How to Stay Motivated Between Gigs
Posted on: Dec 12, 2024

This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the film and TV industry. I know several coworkers, from PA and DP to producer, who have been struggling to find work. Many have been turning to other industries to fill in the gaps between gigs.
The film and TV industry is full of ups and downs and sometimes you may never know when, or from where your next gig may come. It can be discouraging when you’re in a slow period, wondering if or when the next opportunity will appear. Downtime doesn’t necessarily equate to wasted time. It can be an excellent opportunity to focus on side projects and enhance skills, keeping motivation strong and enhancing your professional standing.
Find Purpose in Side Projects
Working on personal projects is a great way to stay creative and maintain a sense of purpose. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a short film, direct a small web series or even just learn the basics of animation. With the flexibility between gigs, these side projects allow you to explore creative ideas without the usual time pressures. Not only do these projects keep your skills sharp, but they’re also an excellent addition to your portfolio, showcasing versatility to potential employers.
The key to success in side projects is to choose something meaningful to you. What are you passionate about outside of the projects you typically work on? I have found my calling working in reality TV, but a small part of me is still very passionate about the horror genre. This year during a two-month dry spell, I was feeling pretty discouraged, but I began to write my first horror script and I found myself feeling hopeful and motivated again. This newfound motivation was able to hold me over until my next job and even gave me a great script I am proud of.
Expand Your Skill Set
In an industry that is constantly evolving, upskilling is invaluable. When you have time between gigs, consider diving into areas of filmmaking you’re less familiar with. Learning new software, like Adobe After Effects or DaVinci Resolve, can give you a competitive edge. Or maybe you’ve thought about exploring new roles, like camera operation or sound design, that would diversify your experience.
Online courses from platforms like LinkedIn Learning, MasterClass and Skillshare provide easy access to new knowledge, often taught by professionals in the industry. Skill development is a long-term investment, and adding even a few new skills to your toolbox could make a huge difference the next time you apply for work. For instance, if you’re primarily a DP or cam op, becoming proficient in flying a drone could open up more opportunities for work.
Network and Connect
Networking can sometimes feel like a chore, but between gigs, it’s an ideal way to stay engaged and visible in the industry. Attending industry meetups, online events or even casual coffee chats with others in your field can be a source of motivation, and can even lead to new opportunities. Sometimes, simply being present is enough to open doors. I’ve seen many film workers in my area putting on meetups and events. Sometimes if you aren’t finding work you have to create it yourself, and a good way to do that is by building relationships with other creatives in your area.
Social media is another useful tool for networking. LinkedIn and Instagram allow you to connect with other creatives, share your work and keep an eye on what’s happening in the industry. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with people you admire—most professionals appreciate enthusiasm and are often willing to share advice.
Practice Self-Care and Maintain Balance
It’s important to stay motivated and productive, but it’s just as important to take care of your mental and physical health, especially in between gigs. The unpredictability of freelance work can lead to burnout if you’re constantly worrying about the next job, so establishing routines and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can keep stress at bay. Try incorporating activities like meditation, exercise or even hobbies unrelated to work. These moments of self-care allow you to reset and prevent burnout.
Stay connected with family, friends or industry support groups. Sharing experiences and challenges with others who understand can provide a great deal of comfort and even spark new ideas. Self-care shouldn’t be neglected—it’s a fundamental part of staying motivated and prepared for whatever comes next.
Volunteer or Teach
If you’re feeling unmotivated and disconnected from the industry, giving back through teaching or volunteering can be rewarding. Many communities have local film groups, schools or workshops that would welcome insights from professionals. Teaching others forces you to stay sharp and can deepen your understanding of your craft. Not only does this help you stay engaged, but it also builds goodwill and positive relationships within the industry.
Periods of downtime are part of the journey, and it’s important to remember that even the most established professionals have experienced lulls in their careers. Staying motivated during these times is all about focusing on what you can control. Building skills, working on side projects and taking care of yourself are all ways to stay proactive and positive, even when things are slow.
Each project you complete and each skill you learn is a step closer to your long-term career goals. By using this time wisely, you’ll emerge from every break ready and refreshed to tackle the next opportunity. After all, the industry rewards those who continue to grow and adapt, even in its quieter moments. So take this time to invest in yourself, and remember that every experience, big or small, is part of your journey.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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