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.
Q: I’ve been working as a camerawoman for a while now, and I’m obviously very grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. But recently, I was offered a one-off job with a company I’ve never worked with before, and I have a strong feeling it was purely because of International Women’s Day. On the one hand, I do need the work, but on the other, it feels like tokenism at its worst – as if my skills and experience don’t matter, just the fact that I tick a box for them. It’s left me feeling really conflicted and, honestly, a bit crushed. How do I navigate this without compromising my self-worth?
A: This is such a tough one, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Tokenism can be incredibly frustrating because, instead of being recognised for your skill and experience, it can feel like you’re just there to fulfil someone’s diversity quota. It’s demoralising, and, understandably, this situation has left you feeling a bit conflicted. However, in reality, we’re still in a transition period in this industry. Companies are under pressure to be seen as inclusive, but sometimes they approach it in a clumsy, box-ticking way rather than truly valuing diverse talent. The key thing to remember is that YOU know your worth – and no one job, or the reason behind it, changes that. If you take the work (which, let’s be honest, most of us would do at the moment), go in with your head held high, do the job brilliantly, and use it as an opportunity to build relationships that could lead to more meaningful work further down the line. Once they see your skills in action, the reason they hired you almost becomes irrelevant – what matters is what you bring to the job. Keep doing what you do best, and know that one tokenistic job doesn’t define your career – your talent does.
Q2: “The freelance world (especially this past year) can be a bit of a feast or famine cycle. What are your tips please for preparing for the quieter periods?”
A: This last year or so has shown us just how unpredictable freelancing can be. Planning ahead is essential – setting aside funds during busy periods can give you peace of mind if /when your bookings slow down. I’d recommend using those quiet periods productively and taking time to build your brand! Refresh your portfolio, connect with past clients, or invest in some professional development. For us, we’ve used these times to focus on nurturing our clients through coaching sessions and even begun working on a new book – projects that not only keep us busy but also add long-term value. Remember, downtime isn’t just wasted time—it’s an opportunity to prepare for your next busy period.
Q3: “Pitching to clients can feel intimidating—especially to bigger clients or rooms full of people which I actively loathe! What advice do you have for those freelancers who struggle to sell themselves?”
A: Touting for work always feels a bit daunting. Even for those of us who have been in the industry for decades. But remember, pitching is less about selling yourself and more about solving your client’s problems. Clients want to know how you can help them, especially during the more challenging times. Do your homework on their needs, be clear about your value (and worth), and share work that resonates with their goals. Show some confidence – even if it’s just ‘fake it til you make it’ at first – and don’t forget, they’re human too. A friendly, authentic approach often wins the day.
Q4: “What’s your best advice for setting boundaries with clients and avoiding the dreaded scope creep?”
A: This year has really highlighted the importance of boundaries for many of us. With tighter budgets, clients often ask for more, but it’s important to protect your time and energy. Start with a clear contract that outlines what’s included, and if additional requests come up, frame them as opportunities for new work with a fair quote attached. Communicating these boundaries early (and confidently) shows your professionalism, and clients are more likely to respect your expertise then than take the mickey.
Q5: “How do you keep the creative spark alive when you’re under pressure to deliver multiple projects all at the same exacting standards?”
A: That’s a great question! Staying creative under pressure by focussing on the small wins—breaking projects into smaller tasks can make them feel far more achievable. Take short breaks to reset your mind, and lean into your creative community for inspiration. For us, working on side projects like our new book has been a great way to stay energised and inspired, while coaching clients has reminded us of why we love what we do. Sometimes, a change of perspective or location is all you need to get that creativity flowing again.
“It’s been a tough year for many freelancers, but how would you sum up the year overall? Are there any positives to be had and taken forward?”
A: This year certainly hasn’t been without its challenges – the creative industry has faced a worryingly quiet period, and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all felt the pinch. But it’s also been a year of resilience and reflection. Freelancers have shown incredible adaptability, finding new ways to work, connect, and create.
Looking ahead, the industry will bounce back—it always does—and the relationships you’ve nurtured this year will set you up for future success. For us, the highlights have been working closely with our clients through their coaching sessions and the exciting (and occasionally chaotic) process of co-authoring our new book. All alongside our regular clients and camera work! These projects have really helped to remind us of the power of collaboration and of staying focused on your long-term goals.
Take stock of everything you’ve achieved, no matter how small it feels, and give yourself credit for getting through such a tough year. The rest of 2025 will bring new opportunities, and, like you, we’re ready to embrace them with creativity and optimism.
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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.
