Here's how you can stay positive amidst a film production layoff.

Burnout is comically prevalent in creative industries. The thing is burnout is not exhaustion, but loss of passion. No matter how long you take that vacation days, if your passion is none, the creativity juice won't flow. In order to remove burnout, you need to learn new and exciting things.

Keep smiling, keep active, keep talking...definitely keep talking. Remember what makes you happy and do it, take joy in the little things, and hopefully things will get better.

Not only stay active, but be proactive and have a mindset that there is no Calvary coming for you. The stress that Hollywood is having is the effects that started when subscription came into play for media. It was inevitable. You have to get out of the traditional mindset and figure out how to take an industry you love and build something you truly believe in.

Everyone has a bit more downtime, now. If you have an opportunity to attend an event and network with people in the industry, in person...take it. If not, take a moment, every day, to reach and connect with people in your circle or your extended network (or make new connections). Just touch base, make contact, see how they're doing and see where it leads. It's these small connections or gestures that can have a larger impact down the road.

So me decided to smoke only 3 puffs of I and 1/4 of a joint this morning...i off I will berry the glass in point frederick cemetary

Often time I get my gigs through colleagues. It's always that someone you met on project x who calls and says there is this someone who is looking for a, b, c, d can you please contact them or he says I gave so and so your contact have they contacted you, or in groups where job ads are shared. Or sometimes you reach out to someone to say hello and they remember, oh there is this can you please do it..and just like that you get something to do.

If life’s giving you lemons, it’s time to gather the ingredients and make the lemonade! This is the best time to leverage your connections. Industry events: Attend online or in person VFX conferences, meetups and workshops. LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated by highlighting your accomplishments, join challenges and enrage in industry discussions.

If life’s giving you lemons, it’s time to gather the ingredients and make the lemonade! This is the best time to leverage your connections. Industry events: Attend online or in person VFX conferences, meetups and workshops. LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated by highlighting your accomplishments, join challenges and enrage in industry discussions.

A few years ago. I had been dabbling in a couple of new video/audio editing programs. Every time I opened them, they looked complicated and confusing, so I would immediately revert back to using software I was familiar with. When COVID hit, I vowed that I was going to learn the new programs. I committed the time and effort and learned how easy the transition was AND how much time/effort I was saving with these new programs. I kicked myself for not making the move MUCH sooner. Now is that time. If there is software you've been putting off learning, a piece of equipment that you have been wanting to master, some technique that you think will take your game to the next level...now is the time.

Use downtime to upskill and reskill, staying current with industry trends and technologies. Online resources like tutorials and webinars can help you stay ahead, making you more marketable and competitive. Learning daily gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, helping to combat uncertainty and frustration.

El ritmo de trabajo en la industria cinematográfica puede ser intenso y, ante un despido, es comprensible sentir una mezcla de emociones. Sin embargo, esta situación también puede verse como una oportunidad invaluable para el crecimiento personal y profesional. En lugar de ver problemas, busca soluciones y oportunidades de crecimiento. Primero toma un respiro, potencia tus conocimientos, fomenta la creatividad y prepárate para la siguiente producción. Cada experiencia es una lección valiosa que nos prepara para lo que viene. Mantener una actitud positiva y proactiva te ayudará a enfrentar los desafíos con entusiasmo.

Recently I reached out to Aspiring Actors and one of the things I pointed out is the fact that for one to continue to remain relevant in the entertainment industry, such a person must continue to adapt to the evolving trends in the industry by rebranding, upscaling and remaining creative.

I used to think that my job ended on the paper; for I am the creative scriptwriter. Layoff actually gave me time to learn more on the production and post-production steps in filmmaking. Surprisingly, learning all the process helped me write better!

Don’t reflect too long lol. Take initiatives after you you ponder a bit. Too many people reflect so long that they get discouraged. Learn and move on

Reflect, Ponder, Question and then CELEBRATE! You’ve just begun a new chapter! Yes, you! Especially at the moment, a lot of misinformation is being circulated, leading to confusion & fear. So, here are some positive facts: 🔹 Your unique skills are needed 🔹 Thanks to AI, you can create your own ‘studio’. 🔹If you have ever wanted to create something independently, there is no better time than now. 🔹Savvy investors are reinvesting in film. 🔹Indie filmmakers - make positive connections with people of like-mind & you will see all the incredible opportunities. Cinema investment is buzzing & in particular niches. Think globally & align your values with people of like-mind, irrespective of geography. Great people find each other.

I think layoff is actually a good moment for you to reflect on two things: 1. Did the film production industry shaped me? or 2. Did I contribute in shaping the film production industry? Most of the times, the 'creative' side of a person got toned down by doing the same job, Mon to Fri, all day of the year. Layoff can actually help you to see if you're getting 'toned down' or are you still 'standing out' and shining in the industry.

La réflexion seul non, la réflexion à deux, c’est déjà mieux. Seul, l’on se conforte à une idée déjà ancrée, bien établie, quel que soit le sujet. A deux, c’est la rencontre d’une complémentarité ou d’une opposition, c’est quand même plus riche.

Of course, it's important to reflect on how to remain unique in the filmmaking craft. There are times when you need to examine your journey, assess yourself, and reassess yourself, noting your strengths as well as weaknesses. Then, decide to focus on your strengths to continue growing and developing as a filmmaker.

You know that short film, that indie feature, that POC you've been talking about shooting with your friends, for the past how many years, as soon as you get a break...? Maybe now's the time. That screenplay that's been chirping in the back of your mind, for as long as you can remember...? Now might be the time to start writing it. Screenwriting software is easily accessible. Everyone has a phone with an HD camera. DaVinci Resolve is a powerful editing program...that's free. The internet is hungry for content. Create it.

If you've been in the industry for a while, you know that downtimes are inevitable. These periods are the perfect opportunity to experiment with ideas you've had but couldn't pursue due to your busy schedule. Working on personal projects, writing scripts, or collaborating on low-budget films not only keeps your skills sharp but also reconnects you with your passion for storytelling. It's a reminder of why you chose this career path. Long stretches of client work can sometimes make you forget what you loved about the craft initially, so use this time to reignite your creativity and enthusiasm.

We all have an idea living rent free in that back of our minds just waiting to see the light of day. If you're like me, then you also have at least two to three hours of wasted time everyday that was used scrolling social media or falling down some kind of rabbit hole. My phone actually tracks the time I spend on certain apps. I learned that I can repurpose this time to put those freeloading ideas in my head to work. Sometimes it's as simple as jotting ideas down in the Notes app. I found that the new Freeform app was perfect for organizing scattered ideas. After two-three months of playing with my random ideas in my downtime, I found that I had the completed outline for an entire screenplay just sitting in my phone.

Creativity is the lifeline of every filmmaker, and you must understand and fan the flames of your muse. It must never die.

Film distribution can lead you down a road in the middle of nowhere, mystified and baffled. The project can start with a flurry of programs. but there's an exit. Stick to your schedule and meantime flexibility is the key! you better be prepared for the upcoming unknown difficulties(one of which is meeting the Filmmaker expectations in a shorttime).You'd be skillful in terms of handling the obstacles.(I'm the one who's always learning lessons from mistakes-Always a student)

It's worrying that there is no advice about respecting your health. Film production is a very stressful industry both mentally and physically. Filmmakers often work irregular hours and lack sleep. Respect your sleep and do not force it or supplement it with pharmaceuticals by yourself. I have seen a lot of people working overtime every single day with maybe 1 day off a week if any. Body and mind health decreases rapidly. Stay safe.

If you’re passionate about this industry, you should always stay one step ahead of everyone else! Believe me, this applies to anyone who has a tremendous amount of ambitions!

Amidst all of this chaos, don’t just exist, but live. Creative minds can’t bloom if they don’t feel ALIVE. Keep in mind that you’ve all that you need to atleast accomplish this day. It’s okay to lean on your support systems. Take advantage of resources and explore job placement services. Always remember that it’s a bad day, not a bad life. This is a temporary setback, not the end of the road. WE GOT THIS!

During a layoff I find it best to start working for yourself. Wake up early set a list of tasks to complete for yourself. Write that script you were intending to write. Send the emails, texts and consume oneself with yourself. In doing this I find I keep pace with the working world. If you’re willing to work for a company that will pay you $50,000 a year and you give them all you got, what are you willing to do for yourself when there’s no money on the line? The fact is your life is on the line and it crumbles beneath your feet every day you’re not employed. So get cracking, you’re worth it!

Layoffs are no fun. Having a schedule will ease the challenges one faces when unemployed. Having a purpose is necessary, helping out as a volunteer, helping a friend by dog walking, helping an older person down the street with small errands, these kinds of remedial tasks help a person’s self esteem, something needed in a time where time is limitless. Looking for a job and networking is important, helping one’s self esteem is crucial that’s why having a purpose to get up in the morning is so important otherwise it’s easy to get lost and unmotivated.