With lockdown measures now starting to lift, there’s no doubt that the world of freelancing will have to take on a new approach that protects both creative and client.
Last Monday, an announcement was made that guidelines have been put in place to get UK television back into production. Here at Wishu, we’ll break down what these measures could look like, and how these new developments will affect the world of freelancing as we know it to be today.
The UK’s biggest broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and news broadcasters ITN) have all agreed with guidelines that include television stars having to do their makeup and shoots that consist a small number of people. This could easily be translated into the freelancing world, as photographers and videographers could be advised to only work with just the subject (the model, artists, singer, actor etc.); dismissing assistance from others, fashion stylists or makeup artists. Photographers have already begun taking on the virtual strategy, after the emergence of Bella Hadid’s Face Time campaign for Vogue. There’s, of course, the social distancing approach, which is suitable when using a wide lens. Film photographers would need to consider developing their own film photographs in their bathroom.
For Makeup artists and hairstylists, they shouldn’t worry about the risk of being out of the job. Methods such as wearing a fresh pair of gloves, applying makeup only with brushes, disinfecting products & brushes regularly and having fewer touch-ups on set are practices that could be adopted. In a Wishu webinar with Chloe Rose, she briefly mentioned such techniques coming to play. Careful systems like these are mandatory to ensure the comfortability and protection of the client. It is expected that online safety certification will promote sanitation within the post-COVID-19 makeup world.
But while many work from home, freelancing is granted the opportunity to excel much further. After posting a question on The Dots, on what the freelancing world’s future will look like, once this pandemic passes, the responses I received reassured me of a world that will allow creatives to continue to eat. And eat well.
One response went as followed:
“I sense that this new remote work reality will act as a forcing function for many businesses to begin embracing a freelance workforce. And hopefully find better, more efficient, more empathetic way to do so.”
Another stated:
“I feel like no matter what happens, there always will be a need for freelancers. You just have to learn how to tailor your skills to the market, even if it means learning new ones.”
So, what’s an ideal freelancer CMO’s are looking for?
- Digital skills such as content creation are important, especially when it comes to reaching customers for businesses.
- Software development and web design
- Freelancers being able to work remotely, working within the office environment isn’t traditional so having to work remotely won’t have a huge impact when producing work
- Being a credible talent (good thing for out ID feature huh)
- E-learning experts
Whatever happens, post-COVID 19 is a world that needs freelancers. The hard work doesn’t stop now.
Resources & Relevant articles:
The Guardian article on guidelines: https://bit.ly/2Xju914
UK broadcasters guidelines for Covid-19 TV production: https://bit.ly/3g7Vv2N
Bella Hadid Stars In the First Big FaceTime Campaign : https://bit.ly/3e8LuAr
How I Develop Color Film at Home: https://bit.ly/36leqm0
For more freelancer relevant news: www.wishu.io
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