Freelancers Archives - Jonathan Glazier

24th January 202524th January 2025

A 2025 Manifesto for Creatives suffering the freelance jobs crisis

Embracing Change with Purpose

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we find ourselves in an industry that’s shifting beneath our feet. The seismic changes in the TV world bring challenges—but also immense opportunities, especially for freelance creatives. I hope my take on A 2025 Manifesto for Creatives suffering the freelance jobs crisis helps.

Manifesto v Resolutions

This year, instead of setting resolutions, I’m drafting a manifesto—a declaration of principles and intentions to guide me through the year. It’s a response to the times we live in and a reminder that change isn’t just something that happens to us; it’s something we can shape. Resolutions are just designed to help us fail!

The idea of a manifesto is gaining momentum, with thought leaders like Steven Bartlett and Adobe championing it as a new way to focus and achieve your goals. In their approach, a manifesto isn’t just about what you want to do—it’s about who you want to be and how you plan to impact the world. You can read more about this movement here.

This is my personal manifesto—a mood board for 2025. It’s visually oriented, which is perfect for someone like me, a dyslexic thinker. While there’s a brief written version, it’s more about values than detailed plans. Goals are included, blending personal aspirations with professional ambitions, and even a touch of manifestation.

Many productivity systems begin by separating work and home into distinct categories. I believe this approach doesn’t reflect the reality of freelance, gig-based, and uncertain career paths, where the line between work and home is often blurred. Instead, we should embrace them as one.

A task list should encompass all aspects of life: achieving personal goals, maintaining physical and mental health, fostering relationships, and practicing sound financial management. These areas are interconnected, influencing how we earn our income and approach what we traditionally call “work.”

Just as the 9-to-5 office job is increasingly outdated, so too is the strict separation of work and personal life. Systems like Notion’s Second Brain advocate starting with a unified task list, and I think that’s the way forward.

Keeping Freelancers in Mind

But before diving in, I want to take a moment to acknowledge something important: the freelancers who are pivoting or have already pivoted away from this industry we all love. It’s not just a career decision; it’s a deeply personal and often traumatic choice. Leaving TV and media—whether to seek stability, explore new passions, or adapt to industry disruptions—doesn’t mean severing the close bonds we forge in production.

If you’ve pivoted, know this: you’re still part of our community. Those of us who remain in the industry have a responsibility to support you and ensure these relationships stay strong. The work we do is shaped by collaboration, and that sense of camaraderie should transcend career paths.

Now, let’s talk about how we can move forward together.

A Manifesto for Freelance Creatives in 2025

Let’s align our work with purpose and progress. Here’s my five-point manifesto for thriving in 2025:

1. Embrace the Disruption

The industry is changing fast, and rather than resist, let’s lean into it. Whether it’s experimenting with new formats, embracing virtual production, or diving into short-form storytelling for platforms like TikTok, this is the time to adapt and grow.

Practical Tip: Identify one trend in your area of expertise (e.g., AI in production or the rise of FAST channels) and commit to exploring how it could enhance your work.

2. Prioritize Collaboration Over Competition

The best ideas are born from diverse perspectives. Let’s make 2025 the year we actively support each other as freelancers—sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities.

Practical Tip: Join or create a network of like-minded professionals. Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry meetups, or creative hubs (like the RSA) are great starting points.

3. Lead with Integrity

The creative industries thrive on trust and respect. Integrity isn’t just a moral choice; it’s a foundation for sustainable careers. Be transparent in your dealings, fair in your collaborations, and purposeful in your projects.

Practical Tip: Draft a personal code of ethics to guide your decisions. Include values like inclusivity, fairness, and accountability.

4. Invest in Lifelong Learning

The pace of change demands we stay sharp. Whether it’s mastering a new editing software, understanding emerging platforms, or honing your storytelling skills, continuous learning is essential.

Practical Tip: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to learning. Free resources like Coursera, MasterClass, and industry webinars make it easy to upskill without overwhelming your schedule.

5. Design for Impact, Not Ego

Shift the focus from self-promotion to creating work that matters. Ask yourself: How does this project inspire, challenge, or uplift others? Impact resonates longer than individual recognition.

Practical Tip: For every project, set one measurable goal that reflects its potential impact—whether it’s audience engagement, sparking meaningful conversations, or amplifying underrepresented voices.

A Word About My RSA Fellowship

This year, I took a step aligned with this manifesto by becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). The fellowship is not about recognition it is about commitment.

The RSA is a charity whose mission is to inspire better ways of thinking, acting, and designing a fairer society. Fellows apply to join because they share these values—not because of accolades or status.

For me, joining the RSA is about embracing:

• Inclusivity: Creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of background.

• Ethical Design: Shaping systems and practices that promote fairness and innovation.

• Integrity: Advocating for meaningful change, not self-promotion.

I hope to contribute actively to these ideals and encourage you to explore communities and organizations that resonate with your personal values.

Draft Your Own Manifesto

This year, I challenge you to go beyond resolutions and create your own manifesto. Write down what matters most to you as a creative and how you intend to align your work with those principles.

Need inspiration? Start with these prompts:

• What change do you want to see in the industry?

• What values will guide your decisions?

• How will your work contribute to a better, fairer creative landscape?

Building a Better Industry Together

2025 is a year for optimism, creativity, and action. Let’s embrace the challenges ahead and work towards an industry—and a world—that inspires us all.

Whether you’re staying in the industry or venturing into something new, your experience and connections are invaluable. Let’s keep supporting one another, regardless of where the road leads.

What’s in your manifesto for this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them with me or join the conversation online. Together, we can shape the future.

Here’s to a year of positive change! draft your version of A 2025 Manifesto

Warm regards,

Jonathan Glazier, FRSA

Media Consultant | TV Director | Format Creator

#MediaInnovation #CreativeManifesto #FreelanceLife #2025Goals #TVProduction #CreativeCommunity #RSAValues #ManifestoForChange #IntegrityInMedia #AdaptAndThrive #SecondBrain #FreelanceCreatives

24th January 202524th January 2025

Wrap-Up: Should I Stay or Should I Go The Freelance Crisis?

Should I stay or Should i go Freelance Crisis in TV

First of all this is the last altmedia before Christmas, I wish all friends, colleagues and readers a happy Christmas and I hope that whatever you do, 2025 is a year of calm and new chapters. I am returning to the UK after helping the Singapore version of “I can See Your Voice through production.” It will TX in January and the team have created a highly entertaining version of the show.

As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, the film and TV industry finds itself at a crossroads. For many professionals, the choice is clear but painful: Should I stay or should I go now? It’s a decision driven not just by passion, but by harsh economic realities. While some remain hopeful, seduced by the promise of a brighter future, others have already left, worn down by the hard realities of prolonged unemployment and shrinking opportunities.

The paradox of record-breaking investments and job creation figures versus the on-ground struggles of freelancers and creatives raises critical questions about the sustainability of the industry as it currently operates. Here’s where we stand—and where we might go next.

And just a couple of links if you are deciding if you pivot out of the TV industry. These two facebook groups are excellent sources of information and support:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetvmindset

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvswitchup

AI

I’ve had some comments about AI taking jobs or threatening to take jobs. We can’t duck the single most important innovation since the internet. We need to embrace it learn it and use it. I don’t believe it heralds the end of the creative industries. It frees us to be creative. If you read up on how AI frames its decisions compared to humans we are several years away from artificial brains and decades of conscious machines. Ultimately AI will create jobs for developers and for prompt writers.

Yes, my graphics are generated with the help of AI. I’d only ever create my own, it would take hours and the end result would be rather poor. I don’t believe I have taken an employment opportunity away from anyone. But it enables me to produce this newsletter in a reasonable time. And I hope this newsletter is a source of information and a point of discussion about the state of our industry.

The Human Touch vs. AI: Finding Balance in a New Creative Era

AI is here to stay. While it sparks concerns about job security and copyright infringement, it’s already widely embraced by many, including graphic artists who incorporate it into their creative processes. After conducting extensive research on this topic, I believe the way forward is to approach AI’s role in creative industries similarly to how “fair use” operates under copyright law.

Legislating against AI’s use seems impractical—it’s impossible to “turn it off.” Instead, we should focus on defining clearer boundaries and ensuring transparency. Much like how Creative Commons tags are used to identify photo usage rights, AI-generated images and content should be tagged. This approach not only builds trust but also reinforces the value of human creativity, which remains unmatched in its originality and depth.

AI, by its nature, aggregates knowledge and produces results based on averages. The outputs it generates are accessible to anyone, often lacking the unique spark that comes from human creativity. Scrolling through templates on platforms like Canva feels eerily similar to using AI tools: functional but rarely groundbreaking. In contrast, the work of human creators still has the power to astonish with its originality and emotional resonance.

As a new Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA), I’ve been exploring AI’s role in modern society. This organization is renowned for its thought leadership and research into societal challenges, making it an ideal space to consider how to integrate AI responsibly. Reflecting on the Luddite movement during the Industrial Revolution provides historical context for our current moment. While the Luddites resisted technological change to protect their livelihoods, today’s debates focus on ensuring that technological advancements benefit everyone—not just a privileged few.

Of course, these shifts won’t affect all sectors equally. For instance, I recently worked with a graphic design company that used AI to create a voiceover with text-to-speech technology—a direct replacement for a voice artist. While the motivation was cost, the lack of emotional nuance in the result highlighted AI’s limitations. This tradeoff—emotion versus efficiency—is central to the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in creative industries.

For my part, I’ve committed to clearly labeling any AI-generated graphics I use in my posts. Transparency is key, and so is fostering a discussion that values both innovation and the irreplaceable human touch. These debates are not just theoretical for me—they are part of my daily work and something I continue to engage with actively.

Let me know your thoughts—how do you see AI shaping the creative landscape?

This version refines the content, making it conversational and well-suited for a newsletter audience while maintaining the original’s thought-provoking tone.

Hard Realities vs. Rosy Narratives and Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Economic Uncertainty:

Many have waited patiently for an upturn, believing the glowing headlines about investment and job growth. Yet, for most at the sharp end of production, the reality has been gaps in income, falling rates, and growing mental health challenges.

For those who have left, the decision has been pragmatic rather than emotional: How much longer can I wait?

2. The Role of Ancillary Sectors:

• The rapid growth of ancillary sectors like distribution, marketing, and analytics has created new opportunities—but has it come at the cost of the production sector?

• Should these sectors bear greater responsibility for supporting the creatives who form the foundation of the industry? Are they doing enough to ensure that the production pipeline they rely on remains robust?

3. Global Dynamics:

• Across regions, the dominance of global players like Netflix has raised existential questions about the preservation of local production and culture.

• In Southeast Asia, South Korean content reigns supreme. In the Middle East, there is growing concern over the diminishing use of Arabic among younger generations, as English-language films and music dominate. These trends mirror historical worries in the UK when Australian soap operas influenced children’s accents and speech patterns in the 1970s.

• Does the industry need a course correction to preserve cultural diversity?

Where Do We Go From Here?

1. Rethinking Local Production Quotas

Governments could play a stronger role in preserving cultural identity through mandated local production quotas. While quotas may feel protectionist, they could ensure that local industries thrive in the face of globalized content.

• Historical Example: The UK’s concerns about Australian soaps in the 1970s led to government discussions about content balance to preserve local accents and culture.

• Modern Implications: Quotas could help ensure that Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions continue to see their stories told by local talent.

2. Reevaluating Tax Breaks

Many large productions benefit from significant tax breaks to film in certain territories. But how much do these breaks truly benefit the local economy or talent pool?

• Current Reality:

• Large productions often bring their own crew, minimizing opportunities for local talent.

• Local economic benefits are limited to construction, food, and beverage, and rental fees for facilities.

• Proposed Solution:

• Introduce a content tariff instead of tax breaks. The revenue could directly fund local productions and talent development, ensuring lasting benefits for the host region.

3. Supporting the Freelance Workforce

Freelancers are the backbone of the production sector, but they remain the most vulnerable.

• What Needs to Change:

• Ancillary sectors should reinvest profits from distribution and marketing back into production to create a more sustainable pipeline.

• Governments and unions must push for standardized minimum pay rates, fairer contract terms, and access to mental health resources.

4. Balancing Global Content with Local Voices

While global hits like The Crown or Squid Game are essential to the industry’s growth, they cannot come at the expense of local stories.

• The Cultural Question:

• Does every country in Southeast Asia want to consume only South Korean content?

• Does the Middle East want its youth to abandon Arabic storytelling for English narratives?

• Striking a balance between global appeal and local relevance is critical to maintaining cultural diversity and long-term sustainability.

A Space for Optimism?

Despite the challenges, there are reasons to hope. The very conversations happening now—about equity in tax incentives, the importance of local content, and freelancer protections—represent an opportunity for change.

• The Freelancer Renaissance: Governments, unions, and ancillary sectors have the power to turn the tide by addressing structural issues and ensuring production remains the beating heart of the industry.

• Global Awareness: Regions are beginning to question the impact of imported content and explore ways to preserve their cultural identity through regulation and investment.

Closing Thought: Building a Sustainable 2025

The path forward isn’t easy, but it’s clear. If the film and TV industry is to remain both economically viable and culturally vibrant, it must recalibrate. Production must remain the core, and freelancers—those at the sharp end—must be protected and nurtured.

The question remains: Will 2025 bring the changes needed to build a fairer and more balanced industry, or will we continue to see talent leave, taking with them the stories yet to be told?

Let’s make it a year of action and accountability, ensuring that the industry’s golden age is more than just a headline.

As to should I stay or should I go? Going isn’t the end, its a personal choice just don’t leave the decision to until it’s too late.

“Exploring the paradox to uncover the truth. With decades of global production experience, I’ve seen the industry’s highs and lows firsthand. The future of film and TV depends on the answers we find.”

– Jonathan Glazier

Media Consultant | Glazier Media Limited

Editor, alt.media

#FilmIndustry #TVProduction #FutureOfContent #FreelanceLife #BoomOrBust #MediaInsights #JobParadox #IndustryCrisis #CulturalPreservation #StreamingEconomy #2025Vision

26th November 202426th November 2024

Top Transferable Skills for TV Producers Transitioning Careers

Transferable Skills for thoise thinking of leaving TV

What Transferable Skills Do TV Producers Have?

Typing “Top Transferable Skills for TV Producers Transitioning Careers” into a search bar can feel disheartening for many in the industry right now. The truth is, the television industry is undergoing seismic changes. There simply aren’t enough jobs to sustain a consistent annual income for many professionals. Worse still, the nature of the jobs that remain has shifted—longer hours, increased pressure, and less downtime have become the new norm.

Stories of extreme hardship are everywhere on social media platforms frequented by TV industry professionals. The recurring question is: What else can I do?

It’s easy to think of TV as a highly specialized field and assume, “It’s all I know.” But the reality is far more hopeful. People in TV production possess exceptional transferable skills that are highly valued in a variety of industries.

While production crews face their own unique challenges—which I’ll explore in more detail later this week—this post focuses on actionable ideas for TV producers. Below are some thoughts on career alternatives and how to showcase the invaluable skills you’ve developed in TV production.

Support Sources for Those Thinking on Leaving TV

There are a wealth of support groups for freelancers I’ve listed some below

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetvmindset

The TV mindset is a great place to seek help advice and vent. You will find a great group of like-minded highly supportive members

Below is a fantastic resource you can download put together by the admins at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvswitchup a group start for mums working in TV, yes they alow dads and non-parents into the group!! this is a fantastic resource.

TVSU Transferrable Television Skills Tips and Contacts 20Sept Download

Some Ideas as a starting Point

People transitioning out of the TV production industry have a wealth of transferable skills that can open doors to a variety of other careers. Here are ten jobs that suit their skill sets:

1. Project Manager

• Why it suits: Production roles often involve managing schedules, budgets, and teams—key responsibilities in project management.

• Industries: Technology, construction, marketing, corporate events.

2. Event Planner/Producer

• Why it suits: TV professionals excel at coordinating complex events and managing logistics under tight deadlines.

• Industries: Weddings, conferences, festivals, corporate events.

3. Creative Director/Content Strategist

• Why it suits: Experience in storytelling, branding, and creative execution aligns perfectly with roles in advertising or marketing.

• Industries: Advertising agencies, social media platforms, creative studios.

4. Digital Media Manager

• Why it suits: Familiarity with content creation, editing, and audience engagement is valuable for managing digital campaigns.

• Industries: Digital marketing, social media, e-commerce.

5. Scriptwriter/Copywriter

• Why it suits: Strong writing and storytelling skills transfer well to creating scripts, marketing copy, or corporate communications.

• Industries: Advertising, publishing, corporate training.

6. Trainer/Educator

• Why it suits: Many TV professionals develop excellent communication and mentoring skills, ideal for teaching media, production, or soft skills.

• Industries: Education, vocational training, corporate training.

7. Talent Agent/Manager

• Why it suits: TV professionals often have networks and experience working with on-screen and off-screen talent.

• Industries: Talent agencies, casting firms, management companies.

8. Operations Manager

• Why it suits: Experience overseeing production processes and coordinating teams applies directly to operations management.

• Industries: Retail, logistics, non-profits, corporate.

9. Public Relations Specialist

• Why it suits: Skills in managing messaging, dealing with the press, and crafting narratives translate well to PR.

• Industries: PR agencies, corporate communications, crisis management.

10. User Experience (UX) Designer

• Why it suits: Understanding how audiences consume content can be leveraged to improve digital experiences.

• Industries: Tech companies, app development, website design.

Key Strengths to Highlight:

• Problem-Solving: Adapting to last-minute changes and troubleshooting on-set challenges.

• Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines and coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Teamwork: Collaborating with diverse professionals across creative and technical roles.

• Creativity: Conceptualizing and executing innovative ideas.

• Communication: Managing stakeholders, pitching ideas, and fostering clear collaboration.

Written by Jonathan Glazier

A seasoned media consultant and multi-camera TV director, Jonathan brings decades of global experience in creating, producing, and directing innovative formats. Drawing on insights from the cutting edge of television and media trends, he offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.