ACADEMY ROUNDTABLE
we’ve also developed a new team dynamic, which we might stick to, where the results are better than before. Before the lockdown, some people used to view working from home in a condescending manner, not being convinced that employees could operate at the same standards as being in the office. This is a more ‘Victorian’ way of viewing things, with bosses constantly looking over people’s shoulders, and it’s not reflecting the flexible needs of the current workforce. For us, it was a chance to see that it works and we’ll certainly use a mix of remote and office work moving forward. Matthew Sherwood: There’s a saying: “Never waste a crisis.” That’s the attitude we need to have. This challenge forced us to think hard and concentrate more on what we can do and what we can control. We initially changed the format of the podcast by necessity, but then it ended up being by choice, as it suits us well and helps us to access more people and secure the interviews on our target list. As freelancers, we were forced to raise our game and we’ve never been busier. Once the dust settles, we’ll be better off. MM: It increased my earnings during the lockdown and that made me feel guilty. I didn’t feel I was exploiting the situation, but I was being opportunistic. The thing that paid for my new Ducati also killed thousands of people. That’s hard to square. What are you planning to do differently in the short-, medium- or long-term future, and why? PD: I really don’t want what’s happened to change me, the way I work or anyone else in our field. We have to let this ride over us and still make what we love and believe in, even after it’s over. I’ve bought a bunch of masks and am pretty good at defogging visors as I try to see focus guides behind them, but I am what I am and I don’t want this to change me, my approach or anyone else.
“I’mnot sure the strangeness of this period has really beenwhat I envisaged as a break, but at times I’ve really appreciated the time off”
context and becoming familiar with the safety rules we need to implement. It’s been very helpful to access daily, updated pieces of information on how our industry was impacted and the possible ways forward. DP: Not really. I’ve been trying to make more time for writing films, music and staying in touch with clients. Have there been any upsides you have found in this unusual situation? DP: Writing and learning tomake more time for my work, not just a business, as we can get very caught up in the business side of this industry. We all have bills to pay, but sometimes we take on a lot of work that we would never share due to style or content. We only live once, so I’m trying my best to not please everyone else. Only you canmake a difference in what you are creating for yourself. PD: I think work had been so crazy up until lockdown, I’d vowed for about three years that I was going to ‘down tools’ for a month or so and just recalibrate. I think everyone who can should take a break to evaluate their practice and make adjustments in direction if needed. I’m not sure the strangeness of this period has really been what I envisaged as a break, but at times I’ve really appreciated the time off. SS: Aside fromworking more on production processes, project development and growing our Factual America podcast,
Has there been any government aid to help? Was it easy to get and useful? DP: I got the self-employment grant. Without it, I would have been in a bad situation. JO: Zero help and something I’m furious about given the number of years I have paid into the system! SS: We’re aware of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, but we didn’t have to make use of it. We know companies that benefited of up to £50,000. Also, for those who decided to become freelancers after the pandemic started, it’s not been possible to access furlough schemes or any other loans as they didn’t have a tax return. MM: I was in the strange position of being paid to write about accessing government aid, so therefore not needing it. I think it was easy to access. Certainly, if you were reading my copy on the website, it was, assuming the government was responding in a timely manner. I’m sure it was a lifeline to those who needed it. Have you had any help or advice from any trade or business organisations? MM: Yes, there has been quite a bit of information available. I got most of my information from government sources. SS: We’re a member of PACT, a UK- based trade association for independent filmmakers, and through this organisation we’ve been able to receive guidance on issues such as knowing our rights in this
IMAGE Percy Dean says he always wanted some time off for a break. Covid was an excuse to finally do it
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