4 Things You Can Do to Stay Productive When You’re Not Making Films

What should a filmmaker’s downtime look like?

Even though a lot of us would like to be making films nonstop, there is always going to be a period of time when you’re not working on a project. But instead of spending your days playing video games in a bathrobe, you could be doing things that help further your career and keep you creatively productive. In this video, DP Matthew Workman shares 4 ways you can make the most of your downtime between films. Check it out below:

• Shoot spec work: Practicing your craft is super important! Shoot something, anything, then edit, color, and upload.
• Network: Go to parties, events like NAB and IBC, workshops, etc.
• Hang out with crew outside of work: Common interests go a long way professionally.
• Document your process: Being prolific on social network sites like Instagram can get you work.

I’ve always liked to keep busy when I wasn’t working on a project—even pulling out my phone to make a short little video of me making coffee at a restaurant as I waited for my friends to show up—but I also think that relaxation should be another thing on this list.

You’ll be full of creative fervor at different times in your career, but sometimes you’ll need a season of rest. Take that time to reenergize yourself, to gain a little clarity, to do something that isn’t related to filmmaking. Since my job has me thinking about cinema and filmmaking from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed, the only break I get from that world was during my (maybe) four hours I sleep I get a night. Sometimes this can feel like an overload, so I allowed myself to develop smaller passions, like cooking, that I can focus on when I need a cinema time out. When I’m in the kitchen trying to perfect a recipe, I get that respite from the thing that occupies 90% of my time, then when I’m back at my desk, I return with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. (And I made bomb ass teres major steaks last night, so…)

Source: No Film School