In October 2023, picket lines outside Disney Studios in Burbank signalled more than a labour dispute; they highlighted how interconnected global creative work has become. As SAG‑AFTRA’s strike against major studios continued, productions that would have employed hundreds of New Zealand crew members were put on hold. Camera operators, sound technicians, lighting crews and visual‑effects artists found themselves suddenly without work, forced to dip into savings or pursue side hustles. While the situation feels unique to Aotearoa’s film sector, the underlying dynamics—a reliance on international contracts, the impact of streaming giants, and the cyclical nature of project‑based work—are familiar to freelancers and consultants worldwide. This article translates those lessons into actionable guidance for anyone building a freelance or consulting career, whether you’re based in Lagos, London, or Wellington.
Understanding the Cycles of Freelance Work
Brendon Durey, president of the New Zealand Screen Guild, described the industry as ‘lumpy and cyclical’—a phrase that will resonate with any freelancer who has experienced feast‑or‑famine months. Periods of intense activity are often followed by quieter stretches, not because of personal shortcoming but because of external factors such as studio negotiations, seasonal budgets, or shifts in consumer behaviour. Recognising that these fluctuations are structural rather than personal helps freelancers avoid self‑blame and plan accordingly.
The key is to treat downtime as expected rather than exceptional. When you anticipate quieter months, you can build financial buffers during busy periods, invest in skill development, or explore adjacent income streams. This mindset shift transforms anxiety into proactive preparation.
Diversifying Beyond a Single Market or Client
Irene Gardiner of SPADA emphasised that New Zealand’s screen sector relies on a mix of local and international projects, describing them as two parts of an ecosystem. When the international strand weakened due to the Hollywood strike, domestic work alone could not absorb the surplus labour. The lesson for freelancers is clear: over‑reliance on one geographic market, one industry sector, or even a single large client creates vulnerability.
To reduce risk, consider developing offerings that appeal to multiple client types. A freelance graphic designer might serve both local startups and international agencies. A consultant could package expertise for both corporate clients and NGOs. By spreading your professional footprint, you create a more stable foundation when one stream falters.
Adapting to the Influence of Global Platforms
Gardiner also noted how streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon and Disney are reshaping the economics of local productions by drawing away viewership and advertising revenue. This pressure forces local creators to rethink budgets and strategies. For freelancers, the parallel is the growing dominance of global platforms that mediate work—whether freelance marketplaces, streaming services for educators, or international consulting networks.
While these platforms offer access to a wider client base, they often dictate terms, fees and visibility. Successful freelancers learn to use them as one channel among many, maintaining direct relationships that allow greater control over pricing and project scope. Building a personal brand, a professional website, or a referral network can reduce dependence on any single platform’s algorithms or fee structures.
Embracing Collaboration and Co‑Production
When local budgets cannot compete with streaming‑era spending, New Zealand producers are turning to co‑productions—projects funded jointly with partners in other countries. Director Peter Burger described how pooling resources with Ireland allowed ‘The Goner’ to achieve higher production values, include stunts, and meet conditions in both territories. The trade‑off was some loss of autonomy, but the benefits included access to larger budgets and new creative possibilities.
Freelancers can adopt a similar approach. Collaborating with peers who have complementary skills enables you to tender for larger contracts than you could handle alone. A web developer might team up with a UX designer and a copywriter to pitch full‑service website rebuilds. A management consultant could join forces with a specialist in change management to offer a broader transformation package. Such alliances not only increase earning potential but also spread risk and foster mutual learning.
Building Resilience Through Side Hustles and Skill‑Building
Visual‑effects artist Sean Fleetham turned to videography to keep afloat when his usual work dried up, later dipping into savings before finding another gig. This pattern—using adjacent skills to bridge gaps—is common among resilient freelancers. Side hustles are not merely stopgaps; they can evolve into profitable niches or provide valuable cross‑training.
Investing time in adjacent or emerging skills keeps your offering relevant. A copywriter might learn basic SEO analytics; a financial consultant could study sustainable investing trends; a video editor might explore motion graphics. The goal is not to become a jack‑of‑all‑trades but to maintain a core strength while developing flexible adjacent capabilities that can be deployed when your primary market slows.
Pricing, Negotiation and the Value of Knowing Your Worth
When work is scarce, the temptation to accept any offer at any rate can be strong. Yet undervaluing your services erodes long‑term sustainability and can distort market expectations for peers. The New Zealand screen professionals’ willingness to speak openly about financial strain highlights the importance of transparent conversations about rates.
Before entering negotiations, research prevailing rates for your skill set in your target markets—both local and international. Consider your experience, the complexity of the project, and the client’s budget. Be prepared to articulate the specific outcomes you will deliver. If a client’s offer falls below your minimum viable rate, consider whether the project offers other benefits such as portfolio enhancement, networking opportunities, or potential for future work. Sometimes a strategic discount makes sense; other times, walking away preserves your professional integrity.
What this means
The slowdown in New Zealand’s screen industry offers a vivid case study in how external forces—labour disputes, technological shifts, and economic competition—can disrupt project‑based work. Yet the responses described by its professionals—acknowledging cyclical patterns, seeking domestic‑international balance, embracing co‑production, and adapting skills—provide a blueprint for freelancers and consultants facing similar uncertainties elsewhere. By anticipating variability, diversifying income, collaborating strategically, and continuously developing your capabilities, you can build a freelance career that not only survives the inevitable lulls but also positions you to thrive when the cameras start rolling again.
Originally reported by ceesty.com. Adapted for our readers with AI assistance.
