn’t. So if you can hang in there and hold on to your day job or income streams, this might also be something to consider.
The key to getting through a recession such as this, is survival.
Surviving the Recession
by John D. Estes on January 17, 2010
Esther B. Robinson has a good article on filmmakermagazine.com with survival tips for the filmmaker during this recession. Survival in the film/entertainment business is about just that. Survival. And time like these bring about a lot of upheaval and turnover as people reevaluate their career goals and progress. Many people who are just getting by, pick these times to get out and get a “real” job. Especially those who are getting older and contemplating long term life goals such as starting a family.
It can be a sad time for these folks as they flush their dreams down the toilet, but it can also be a good time for those struggling on the fringes to get in as new places open up. The key is surviving right now.
More, including my own take, after the break.
For my own 2 cents… This is the second recession I’ve gone through in the industry, and I learned some good survival skills during the first one. Some of those skills and tactics are covered in Robinson’s article. Another suggestion I would add is “Be the boss.” If you can’t find work, create your own. I know. Easier said than done. But that’s how I became a producer in the first place. The money is just as tough, if not tougher and you will probably have to keep that day job while you’re raising (or saving) funds for your project, but at least it will keep you in the business.
If you are not the producer type, you still have some options. If you have specific skills for a specific industry job, and are just on the fringes of breaking in, bear this in mind… Newer people have two distinct advantages: 1. They are used to supplementing their income through a day job (or jobs) and can carry on. They don’t have as far to fall. 2. As pay rates fall, they are able to come in a do the work for less, and sometimes get opportunities that they normally wouldn’t. So if you can hang in there and hold on to your day job or income streams, this might also be something to consider.
The key to getting through a recession such as this, is survival.