In this series which appears in In Focus Magazine from The Guild of Television Camera Professionals, Jo Hodges and Liz Bell, camera operators and co-founders of Fusion Film and TV answer questions from readers, production crew and fellow camera operators on industry issues and give advice where needed.
In addition to camera operating/supervising and running their production company, Jo and Liz are both qualified transformative life coaches who work specifically with those in the media. You can read more about them and their work here.
Q1.My question is in two parts. I have recently finished up on a lovely long contract and am now job hunting and wondered if I should use the green banner on LinkedIn. I wasn’t sure whether using it was a good thing or not. Does it look a little desperate? Also how to approach someone if they have advertised a role on there as it’s sometimes difficult to know the right tone?
Ok, so in answer to the first part of your question, yes, you absolutely should be using the green Open to Work banner on your LinkedIn profile when job hunting. It’s the best way of saying, “Hey, I’m here, talented, and available for my next role!” For freelancers and creatives, it’s nothing to shy away from. It’s actually a smart move. In our industry, most of us are in and out of work regularly—this is completely the norm, not the exception. Colleagues, collaborators, and potential employers scrolling through their feeds expect to see people waving the banner now and then. It’s a useful tool, not a plea and once you land your next gig, don’t forget to share an update and remove the banner until the next time.
Your second part of the question on how to approach the person when they are looking for talent is a good one. Start by reading the post. What does it ask you to do? If it’s to apply via a link on the website then do that. If it’s a simple ‘get in touch’, don’t make them chase you down or do too much work. If you’re tempted to just type, “Check out my profile,” please resist. That’s like handing someone a map and telling them to go off and find the treasure! Instead, give them the ‘gold’ up front.
So as an example: Include a direct link to your showreel, portfolio, or website. Add a brief (and I really do mean brief) paragraph about your relevant experience. If the post isn’t right for you but someone else comes to mind, share a name or tag them. Be helpful. By doing so, you’re not just positioning yourself as an experienced and potentially great hire—you’re showcasing your professionalism and generosity. And bonus: your thoughtful reply might catch the eye of someone else scrolling past who didn’t even realise they needed exactly your skills. – Jo
Q2. I’ve just come off the end of a couple of years working back-to-back jobs and am considering my options while taking a well-earned break! I’m actually considering moving into a different industry altogether – my partner and I want to move out of London to be closer to our families. So I’m wondering how transferable my skills are as a camera operator/editor if I wanted to do something else completely different, or perhaps reduce some of my hours and make a sideways move to keep earning, but maybe something with slightly more sociable hours!
As a camera operator and editor, you’ve built a humungous portfolio of hard and soft skills that are not only transferable but also highly desirable across many different sectors. Those skills include creative storytelling, technical expertise, problem-solving, teamwork, and managing tight deadlines.
Once you’ve decided what role or area you might like to move to, here are a few suggestions to help:
- Tailor Your CV and Portfolio
Showcase the versatility of your work. Focus on projects that demonstrate a range of skills, from technical expertise to collaboration. Adapt your CV for each role, emphasising the skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for. We’d also suggest going through any job description and ensuring your CV reflects all of their ‘essential’ criteria. - Expand Your Network
Identify the industries or roles you’d like to explore and start connecting with professionals in those fields. Join or follow relevant groups on LinkedIn, attend webinars, or join online communities to build relationships. - Upskill with Intention
If there’s an area that sparks your interest, consider adding a certification or learning a new skill to bolster your confidence and appeal. For instance, storytelling is just as valuable in marketing, the third sector, or education as it is in TV production. - Explore New Avenues
You don’t need to commit to a new path permanently. This could be a time to experiment with freelance opportunities in adjacent fields or projects that excite you, such as content creation for brands, editing online courses, or even dipping into a role in production management. - Stay Grounded and Motivated
Job searching can feel overwhelming, so make sure you’re pacing yourself. Listen to thought-provoking and uplifting podcasts (DM us if you’d like recommendations!), or take time to reflect on what you truly enjoy about your work—it can help to guide your next steps.
Remember, any change in career doesn’t have to be forever. Many who diversify return to TV stronger and more versatile. Best of luck, do let us know how you get on! – Liz
Q3. I recently graduated and am now looking for work. I’ve been told it’s quiet out there at the moment but how do I stay motivated and find that opening I need to begin my career?
First off, congratulations on graduating! That’s a huge achievement, and while it’s tough when things don’t fall into place immediately, it’s important to remember that you’re just at the start of your journey.
The industry is in a bit of a transitional phase currently, but that actually puts you in a great position—you’ll adapt to the way things are now and where they’re heading rather than where they’ve been. It’s not unusual for it to take a little time to find your footing in this business, perseverance is key, and this is an incredible industry to work in.
You didn’t mention exactly what area of television you’re aiming for, but I’m going to assume it’s technical. If that’s the case, my first tip is to keep learning. Short courses are a brilliant way to add skills, meet people, and explore where your passion lies.
Here are some other practical tips to help you get started:
- Create a Plan of Action
Keep track of who you’ve contacted, their responses, and any follow-up actions. It’ll help you stay organised and spot patterns in what’s working. - Research the Current Landscape
The industry is evolving, so look into emerging areas you might want to be part of. Who’s leading in those spaces? What skills are most valued? Knowledge is power! - Leverage Your Network
Make a list of everyone you connected with during university—classmates, lecturers, guest speakers—and reach out. Networking isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about building relationships, staying on people’s radars and supporting them in return. It’s good to have a ‘we’re all in it together’ mentality when starting out. You never know when you will help someone and they will help you in return. - Consider Adjacent Roles
Getting a foot in the door is often better than waiting for the “perfect” role. Jobs like running at a post house or working in a production office can give you valuable experience and those all-important connections. Just have a plan to stay on track for what you ultimately want to do, and unless it directly benefits you, don’t work for free! - Stay Motivated
It’s so hard, we get it. Especially when the news can be discouraging, but remember: the industry isn’t dying—it’s just evolving. You’re in a great position to grow with it. Take breaks when you need to and celebrate the small wins.
You’ve got youth and enthusiasm on your side (*sighs wistfully!), which trust me, are huge assets! Stick with it, keep learning, and don’t lose sight of your goals. The right opportunity will come—just keep putting yourself out there and in its path. – Liz
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If anxieties or issues are impacting your daily life, it might be time to seek professional support. With over 25 years of experience each in the film and TV industry, Jo and I are here to help you navigate these challenges and achieve greater well-being. For more resources and to learn how we can support you, get in touch.