Forever Freelancer | Rebecca Holstein
Writer and film director. Founder of Jewel Box Films. Los Angeles. One year freelancing.
Was there a moment, a meeting, a Monday, a very specific email, that made you think "I can't keep doing this." What was yours?
My 5 year work-iversary was coming up in my full-time assistant job, and I knew that if I didn't take a leap of faith on myself then, 5 years could turn into 7 years, could turn into 10 years, and so on… My last day working as a full-time assistant ended up being about one month after that 5 year mark.
Going into freelancing, what did you think the hardest part would be, and what's the hardest part actually?
Getting paid. Getting paid.
What's the skill you've had to develop that has absolutely nothing to do with what you actually do, but makes or breaks everything?
Build your muscles! Being on set is exhausting and our bodies need all the help they can get. Film sets are not for the faint of mind, body, or spirit.
If you had to pick up to three GIFs to describe the energy of a memorable moment or project, what are we watching?
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When I had to stand just out of frame to catch one of the child actors and keep them busy while the rest of the scene played out, and all I had on me was a sharpie, so I let them draw all over me until we cut so that they wouldn't ruin the take.
What's a phrase that instantly tells you a project is about to become complicated?
When people start speaking very formally in a way that starts to feel evidential.
What's the most freelancer sentence you've ever typed?
Written, directed, produced, shot, and edited by Rebecca Holstein.
Tell us the lowest rate you ever accepted. The actual figure. No rounding up for dignity. And what was the justification you told yourself when you said yes?
Minimum wage! $16.90 an hour. Justification: can go grocery shopping at crafty.
What would you put on a business card that actually captures what you do?
A cartoon of someone building a train as it barrels full speed ahead down the tracks.
What have you gained that would've been difficult to find anywhere else?
Self-reliance.
Finish the sentence: "Forever Freelancer means…"
"Being your own number one fan."