Thriving in the Film & TV Production Slowdown

As the summer sun beats down on empty studio lots and quiet production offices, the film and television industry finds itself in an unusual state of limbo. The anticipated post-strike rebound has been slow to materialize, with global production down 7% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This downturn, coupled with the traditional summer slowdown in commercial and television production, presents both challenges and opportunities for industry professionals.

While the current landscape may seem bleak, with jobseekers still struggling to find work and production levels trailing their five-year averages, this period of relative quiet offers a unique chance for renewal and growth. As we navigate these uncertain waters, it’s crucial to maintain a positive outlook and use this time to recharge our creative batteries and reset our professional goals.

The Summer Slowdown: A Time for Reflection

Historically, summer has been a season of transition in the entertainment industry. As network television goes into reruns and audiences turn their attention to outdoor activities, production schedules often ease up. This natural lull, now amplified by broader industry challenges, provides a rare moment of pause in an otherwise frenetic business.

For many in the industry, the concept of downtime can be foreign and even anxiety-inducing. The constant hustle of moving from one project to the next has become so ingrained that periods of inactivity can feel unsettling. However, it’s precisely these moments of stillness that can spark the most profound growth and creativity.

Embracing the Creative Pause

Creativity thrives on new experiences and fresh perspectives. When we’re caught up in the day-to-day grind of production, it’s easy to fall into routine thinking. This summer slowdown offers a chance to step back and view our work—and ourselves—from a new angle.

Consider using this time to explore art forms outside your usual realm. A cinematographer might take up painting to experiment with composition and light in a different medium. A screenwriter could delve into poetry to hone their skills in concise, evocative language. These cross-disciplinary explorations can inject fresh energy and ideas into your primary craft.

Professional Development in the Digital Age

While in-person networking events and workshops may be scarce during this period, (there are quite a few in NYC if you are in that neck of the woods) the digital world offers a wealth of opportunities for professional growth. Online masterclasses, virtual conferences, and webinars can provide valuable insights and skills without the need for travel or significant expense. Social Media platforms like @Threads, Facebook, and X can offer a pool of local events. Follow hashtags for the film community or local chapters of clubs to see what is happening near you.

Take advantage of this time to update your reel or portfolio. With fewer immediate deadlines looming, you can thoughtfully curate your best work and perhaps even create new spec pieces that showcase your evolving style and capabilities. It might even be. A great time to collaborate with someone you haven’t worked with before or in a long time. (More on that in a few paragraphs.)

Nurturing Well-being in Uncertain Times

The unpredictability of the current industry climate can take a toll on mental health. It’s crucial to develop and maintain practices that support your overall well-being. Regular exercise, meditation, and time spent in nature can help manage stress and boost creativity.

Consider establishing a daily routine that includes both creative work and self-care activities. This structure can provide a sense of purpose and progress, even when external opportunities are limited. Remember, taking care of your mental and physical health is not a luxury—it’s an essential investment in your long-term success and happiness.

Collaborative Creativity

While the industry may be experiencing a slowdown, your creative drive doesn’t have to. Use this time to connect with fellow professionals and initiate collaborative projects. These could be anything from a short film shot on smartphones to a podcast discussing industry trends.

Collaborative efforts not only keep your skills sharp but also strengthen your professional network. In an industry built on relationships, these connections can be invaluable when production ramps up again.

Skill Expansion and Diversification

The evolving landscape of film and television production presents an opportunity to expand your skill set. With the rise of streaming platforms and changes in content consumption habits, versatility has become more important than ever.

Consider learning a new aspect of production that complements your primary skills. An editor might explore sound design, or a production designer could delve into virtual production techniques. This cross-training not only makes you more marketable but can also enrich your understanding of the overall production process.

Now, we are not suggesting becoming an end-all, be-all, but having this knowledge is also a great way to effectively communicate with other departments on their level. Understanding what they do can make you better at your job and foster a more supportive and respectful community. If you are like most of us, you likely started as a PA and moved up the ladder in some form or another. Making the jump from set to post-studio is a different beast, so take advantage of time and resources to enhance your skills. There are also a number of great books you might consider picking up.

Embracing New Technologies

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies reshaping how content is created and consumed. Use this downtime to familiarize yourself with emerging tools and techniques. Whether it’s exploring virtual production methods, understanding the implications of AI in content creation, or mastering new software, staying ahead of the technological curve can give you a significant advantage when production picks up.

The advancement and undeniable acceptance of AI tools in our craft cannot be ignored. While it is easy to dismiss or reject AI, it would benefit everyone to have a better understanding of what is available, how it can be used, and most importantly, its limitations.

Financial Planning and Freelance Opportunities

While the industry rebound may be slower than anticipated, it’s important to approach this period with a strategic mindset. Use this time to review and adjust your financial planning. Consider diversifying your income streams by exploring freelance opportunities in adjacent industries or offering your skills to sectors less affected by the current downturn. (We saw a post recently from a production designer who has used the downturn to pick up work in gardening and landscape, even going so far as to recruit other art department roles to support them.)

Remember, the skills honed in film and television production—such as project management, creative problem-solving, and effective communication—are highly valued in many other fields. Temporary forays into these areas can provide both financial stability and fresh perspectives that may ultimately benefit your work when you return to your primary passion.

Cultivating Patience and Resilience

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this period is maintaining a positive outlook in the face of uncertainty. It’s important to remember that the entertainment industry has weathered storms before and has always emerged with new stories to tell and innovative ways to tell them.

Cultivate patience by focusing on the aspects of your life and career that you can control. Set small, achievable goals that give you a sense of progress and accomplishment. Celebrate these victories, no matter how modest they may seem.

Resilience is built through challenges, and this industry downturn is undoubtedly a test of our collective strength. Use this time to reflect on your passion for your craft and the reasons you chose this path. Reconnecting with your core motivations can provide the fuel needed to persist through difficult times.

Looking to the Future

While the current state of the industry may seem discouraging, there are signs of hope on the horizon. ProdPro reports that a significant number of TV series and feature films are in development and scheduled to start shooting in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. This suggests that the industry is poised for a resurgence, albeit a cautious one.

Of course, it is always important to look at how this data is collected. Many of the analysis we have seen refer to Covid-era production, not the highs we saw before the initial bust. Streamers and traditional entertainment providers are more cautious than ever. An election year in the US is not helping matters much as the advertising industry is still turtling along.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the landscape of film and television production will continue to evolve. Those who use this period of slowdown to recharge, refine their skills, and adapt to new realities will be best positioned to thrive when production returns to full speed.

Embracing the Ebb and Flow

The cyclical nature of the entertainment industry has always demanded adaptability. This current ebb, while challenging, is an opportunity for growth, reflection, and preparation. By maintaining a positive outlook, nurturing our creativity, and investing in our skills and well-being, we not only weather this storm but emerge stronger and more capable on the other side.

Let’s remember that our greatest asset is our creativity—a resource that knows no limits and respects no industry downturns. By harnessing this internal power and coupling it with strategic personal and professional development, we set the stage for a triumphant return when the cameras roll once again.

In the words of the great filmmaker Federico Fellini, “There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life.” Let this summer be a testament to that infinite passion, as we use this pause to fuel our next great acts of creation.