The words ‘production hiatus’ are fast becoming our least favourite words. In the ever-evolving world of film and television production, challenges are bound to arise. One such challenge that currently looms over the industry is the ongoing writers’ strike. Whether you’re on the picket line or watching from the sidelines it’s a testing time for all of us.
In the location department, it’s essential to adapt and find ways to navigate these challenging times. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies to help you not only survive but also thrive during the writers’ strike. So, let’s dive in!
1. Keep your ear to the ground
If your production is going on hiatus, you need to know as quickly as possible, and hopefully before the whole department knows. They will all be looking for a new job as well! Cutthroat, I know, but you have rent/mortgage payments to consider.
Stay up to date with the status of any productions you’re working on, as well as general industry news. There are often hints that a production is in trouble before any news is officially announced. If in doubt, ask the people running the production. Go in as high as you can: ask the producer or unit production manager. As ever, if you can’t find out what you need, ask costume and makeup. They know everything before most, but it might cost you a better car parking spot.
If you can’t find out what you need, ask costume and makeup. They know everything before most.
2. Negotiate your retreat
Getting told on Thursday that you finish work on Friday isn’t good enough. Ask to be paid until the end of next week, or if you are lucky, the end of the month. It doesn’t matter what grade you are: location assistant, assistant location manager, unit manager, location manager, or supervising location manager. Don’t be afraid to ask… the worst that can happen is they say no.
3. Parachute preparation: be proactive
Before you even know, you should already be looking to see what else is available. Get ahead of it, develop your skill set, and maintain a strong personal brand within the creative industries.
4. Diversify
It’s essential for all businesses not to be overly exposed to one revenue stream only. If you are Mr or Mrs Hollywood’s location department in the UK, you might find yourself in some trouble right now. Diversify! You need varied channels of work throughout the year: stills, commercials, US production, UK production… Without this, you leave yourself overly exposed to one revenue stream. It’s the writers’ strike this time, but what would happen if the government changed the film tax credit?! Be prepared.
5. Stay informed and connected
In times of uncertainty, staying informed is key. Keep a close eye on industry news, updates, and developments related to the writers’ strike. Join relevant online communities, forums, and social media groups to stay connected with fellow professionals. By being aware of the latest developments, you can anticipate changes, adapt your strategies, and position yourself as an invaluable resource.
6. Promotion time
Perhaps it’s time for you to take your next step in the location department. Time to become a unit manager, location manager, supervising location manager or unit production manager. Do the groundwork, make the calls, and go for those pints. What better time than now?
Do the groundwork, make the calls, and go for those pints.
7. Take this time to build new and stronger relationships
In any industry, relationships are paramount. Take the time to nurture your existing connections and build new ones. Reach out to directors, producers, unit production managers, production managers, line producers, designers and supervising location managers.
Networking events, film festivals, and industry conferences are great opportunities to meet potential collaborators and expand your professional network. Or simply get out for a coffee or pint with your colleague.
8. Dreaded hard drive sorting
You know it needs work. It’s too big, it’s too hard to find things. Getting everything categorised by brief and by location type and don’t forget to tag! Find 4 hours a day maximum, before you are on the cusp of losing your mind.
9. Market yourself
Use this opportunity to stand out from the competition, you likely need to market yourself better. Get a website built: do it yourself or outsource it. Or optimise or update your current website. Get your Kays and Knowledge listing updated with your most recent credits.
Leverage social media platforms to share your expertise, engage with industry professionals, and showcase your work. Consider creating informative blog posts, videos, or podcasts that provide valuable insights, and make yourself the go-to person for your area of expertise.
10. Mental health
Being stood down or being on hiatus can be a terrible blow, especially when there is no guarantee of you coming back on board. Remember: “It’s only a job.” A glitzy film-making job, but it’s still just a job.
Get in a good routine from day one hiatus with your mental health. No sitting in your PJs, watching box sets, or drinking beer in the afternoon. Exercise daily, walk daily, meditate, eat like an Olympian, and don’t give yourself too much psychological grief. You work like a sled dog most of the year, you don’t deserve it. Call your colleagues, you are all in the same boat.
Exercise daily, walk daily, meditate, eat like an Olympian, and don’t give yourself too much psychological grief.
11. Financial management
This is a good time to do the standing order and direct debit cull, cut out the dead wood. Get your overheads down to an absolute minimum.
This might be controversial for those that are too proud, but if it has been a month and your leads are dry, sign on. You pay your national insurance each year, don’t be afraid to use it. Beware the overdraft, beware loans… better to recut your cloth accordingly. DO NOT spend the tax money you set aside for personal tax or corporation tax, unless the situation becomes dire.
12. Professional development
Invest in your professional development by joining relevant industry associations or organisations. Film London, BECTU and The Production Guild are wonderful resources for location assistants, location scouts, unit managers, assistant location managers, locations managers and supervising location managers.
These associations often provide access to resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs specific to the location department. Being part of a professional community allows you to exchange ideas, gain insights, and build relationships with fellow industry professionals.
13. Continual learning
The film industry is constantly evolving, and as a location scout, location assistant, assistant location manager, location manager, or supervising location manager, it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. Dedicate time to expand your knowledge through workshops, industry seminars, online courses, or networking events. AI will change much of what we do, so this is a great opportunity to see how it could work for you. By continuously learning and adapting to industry changes, you’ll stay relevant and enhance your skills.
AI will change much of what we do, so this is a great opportunity to see how it could work for you.
14. Stay positive and adaptable
Amidst the challenges of the writers’ strike, maintaining a positive attitude and being adaptable is crucial. Embrace change, be open to new opportunities, and approach setbacks as learning experiences. Demonstrate your ability to problem-solve and think creatively, even in challenging circumstances. Your resilience and adaptability will be highly valued by clients and industry professionals.
Nobody’s trying to pretend that this is easy. There may be tough times ahead, but play your cards right and a writers’ strike could be a great opportunity. Stay strong, stay positive, and we are always here if you need us.