What to do when there's no work
- TAR
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
I've been in this position. I'm sure the majority of us have.
Last year, between January and March, I think I had just over two weeks of work in total. I finished one job at the beginning of January, did a couple of crowd days and then had two weeks on a splinter unit. That was it.
At the moment, especially in London, it feels like there isn't much work around and that's scary.
I wanted to write this because I know a lot of people are in that position right now.
First of all... you're not alone
Whether you've got a mortgage, rent to pay or just the usual monthly bills, having no work coming in is stressful. Some people are lucky enough to still live at home or have family in the city they work in. That's brilliant. If my family had lived in London when I started out, I'd have absolutely done the same. Instead, I was renting rooms because that's what I had to do in order to work. Everyone's situation is different.
What we all have in common is that this industry is unpredictable.
One minute you're working six days a week and wondering where you'll find the energy to do another month. The next you're wondering where the next job is coming from. Most of the time another job does come along, and maybe you've got a couple of weeks off in between which is a lovely position to be in. Unfortunately, that's not always the reality.
Update your CV
If your CV hasn't been updated for a while, now is the perfect opportunity. Spend some time making sure it's current and reflects your latest experience. If you're unsure what should be on it, have a read of my other blog post, What Makes a Good CV?
Reach out to your contacts
Don't be afraid to get in touch with people you've previously worked with. I know it's no fun sending those emails - trust me I dread it every time. And don't feel like you're annoying them - sometimes people simply don't know you've finished your last job.
Keep it short and sweet - email or text depending on how well you know them. Everyone has been in this position at one time or another. Just be respectful with how you interact with people and don't over do it with constant availability updates.
Invest in yourself
One of the best things you can do during quieter periods is improve your skill set.
ScreenSkills offers some brilliant courses, and many of them are completely free.
They've got courses in Excel, scripted and unscripted television, High-End TV and specific courses for Assistant Directors like departmental budgeting, Crowd 2nding and Crowd 3rding (dressing in the BG).
Some you can complete whenever you like online, while others run on set dates throughout the year. Once you've completed them, add them to your CV. Showing that you've used your downtime to develop professionally always looks good.
Learn a new skill
If your budget allows, think about adding another qualification.
A First Aid course.
Your Chaperone Licence.
Another industry qualification you've been putting off.
You may even be able to apply for funding through ScreenSkills to help you complete some of these. Another good one here is getting your driving license - ScreenSkills can help with funding lessons!
Having extra skills doesn't just strengthen your CV; it can also open up other opportunities while you're waiting for your next production. For example, becoming a licensed chaperone could mean you're still getting onto film sets, meeting AD teams and making connections.
You never know where your next job might come from.
If you're just starting out...
If you're very early in your career, don't overlook becoming a supporting artist.
Joining an extras agency gets you onto set, lets you observe how productions work and gives you the chance to start meeting people.
Please don't work for free
This is something I feel quite strongly about. I know it's tempting when you're desperate to get experience, but please don't let people take advantage of your enthusiasm. Everyone deserves to be paid for the work they're doing. I've seen people told they'll get "great experience" in an office, only to end up working full days for free. That shouldn't be happening.
Enjoy some of the time off
I know that probably sounds strange. But our industry asks a lot of us.
Long hours. Weekend work. Missed birthdays. Cancelled plans. Time away from family.
If you have some unexpected time off, try to enjoy parts of it. Visit your grandparents. Spend time with your parents. Look after your nieces or nephews. Go to that morning yoga class you've never been able to make because you're standing in the rain on set at 6am. Pick up an old hobby. Or start a new one.
Look after yourself
Perhaps the most important one. Periods without work can really affect your mental health so try not to carry that weight on your own. The Film and TV Charity offers support, including free counselling sessions for people working in the industry. Don't be afraid to use those services if you need them.
If you need another job, take another job
This isn't giving up. If you need to work in a café, a pub, a nursery or anywhere else while waiting for your next film job, then do it. There's absolutely no shame in that. Money is money, and your bills still need paying. Those jobs will still teach you valuable skills, and they'll be there to support you until the next opportunity comes along.
Final thoughts
I really hope things improve. It's heartbreaking hearing about talented people leaving the industry because they simply can't afford to stay. It's even harder when people can't find work outside the industry while they're waiting for productions to pick back up. If you're in that position, please know you're not the only one.
Keep reaching out.
Keep learning.
Keep investing in yourself.
And when work does come back—and I truly hope it does—you'll be ready.
TAR
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