Tips for Freelancing

For the past 14 years I’ve run RMK Crew an agency that represents over 300 freelance production and post production crew around Australia.

Prior to this I held various full-time positions (where I would often book freelancers) and I also spent many years as a freelancer myself.?

While there’s no blueprint for success as a freelancer there are qualities that I’ve noticed in those freelancers who seem to always be busy:

1. They don’t just have experience – they have good experience.? ?Likely they will have worked with some excellent organisations and received guidance from good mentors or bosses.? ?Often the experience is across a range of disciplines or roles so they have a more rounded understanding of different areas of production or post production which not only helps them with their chosen field, but provides them with knowledge of what other people are doing or expect.? Also a range of experiences will help a freelancer build an extensive network which will be vital when starting out as a freelancer.
2. They are always ready to pitch themselves.? ?I’ve met countless people who have said they don’t have a reel or a CV or a website as they have never needed one. ??This is fine until you lose a client or that two month contract is cancelled at the last minute or the industry enters a sustained quiet period.? ?Freelancers should always be collecting good examples of their work.? Trying to track down a copy of the award winning TVC from a few years ago is too hard, so ask for a copy of the work right after it’s done.? Most clients will happily provide this and will likely be chuffed that the freelancer is as proud of the work as they are.? I’d also recommend always having an up to date CV, portfolio, reel or website so you’re ready to put yourself forward for work at any moment.?
3. They are engaged while engaged.? Whether you’re on set or on site – freelancers should try and be engaged in the job for the duration of the period that a client has engaged them.? Be present and focused and stay off your phone (even if you think you’re not required at that time).?
4. They are not divas or dickheads.? You can be the most talented person in your field, but if people don’t like working with you, you won’t get work.? Always be looking to build positive relationships with both clients and other crew members. ?Being on set or having a hard deadline in post-production with a client breathing down your neck, can be stressful.? It’s important to manage that stress calmly.? If you stay calm and positive there’s a higher chance people around you will respond similarly.? ?Don’t whinge or be cynical or bad mouth the client or director.? Instead try to be friendly, constructive and helpful.? Referrals come from everywhere.? Clients talk to clients, but crew and talent also recommend freelancers.? The hair & makeup artist might recommend a soundo.? The soundo might recommend a good editor.? The talent might suggest their favourite gaffer who makes them look amazing!? So general rule of thumb - try to be nice to everyone.
5. They manage their business well.? Successful freelancers quote with clarity so they avoid any surprises with the client when it comes time to invoice.? If there are additional equipment requests or overtime – ensure that the costs are known and approved prior.? ?When invoicing, be sure to confirm the details prior and get relevant POs and job numbers.? And invoice promptly.? Clients hate receiving an invoice for a job done weeks or months ago – especially if the job has been closed off or finalised.? ?Successful freelancers manage their finances well and have money set aside to get through a quiet patch or when a client takes a long time to pay.?
6. They are always punctual.? Clients don’t care if there was a car accident or a train strike or a tree fallen across the road.? Being late for a job is almost always inexcusable.? There’s an old saying, if you’re not 15 minutes early you’re late!? So get to a job early, have a coffee and enjoy some downtime before the job.? Then arrive to the job relaxed and on time.? So much better than arriving late and in a fluster.

There’s no doubt countless other attributes and factors that determine someone’s success as a freelancer, but from my experience, these are a few key qualities that will certainly help most freelancers - whatever their chosen field may be.? Please feel free to share your thoughts on this and any advice you may have for freelancers.

Next time, we’ll look at tips for how to be a good client ??.