Fillingthegap:7smartwaysTVandfilmdirectorscanpreparefortheirnextjob

Whilst we would all want to be working more regularly, this downtime can play an important role in making sure you’re bringing the very best version of yourself to the table, when you’re next “back in the room.”

From our members webinar delivered by Jo Woolf (Executive Producer, Unscripted), Lisa Clarke (High-end TV Drama Director), and Sophie Oliver (Documentary Director), here are seven smart ways TV and film directors can use downtime to prepare for their next job.

1. Accept that longer gaps are the new normal and an opportunity to refocus

Career gaps can be mentally challenging, but remember that you’re not alone as many directors across the field are experiencing longer periods between work.

Use this time to seek out community—which can help you stay supported, connected, and motivated—and try not to lose sight of the reasons why you fell in love with directing to begin with.

Volunteering in our industry can be a great way to achieve both, and if you’re looking for inspiration the Directors Charitable Foundation’s (DCF) Get Directing scheme helps young people see themselves as future directors of stage, screen or virtual forms of story-telling.

Above all else it’s important to remember that you’re more than just your job. The industry is facing a mental health crisis and so it’s more important than ever to find ways of nurturing the parts of your life that matter beyond work.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, the Film and TV Charity offers valuable support, as does the DCF.  

2. Be careful not to make being out of work a full-time job

Being out of work can be demoralising, and spending all day sending out cold emails with little response won’t make you feel better (more on how to have success with emails later).

It’s important to recognise if you need to take some time for yourself, but if you’re ready to be getting back to work again then now’s the time for research. Downtime between jobs is the perfect opportunity to watch all the TV and film that would feel too much “like work” in periods of employment. Directing is a creative profession after all, so it’s important to give yourself room to be inspired.

You might also want to use this time to reflect on how you work best. Do you thrive with structure or flexibility? When are you at your most productive? How do you collaborate best?

3. Keep sending those emails, but keep it personal

It’s tempting to send out hundreds of emails each day when you’re looking for work, but this isn’t normally the best strategy.

Try and prioritise contacting those you’re most keen to work with, and make sure your emails get across your excitement and enthusiasm for working together.

Try not to frame the email solely around work though, instead think about what prompted you to reach out, and offer to meet up for a coffee or catch up. You may have watched some of their work recently and wanted to reconnect, or even be curious if they’re attending a festival or conference. To make the emails feel less pressured, also include an easy “out” for the respondent – you can say you’re “in town” for something, even when you’re not.

4. Networking is a skill, not an occasion

Networking is an important skill, not just for building professional connections and opening career doors, but to help you stay grounded and feel part of the industry between periods of work.

Don’t think of networking as just “industry speed dating”, there’s a range of opportunities for you to network out there; industry conferences, trade shows, film festivals, Q&As, the list goes on. Prioritise maintaining the relationships you have and be sure to check in with your colleagues and friends who may be experiencing the same challenges as you.

Some strategies for getting the most out of networking include bringing an “accountability partner” to help you step out of your comfort zone, as well as attending the right events that make you feel comfortable and offer an ice breaker (“what did you think of the talk?”).

If you’re dreading being asked "What are you working on?" try and think of ways to reframe the question such as discussing recent projects or what you’re interested in doing next. You can also find advice for networking in our Top Networking Tips for Film and TV Directors.

5. Take some time to think about how you’re marketing yourself online

Whilst websites like IMDb provide a full summary of your career, building your own website and maintaining an appropriate digital footprint can give you a lot more control over how potential employers discover you and your work.

There’s more advice on this in our Futureproof Your Career resource, but key things to think about are

• What comes up when people search for me on the internet?
• What are the first works people can put to my name, and am I happy for that to be the case?
• What impression does my social media/website give to potential hirers?

LinkedIn and Instagram are also increasingly popular social media platforms for filmmakers to show their work and connect with potential hirers and colleagues, so it’s worth dipping your toe into one of these platforms if you haven’t already.

If promoting your own achievements feels a bit uncomfortable, think about spotlighting positive reviews. This can show commissioners that your work resonates with audiences. 

Making sure employers can see you in your best light helps them get the info they need to move forward with hiring you and can also make them feel more confident in your abilities.

6. Prepare for upcoming interviews

We all prepare differently, so it’s worth taking a moment to think about what preparation will make you feel most comfortable and confident going into your next interview.

You may only feel comfortable once you’ve watched every-single-episode of the series you’re interviewing for, or like Atomic director Shariff Korver you may find that writing a two-page vision statement outlining your ideas on the project gives you the best chance for success. Find what works best for you.

It is, however, always worth preparing your own questions, and knowing what you want to get across during the interview, if only to prepare for when the question of rates comes up.

7. How to cope when you don’t get the job

It’s going to happen, and when it does it’s important you don’t take rejection personally.

All directors encounter rejection, and during these periods it’s important to digest the news, reflect on the reasons why you may not have been the right fit, and bring those learnings with you to the next interview.

Sadly, it’s not unheard of to never hear back about a job and whilst this can be frustrating, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to move on and not spend too long dwelling on the fact.

Keep in mind that rejection is never the end, a “no” can turn into another opportunity months, years, or even decades down the line. Being gracious in rejection will mean hiring managers will remember you positively and keep you in mind for future projects.