The Uncharted Freelancer| Survive Until 2025 in TV/Film? What Can We Do As Freelancers?| Issue 12| December 2024 Edition

Hello everyone, and welcome to the twelve and FINAL edition of The Uncharted Freelancer in 2024. Well, what a year! A very unexpected year that started off not very good to end in the best year I've had in three years.

Last month in the eleventh edition of the newsletter series: 'How Can We Get A Job In TV/Film In 2025?' various areas of this topic were discussed on; where to find FREE courses/traineeships, where to find work on Social Media groups on Facebook, designing a business card, CV/cover email advice, creating a linktr.ee account, using LinkedIn to help your career, designing a portfolio/website, FREE/paid memberships to join, and general advice working in the industry.

This month's article looks at the lack of tv employment, traineeships/courses for January - March 2025, getting more work, who's hiring, CV tips, ScreenSkills, TV and Film Charity, BECTU, building your contacts and where to find information on HMRC/tax/self-assessment with the help of David Thomas Media. I hope the newsletter can help freelancers - current and future working in the creative industries.

Television Industry Crisis - Survive Until 2025

With the pandemic, productions shut down and came to a standstill. For us freelancers, that was very difficult. If you're not staff working for a broadcaster or independent company, you only received furlough until your contract ended. If you are a staff member, you were fortunate to be furloughed by your employer.

In 2022, the industry began to boom as more programmes were commissioned and freelancers had more projects like pre-covid times. However, this came to an eerily halt again last year in 2023, and has remained throughout 2024. During 2023, I heard that many freelancers were hoping that 2024 was going to be better for more work opportunities. Sadly, this wasn't the case. Many of us have left TV due to lack of work resulting in financial struggles and mental health. There has been production companies that's went bust, production budgets cut, and redundancies made to those who were staff with freelancers also losing contract work. With these devastating losses, hope isn't enough to bring the TV industry back booming. We need change to this industry, and the government needs to listen.

Here are a few newspaper articles on this:

Christmas TV masks 'crisis' behind the cameras

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crl3077699jo

Bectu calls for government intervention as new research shows UK film and TV industry in crisis

https://bectu.org.uk/news/bectu-calls-for-government-intervention-as-new-research-shows-uk-film-and-tv-industry-in-crisis

“Survive until 2025”: British TV and film workers battle a jobs crisis

https://thelead.uk/survive-until-2025-british-tv-and-film-workers-battle-jobs-crisis

BECTU

The Union represents over 40,000 creative professionals and can help you on a variety of services; bullying and harassment on a production, legal support, your career, training, negotiate your pay with your employer, finance for freelancers, advice on equality and diversity, advice on HMRC on tax, national insurance, PAYE, self assessment - sole trader or limited (LTD). BECTU Vision in Scotland sometimes also runs courses both FREE and paid. Look out for these if you have subscribed to their mailing list.

You can also find out more on their Creative Toolkit website: https://www.creativetoolkit.org.uk/home

Here is their telephone helpline: 0300 600 1878

Website link: https://bectu.org.uk/

David Thomas Media - Finance and Media Training For Freelancers

Someone who I can recommend is David Thomas. David offers finance and media training to freelancers, professionals, and small business owners sharing his knowledge, expertise and advice on; tax, PAYE, HMRC, setting up as a sole trader or limited company (LTD). David has also provided training to a variety of clients such as; BBC, BECTU, ITV, NTFS and ScreenSkills etc.

David has workshops set-up for both of the 27th January and 25th February 2025 for freelancers setting up as a Sole Trader. Information can be found here: https://davidthomasmedia.com/

Is Anyone Hiring/Crewing Up in Netflix, Apple TV, BBC, Amazon, HBO etc?

Here is a link to Screen Daily with what productions are currently being filmed and not started yet in the UK and Ireland: https://www.screendaily.com/news/2025-film-and-high-end-tv-productions-shooting-in-the-uk-and-ireland-latest-updates/5200306.article

How Do You Get More Work?

The answer to the question all freelancers want to know: "How do we get more work?" Well, as we all know, that's not an easy question to answer. Asking myself, I don't actually have the answer apart from sharing tips with you that's worked for me;

1. Advertise yourself on Facebook TV groups you're part of with your CV.
2. Advertise yourself on LinkedIn.
3. Ask your connections/colleagues/other freelancers if they know about projects that might be crewing up and who to contact.
4. Connect with Production Managers, Assistant/Production Coordinators and any Producers/Directors on LinkedIn.
5. Cold email companies. Half of my TV jobs have been gained due to sending cold emails. Other half has been recommended by someone.
6. Ask people to keep you in mind if hired on a project and show your interest to them to be considered to step in as cover work if needed.
7. If you're a member of Film Bang, contact Production Managers, Coordinators and the companies hiring for work and send them your CV.
8. If you freelance at companies, contact people on an email directory and ask if they have any opportunities or some to chat to and send them your CV.
9. Go to networking events within your area or a bit further away to meet and connect with new industry practitioners.
10. Offer to meet up with people and take them out for a coffee/tea.

Updating Your CV

Keep your CV updated as possible. If you haven't been working in the television industry, still update your CV with courses you have completed or part-time work you have picked up. Your CV should be one-page.

TIP: Check out the section below on CV/Cover Email advice.

CV/Cover Emails - DO'S and DONT'S

Top Tips I was told by employers for your CV and my own which has gained me TV and non-TV interviews and employment.

1. Make your CV one-page.
2. Don't include a profile photo of yourself.
3. Include a statement pertaining to GDPR that you give permission for your CV to remain on file in their system and to be distributed for employment purposes.
4. State on your CV your job title.
5. Have a short personal statement of your experience and a little about your skills, recent job role and objective.
6. Put key skills between your personal statement and experience.
7. Mention your location and bases you have in different locations.
8. If you have a Full UK Driver's Licence, put this down at the top of your skills or under your name.
9. Also include at the top of your CV under your name that you can work: remote/hybrid/on-site (if you can).
10. Don't include your date of birth, address or national insurance number.
11. Put 'References Upon Request' at the bottom of your CV.
12. Ask someone to proofread your CV before sending off to employers.
13. For cover emails, if you can get a name of the person that is brilliant, if not address your cover email with: Good morning/afternoon xxxx team. Introduce yourself after this and your job role. Also mention, If you have seen this advertised on a website, word of mouth or on a Social Media group.
14. Mention your availability in the cover email.
15. Don't forget to attach your CV to the cover email.
16. Make your CV a pdf document as if it is a word file, it may look different on other computers and come across lop-sided or un-accessible.

LinkedIn - Your Digital CV

I tell everyone that I meet at networking events, courses and jobs - create yourself a FREE LinkedIn account. LinkedIn has been very beneficial for me career wise and I'd be lost without it. I have gained incredible advice from industry practitioners, connected with potential employers and gained employment and you can also do courses in your career field when you upgrade your account to premium. I usually do this once or twice a year. You can also find jobs on LinkedIn and contact hiring/recruitment staff as well to introduce yourself and find out a bit more about the company and required job role.

TIP: On your LinkedIn profile, include your education, skills, portfolio, certificates and award(s) on here. Don't miss anything out. You need to stand out from the competition.

Updating/Building Your Contacts List

Every person you meet in the industry at an event, work experience or through a friend, build a contact's list on Word or Excel. Add their name, email address and phone number for your own use only. Treat this like your digital address book where you can check in every so often if they are advertising for job roles, or any advice they can give you. Always remember to help those that help you in return and keep paying it forward.

Facebook TV Groups - Finding Work

TV Talent in Scotland

TV Talent North

Women in Film & Television in Scotland

Women In Film & Television

TV and Film Crew Jobs Scotland

TV And Film Jobs

People in TV: Available

PAID Film and TV Jobs UK

Actors & Crew UK

Film Crew UK

Film & TV Production Crew Jobs/UK

People in TV: Runners

TV Runners

The TV Runners Hub

DRAMA TV

People in TV: Translators and Transcribers

Broadcasters

BBC Careers Hub - https://careers.bbc.co.uk/

Channel 4 - https://careers.channel4.com/4skills

Channel 5 - https://careers.paramount.com/go/Channel-5/8716300/

ITV Careers - https://careers.itv.com/recruitment

Sky - https://careers.sky.com/earlycareers

STV Careers - https://www.stvplc.tv/careers

Job Websites

There are a variety of job sites to make a profile on and put your CV up for work:

Betty - https://betty.co.uk/

Fremantle Media - https://jobsearch.createyourowncareer.com/FREMANTLE/

Film Bang - https://www.filmbang.com/login

Netflix - https://jobs.netflix.com/

Screen Skills - https://www.screenskills.com/jobs/

Talent Manager - https://www.thetalentmanager.com/jobs

Triforce Creative Network - https://thetcn.com/

Traineeships/Courses For January 2025?

With a new year on the horizon, does that mean there will be new traineeships and courses for entrants, career changers and established freelancers? Well, it seems a variety of traineeships and courses are taking place, but it's getting on them being the successful candidate that's tricky as so many freelancers are out of work.

BECTU - https://bectu.org.uk/bectu-vision/

Creative Access - https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/

ITV Development Trainees - https://itvjobs.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/development-trainees-itv-studios-6-month-ftc-4124?et=172eiyje9

Pact. Diversity - https://diversity.pact.co.uk/indie-diversity-training-scheme/applications.html

ScreenSkills - https://www.screenskills.com/online-learning/

(Look out for traineeships and courses coming up)

The Grierson Trust - https://griersontrust.org/outreach

The Network (Edinburgh TV Festival) - https://www.thetvfestival.com/tv-foundation/the-network/

Screen Scotland - https://www.screen.scot/skills-and-talent/skills-development

(Training schemes available to apply for in scripted and unscripted)

Apprenticeships/Graduate Schemes

• BBC Academy - https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/
• BBC - https://careers.bbc.co.uk/content/EC_All-Pages/?locale=en_GB
• Channel 4 - https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/apprenticeships
• Institute For Apprenticeships - https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/
• ITV Academy - https://careers.itv.com/teams/itv-academy
• ITV Entry Careers - https://careers.itv.com/teams/early-careers
• ITV - https://careers.itv.com/teams/early-careers/apprenticeships
• Paramount Careers - https://paramountcareers.uk/entry-level-programmes/
• Rad TV - https://www.screen.scot/skills-and-talent/skills-development/rad-tv-trainee-programmes
• Screen Scotland - https://www.screen.scot/skills-and-talent/skills-development
• Sky Apprenticeships - https://careers.sky.com/earlycareers/apprenticeships
• UK Screen Alliance - https://www.ukscreenalliance.co.uk/subpages/apprenticeships-in-tv-and-film/

You can find information here on work experience, apprenticeships and graduate job roles.

ScreenSkills - FREE courses January - March 2025

ScreenSkills are brilliant for offering FREE courses and training to freelancers across the UK. These courses can be online where you can attend via Zoom over the internet in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are a television researcher, looking for training on an FX7 camera for self-shooting, CV advice/workshop, interview techniques, mental health, becoming a mentor, introduction to VFX, camera and sound equipment, finding the story, managing teams remotely, working with under 18-year-olds, and leadership and management etc. These are only a handful I have mentioned available. There are loads more which you can find on the link below.

https://www.screenskills.com/training-and-opportunities/?q=&types=&costs=&subjects=&industries=&careerStages=&fundingOptions=ScreenSkills%20funded&months=January%202025&pageIndex=1

Career Maps in Television - ScreenSkills Information

Access this to see career maps and their paths to your job of what you want to do whether it's working in production, location, camera, sound, directing, producing, art, make-up, continuity, editing, and other postproduction and technical areas.

TIP: https://www.screenskills.com/starting-your-career/career-maps/

SWOT Analysis

Downloadable Documents

Last month, I spoke a little about a SWOT analysis which focuses on four key areas; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. If you have completed one of these documents, use this as part of your learning and development of being a freelancer in the Creative Industries. Here you can find out more information and download their FREE template:

https://nova-live-content.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/public/content-downloadable/SWOTAnalysisWorksheet_2.pdf

Self-Promotion Websites

FREE websites

• https://www.odoo.com/
• https://www.strikingly.com/
• Wix.com
• Wordpress - https://wordpress.com/free/

Other Websites

• Adobe Portfolio (you have to be an Adobe Subscription member) - https://portfolio.adobe.com

Paid Memberships You Can Join

• Bafta - https://www.bafta.org/about/membership
• BFE - https://www.britishfilmeditors.co.uk/join
• Film Bang to advertise your services - https://www.filmbang.com/sign-up
• Royal Television Society - https://rts.org.uk/civicrm/33under33membership

TIP: You only need to pay ￡33 a year if you're under 33-years-old. ￡70 a year if you're 34 and over.

• Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/upgrade-plan
• Women in Film and TV - https://www.wftv.org.uk/membership

Can also use the FREE membership too

• Talent Manager - https://www.thetalentmanager.com/register

Can also use the FREE membership too

• LinkedIn Premium - https://premium.linkedin.com/

Can also use the FREE membership too

TV and Film Charity Support

The TV and Film Charity is celebrating 100 years. This charity offers support to freelancers working in the Television and Film industry. They have a range of services to help you with; bullying and harassment, mental health, legal advice, career development and coaching and financial support and grants.

Here is a link to their website: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/

The charity has a 24HR help line where you can telephone: 0800-054-0000. This is a FREE line and confidential.

Crisis Advice and Helplines

UK winter crisis helplines and resources are available when situations can get tough during the colder months. These helplines can assist with a range of issues, from heating problems and financial struggles to mental health concerns. They provide advice, support, and often practical assistance to help you navigate through any difficulties you may be facing.

Here are some helpful resources and helplines that are available;

• Crisis Grant Crisis Grant - how to apply - mygov.scot (Scotland Only)
• Citizens Advice Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
• Government Website Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Winter Grants Grassroots Grants (warmthiswinter.org.uk)
• NHS UK How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you're worried about staying warm, paying your bills, or just feeling overwhelmed by the season, these helplines are there to lend a helping hand. It's always good to know that there are people out there ready to listen and offer guidance when you need it most. Stay warm and take care!

Being Yourself

I can't tell you how important this is. To work in this industry, kindness, manners, consideration and a smile can say a lot about you.

Here are some DONT'S;

• DON'T develop/have an ego.
• DON'T pretend to be someone that you're not.
• DON'T take credit for someone else's work.
• DON'T be selfish as industry people will spot that.
• DON'T be a gatekeeper.

What will help you in the industry are;

• Demonstrating good manners.
• Showing consideration to colleagues.
• Being kind - I always bring in treats to show appreciation to people.
• Offer to help people if you have finished your tasks.
• Respect others and their job roles.
• Be resilient and don't let anyone define you.
• Stand up for yourself.
• Show gratitude to hiring managers who give you an opportunity.
• Choose your circles carefully as not everyone is your friend in the industry.

TIP: Always be wary of people as not everyone is your friend in television, and some befriend for your connections.

linktr.ee

This is a great marketing tool where you can make a FREE account to advertise and promote your services as a freelancer working in the creative industries. I have links to my LinkedIn and email accounts as well as links to my website, Film Bang, IMDB and newsletter - The Uncharted Freelancer.

You can sign up here for a FREE account - https://linktr.ee/

Professional Profiles

Do feel free to check out my portfolio if you have time: https://lauramasters.myportfolio.com/

You can also check me out on Film Bang: https://www.filmbang.com/listings/masters-laura

Click here to see my IMDB profile - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11158228/

or

You can now find all my professional profiles of; my website/portfolio, email, newsletter, Film Bang and IMDB listings here on:

https://linktr.ee/theunchartedfreelancer

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this twelve, and final edition of The Uncharted Freelancer in 2024. I hope you enjoyed reading this month's article, and return for the continued series next year. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the newsletter series where you can receive the monthly newsletters straight into your inbox. Thank you so much to each and every one of you who have been here since the start of the newsletter and it's journey through helping freelancers to connect with discussing topics, sharing advice finding employment, learning new skills and finding FREE training/courses etc. The Uncharted Freelancer will return to celebrate the one year anniversary end of January 2025 with the first edition of a brand new year.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas with loved ones, and all the best of health, more work and happiness in 2025.