The Hard Truth About Freelancing in Film

If you’ve been freelancing in the film industry for more than five minutes, you’ve probably already experienced a dry spell. No calls, no texts, no gigs—just the echo of your calendar and the creeping self-doubt that maybe this time, you really did fall off.

The freelance rollercoaster is real. One week you’re booked solid on back-to-back jobs. The next? Radio silence. It’s a brutal cycle, but also a normal one. And the difference between crew who burn out and those who build long-term careers often comes down to two things: mindset and action.

The Emotional Side: What Dry Spells Feel Like

• You start questioning your talent and value

• You wonder if someone else took “your spot”

• You spiral on social media seeing everyone else working

• You feel pressure to say “yes” to anything—even bad deals

• You consider quitting

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All of this is normal. It’s not weakness—it’s freelance life. But if you don’t develop tools to handle the emotional side, it can sabotage your future.

Positive Mindsets That Actually Help

1. Dry Spells Aren’t Personal. They’re Seasonal.

Sometimes the industry just slows down—holidays, end-of-quarter lulls, budget rollovers. Other times, it’s geography or scheduling. Most of it has nothing to do with you.

2. You Are Not Your Last Job.

Good or bad, your last gig doesn’t define you. Freelancing is a long game. Play it like one.

3. Your Calendar Doesn’t Reflect Your Worth.

This mindset shift is critical. Booked or not, your skill and professionalism are still intact. You’re just between calls.

4. You Only Need One Call to Change Everything.

When the work comes back, it usually happens fast. One email can turn a slow month into a six-week run.

What to Do When Work Dries Up

1. Reach Out Without Being Desperate

Send a short, friendly check-in to people you’ve worked with:

“Hey [Name], just checking in—available and prepped if anything comes up. Hope the last job went well!”

Don’t make it about being broke or bored. Make it about being ready and helpful.

2. Update Your Résumé or Website

Quiet times are perfect for tightening up your online presence. Add recent jobs, testimonials, behind-the-scenes photos—anything that reminds people you’re active and valuable.

3. Attend Industry Meetups or Screenings

Networking doesn’t have to be formal. Just showing up at events where people are talking shop keeps you top of mind.

4. Post a Quick Value Piece on Social

Share a tip, story, or behind-the-scenes clip from a past job. Don’t just post “I’m available.” Post something that reminds people you know your stuff.

5. Help Another Crew Member

Referring someone to a job or offering help on a side project keeps your name circulating—and karma has a funny way of paying back.

Long-Term Mindset: Build Even When You’re Not Working

Use the downtime to:

• Learn a new piece of gear or software

• Organize your kit

• Practice marking or pulling focus

• Read scripts or watch breakdowns

• Volunteer on a small project to stay sharp

Every hour you invest in your craft during a dry spell pays off when the calls come back in.

Final Thought: You’re Not Alone

Everyone in the film world—whether they admit it or not—goes through dry spells. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re in the game.

Stay visible, stay kind, stay prepared. And when the next gig hits, you’ll be more ready—and more valuable—than ever.

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