As we reach mid-July, I slowly start to think about how I've been freelancing for exactly 2 years. This is something that I didn't plan on doing after graduating with my Recording Arts bachelor's degree. I guess it's safe to say that I got into freelancing in order to not "lose myself" while I finished my second bachelor's in Screen Studies. I had countless people tell me that doing a second degree was the worst possible thing I could do and how "freelancing in audio postproduction is not a thing". This statement, which actually came from a professional, really drove me insane to the point where I second-guessed my decision to come to a place like New York City. Still, I packed my iLok, a pair of Sony headphones, a drive with a bank that held a myriad of sound effects, and quietly crafted my own way.
Three months after having landed in the Big Apple I got my first paid gig as a sound person. I got to wear all of the hats in the audio postproduction department for what it came to be my second feature film. After that, I haven't been able to stop. I've heard stories of people who once dreamed of working for the industry but never got the opportunity of doing so because they didn't get the one internship at a studio when it is not the only way to work with film. So, without further ado, I will list a couple of tips and tools that have helped me as a freelancer.
Take Advantage of Social Media
There are countless of crew call Facebook groups--take advantage of that. If you have experience in other areas of the film industry, use that to get in. I got into one of these groups after a friend recommended me as a boom operator. No, I don't work with production sound nor had the experience but I decided to do it because it was a good way to get to know other people and it was also an all-expense-paid trip to New Jersey. It was after the shooting of this short film that I started to "sell myself" as a sound editor. Even though I had the degree, the certifications, and one feature film credit, people still wanted to see content before hiring me. That's why I did have to work for free for the first few months. As horrible as it sounds, having a demo reel was the key. Without a demo reel, people are going to think twice before hiring you. Remember, we all know what being "ProTools Post Operator Certified" is but young directors don't. So, while you know you have the capacity to take on certain projects, it is important that you build a reel first.
Build Up Your Demo Reel
Those who are into audio postproduction know that the ultimate goal is to work in a studio. You have space, the equipment, and the team. Nevertheless, you also have a steady salary. However, most of the time, studios are only able to offer unpaid internships and there are even fewer studios who actually let you work with material. Freelancing is a way to get your hands full of work and get the credit and experience that you need. Just because you're doing it from home doesn't mean that you're not learning. I've actually learned so much by freelancing and working with independent directors and students. From the workflow to how to tackle certain issues and most importantly, having your work be respected, you become your own teacher.
When you don't have experience, getting paid for your job can be quite difficult. When I started out, I would try to get as many projects as I could possibly handle whether they were paid or not. Once I got a bulky demo reel and had a long list of credits, I decided that I was in the position to be more strict with the projects I would work on and had a clearer vision of my rates,
Invest to Grow
After my third project, I decided to invest in a website and business cards. Business cards are a little old-fashioned but they work when you're having a casual face-to-face conversation with someone who might want to work with you. A website is a must. My website has many features that help put my name out there. When people go to my website, the first thing they see is my demo reel because truth be told, that's mostly why they enter it. There is also a contact section and gear section where they can see the tools that I work with. Not a lot of people do this and, to be honest, they should. Mentioning your gear is an excellent way to show a potential employer that you know your stuff. You're also letting them know of the options you have and it can also support your rate. Stand out and do research. Truth be told if all you edit and mix in Premiere you're not really standing out. Most directors and editors already use Premiere and might be looking for something beyond their knowledge.
Read and find out what are the tools and DAWs that are being used in professional studios. Invest in a recorder so you can go out and record your own sounds when you're not pleased with a sound effect. Go to conferences, update your programs, watch videos, listen to an industry-related podcast, try to get that internship (but not let it limit you), and grow with your work. There are many ways to get engaged and put yourself on the top without having to work in a studio.
My website: https://www.nicoleawatlington.com
Connections Can Be Forever
Working with someone can lead to your next job. Most of the directors that I've worked with are the result of an in-between connection. Most of the crew that worked with me on my thesis films were either people that I've worked with before or their friends This ties back to being present on social media. The good thing about freelancing is that you can work remotely. So staying connected and networking can bring you different types of work outside of where you're currently based. It also brings recommendations and some trust. Remember, networking is vital in the film industry.
In summation, freelancing is not "a fake job" just because you work from home or because it isn't a steady 9-5. In addition, it doesn't need to be forever. It's a way to grow as a professional and get you to where you want to be someday--it helps you put yourself out there. Some people prefer to do freelance as their main job while others took it as a temporary situation. Whatever the case may be, freelancing is becoming more and more popular because you gain experience at your own pace and it helps you move forward when others deny you the opportunity. While it's different for everyone, my goal with this entry is to inform you that there are many ways in which you can work in the industry. It's not easy and sacrifices need to be made in order to reach success and grow but there is no doubt that it will pay off in the end because it's this hard work that shows everyone else how serious and passionate you are about the craft.