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 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. How can I maintain a healthy relationship with my partner when I work in film and tv? Particularly when they don’t work in the same industry themselves. The hours and taking on work that means I miss or am late for special events. It’s just so hard to explain to them why I feel I need to say yes to the work.
Maintaining a healthy relationship when you work in the film and tv industry, especially when your partner isn’t involved in the same field, can be challenging but it has its pluses too. I always maintain you can come home from work after a bad day and always be in the right because they don’t know otherwise! Joking aside though, it can also be confusing because you will both be seeing things from a different perspective. So I think that the key here is…to communicate!
Regularly talk about your feelings, experiences, and challenges. Make an effort to share your day-to-day life in the industry, as this helps your partner feel included.
- +Ask Jo and Liz – Episode 13 – critical illness cover, how to cope with knock-backs, and why is the industry so quiet?
Try to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Dedicate time to your partner so that you can both disconnect from work and focus on each other. Most of us in this industry find it hard to switch off and also say NO! But talking this through might help you see where you could say no and also, let go. The more you are ‘in it together’ with your decision-making, the better both of you will feel about your choices and subsequent home and work life.
You could also make an effort to help your partner understand the industry. Share insights and anecdotes about your work, the demands it has, and its unique challenges. This will help to promote their empathy and understanding.
Of course, we all know it’s healthy to make time for each other outside of your work commitments. Are their complaints valid? Are you taking on more work than is healthy for you? If so, it might be a good idea to schedule regular date nights or weekend getaways to strengthen your bond.
If work stress affects your relationship, discuss it with your partner so they can provide support, it’s possible without industry knowledge, they may have a fresh viewpoint that could be helpful.
As we all know only too well, the demands of film and TV can be unpredictable. Be patient with each other, especially during busy times or when work is stressful.
By focusing on proper and honest communication, boundaries, and mutual support, you can maintain a healthy relationship while navigating your work life too. – Jo
Q2. Hi there, I’m sort of stressing about pensions – honestly, they scare me! I don’t have one and it’s getting too late, I’ve been sticking my head in the sand but I need to do something. Is there anything I can do at this late stage?
It’s understandable to feel concerned about pensions, especially if you don’t have one set up yet and are worried about your financial future.
I don’t believe it’s ever too late to take one out, but I do recommend getting advice from an independent financial adviser first. Maybe before you speak to them you can do your research.
Here are some options you can look at that may help you understand your current situation more:
- Research Pension Options: Familiarise yourself with the different types of pensions available, such as the State Pension, workplace pensions, and personal pensions.
- Check Your State Pension Eligibility: You can check your State Pension eligibility online. This will give you an idea of what you may receive from the government, the age you will receive it, and whether you have any gaps in your NI contributions.
- It’s never too late to consider starting a Personal Pension: If you don’t have a workplace pension, consider setting up a personal pension. There are various options available, including stakeholder pensions and self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs).
- Contribute Regularly. If you start a pension, aim to contribute regularly. Even small amounts can add up over time due to compound interest.
- Keep yourself updated on changes to pension regulations and new savings options that may be beneficial for your retirement planning. There are loads of really good money comparison sites that explain things in layman’s terms which may also be helpful. Alternatively, that financial advisor we recommended you speak to – they can help!
- In addition to a pension or perhaps even instead of, consider other savings options, such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), which can provide tax benefits that may be more suitable for you.
- Determine how much you want to save for retirement and set achievable goals based on your current financial situation.
- Don’t be scared to ask any questions of your independent financial advisor, they are there to help you and get you the best options possible for your situation.
It’s never too late to start planning for your future! Speak to an expert and taking steps sooner rather than later can greatly improve your financial security – Liz
Q3. How can I stop feeling anxious about having enough work all of the time? It feels like even when I have work I’m worried I will lose it. It’s getting so bad I’m struggling to sleep.
Without knowing your working situation it’s hard to advise fully so let’s just deal with your mindset first as that will help things overall.
When I have clients who struggle with anxiety we first work on what their reality is – as in what is real, and what is made up in their heads.
At the moment it sounds like you have some work so this is your actual reality. Not having any is currently only happening in your head. I think recognising that it’s normal to feel anxious about job security, especially in today’s uncertain times is also absolutely natural.
A good way to help with these feelings is to focus on What You Can Control. “Control the controllables” as Jo always says.
Start by identifying aspects of your job that you can manage, like improving your skills, or networking. Then take proactive steps to help reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practise mindfulness and relaxation techniques, particularly before bed, to help with sleep issues. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can calm your mind and body. Ditch the phone and its blue screen and reach for a book instead.
Establish a Routine: If you’re self-employed, establishing a daily routine can reduce feelings of chaos. Set aside time each day for work, learning new skills, relaxation, and self-care.
Manage Job Search Stress: Great resources exist for job searching and finding new clients, but be cautious about overdoing it. Constantly checking job boards or news about job security can heighten your anxiety. Set specific times during the day to check this information.
Share Your Concerns: Don’t suffer in silence! Share your concerns with colleagues or loved ones—they might be able to offer valuable perspectives. Talking about your anxiety can often provide relief.
Improve Sleep Hygiene: Think about your sleep habits and create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation. Avoid blue screens before bed, and consider calming activities like reading or listening to soothing music. Doom-scrolling is a definite no-no!
Self-Hypnosis Techniques: Self-hypnosis can be a helpful tool too. I’ll be sharing my own technique on our website in the Tea Urn section for you to try.
Reframe Negative Thoughts: Finally, focus on reframing those negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. Remind yourself of your skills and your past successes, and use gratitude to stimulate positive emotions. Good luck! – Liz
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If your anxieties or issues are impacting your daily life, it may 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.