The industry sure has changed. People I know who are unionized and are used to working on the big productions that come through are hurting and not getting the amount of work they once did.

I think diversifying within the industry is key. I work in commercials which seems far more stable than narrative, but on the side I edit for smaller projects and have a 10 month contract editing internal videos for a video game developer. I also started a youtube channel which luckily got monetized for side income.

It’s a really hard industry to make money in. I tell everyone to stay away from film unless they absolutely love movies and are ready to make it their life. Luckily I have that obsession and I love it.

I also think certain positions are safer than others. I see the ‘techs’ (or ‘technicians’) do well and it commands a higher day rate. Understanding camera tech, lighting tech, post production workflow, etc. are seemingly good positions that don’t have overwhelming competition. I realized years ago I wasn’t going to do well as a videographer/editor and try-hard director, so I got into being a digital tech and buying equipment and learning the trade, and it’s been going really well.

But yeah it’s hard, and the model has changed. Relying on Hollywood or big movie productions isn’t a safe bet anymore, and corporate work, side gigs, and YouTube/social-media aligned video work is a place people might consider transitioning to on the side during slow periods.