Crisis’ Post

Last week I died a little death - dove right in, head first! 🎤 Remember my post about needing to do my first stand-up comedy gig before April 30 this year? Well, I kept my promise ✅ Ironically, it only was this LinkedIn community and my own public commitment that pushed me over the edge — I had claimed that if I didn't follow through, I'd have to donate €5,000 to charity. I must admit: Signing up for this gig felt like a little death, not to mention the day of the performance itself. Being on stage in front of a crowd is one thing; trying to make them laugh on purpose is entirely another. (Have you ever tried it?) Here's the thing: We all have things we want to do, but fear often holds us back. > Posting on LinkedIn. > Starting a podcast. > Talking to strangers at an event. > Making cold calls. Often, it's just the fear of rejection that stops us. How will others react ???’ 😰 To overcome my own irrational fears and get moving, I use the following strategy: 1) Accountability:  I leverage my community/personal network for support (like I did here at the beginning of the year—thanks, everyone, however passively contributing!) 2) Prioritization:  I add what I want to achieve to my top priority goal list (for me, that was one of my Top 5 goals for 2024). 3) Leverage Pain:  I make the pain of not doing it greater than the pain of doing it. For this challenge, not doing it meant a donation of €5,000 that I don't have sitting in my bank account. What’s something you really want to do but haven't found the courage to start yet? 🥷🏻

Mood: Disheartened, impassioned, clueless, undervalued, angry🤷🏽♀️ Quite the sobering read from The Film and TV Charity's report on the financial landscape of those working in the Film and TV industry! Having chatted with many pals over the last few months, I'm not surprised at the results but seeing it all written down makes me heart sink a little bit more. -71% of those surveyed were pessimistic about their financial future (46% pessimistic & 25% very pessimistic). -48% believing that in the next 6 months they'll have far too little work. -64% of the workforce very much affected by the production downturn and/or the writers & actors strikes. There's so much in this report that made for uncomfortable reading, especially reading that, "The proportion of film and TV workers reporting that they could cover expenses for no more than one month (40%) is almost double the proportion of the wider UK adult population (22%).." As an industry, I feel like we're in trouble here. Financial matters don't just stay with money. They impact quality of life, mental health, relationships with others, physical health. I, like many other people have gone back to our independent filmmaking roots to fall back in love with a craft we've given our lives to and try and salvage some sort of control in our situation for a number of reasons that aren't exclusive to finances. It means having to take a step out and do something else in order to have financial stability that allows you to keep one foot in without completely turning your back on it. Some people can't afford the luxury to create anymore. It sucks. I don't even know what the answer is in how this situation can be helped. I would strongly recommend giving this report a read. We live in a time where shows and films are being churned out on streaming platforms constantly, subscription costs are through the roof, these platforms are always reporting record high profits and yet most people behind the scenes of your fave film and TV shows are struggling massively! #Filmmaker #ProductionUK #UKProductions #FilmandTV #FilmandTVCharity #Filmmakers

Have you been asked for a refund after a date? 🧾 While this might sound like something out of a comedy sketch, it’s a real phenomenon that’s gaining traction in the modern dating world. But what exactly is driving this trend, and more importantly, how can you safeguard your dating journey to avoid such awkward scenarios. Read our latest blog as we uncover the truth about the refund request dating trend and more importantly give tips on how you can avoid it in your own dating journey. https://lnkd.in/eeCggDev #refundrequest #datingadvice #datingtrends #datingexperts #matchmakingservice

Want to write a film brief for your charity but don't know where to start? No sweat, here's 3 tips from our 'How To Write A Charity Film Brief' blog to get you going! 👊 Getting clear on your films' tone, audience and objective can really boost your confidence in your film. It can also provide you and your production company (that’s where we may come in!) with a strong sense of clarity and direction for your film. Still unsure? For a FREE briefing template, email emma@thesaltways.com You also can read the full blog here to find out more 👉https://lnkd.in/eafR_P49

Attention charity filmmakers! Time is precious when it comes to capturing your audience's attention. To ensure your message is clear, pay attention to your shot framing and background choices. When interviewing people, opt for interesting, yet uncluttered backgrounds that convey the essence of your film. Let's make sure our stories are heard loud and clear! #charityfilm #storytelling #filmproduction

What’s yellow and custardy and may help you be more effective over the next three years? 🍮A strategic flan! #NonprofitHumor #FlanFun #StrategicFlan #CustardComedy #NonprofitJokes #SweetSuccess

As someone with limited energy, networking events and conferences are challenging - engaging with others, processing new information, SITTING UP IN A CHAIR... I may as well be at a rave. But Speakers Collective Summit event yesterday was focused, supportive, enlightening and so thought-provoking. Here's what worked: ✅️Send the agenda ahead of time, with the Speakers hyperlinked - this means you can prepare for the topic and get an understanding of the people ✅️Sessions 30 mins. MAX. No-one can effectively engage for longer than that (and adjust timings according to group energy) ✅️Talks had clear slides with not too much writing ✅️Most sessions had a discussion or activity, so we could explore the topic and relate back ✅️Discussion groups 4 people MAX. ☕️ 🍵 🍶 Refreshments really help 🏆BONUS: The venue was accessible and we could sit somewhere quiet if we needed. So important for those who need a brain break. Check out the Speakers and sessions below, each one was great. Thanks again to Jo Emmerson and Jon Salmon for running such a great afternoon and creating such a supportive network of great people. #accessiblemeetings #longcovid #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilitypridemonth

Make sure to reduce your risks with good coverage.

They say " ...talking about a problem is the first step". *Please share, and repost* With so many TV freelancers out of work at the moment, here's some info for anyone who is not feeling themselves, and finding the situation stressful. Remember, no matter what’s happening right now, things may feel very different once you’ve spoken with the Film & TV Charity team.  Depending on your situation and needs, there are other services at the Charity available to you, which their advisors can talk you through and help you access, including:  - Counselling up to six sessions with a BACP qualified counsellor via phone, video call or in person - Legal advice - Financial guidance @filmtvcharity 0800 054 0000 / filmtvcharity.org.uk (web chat) ⁠ @samaritanscharity 116 123 / https://lnkd.in/emecGQbM @mindcharity 0300 123 3393 / mind.org.uk @calmzone: 0800 58 58 58 / thecalmzone.net ⁠(webchat) @giveusashoutinsta (text service) : Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 / giveusashout.org ⁠