In the words of the inimitable Douglas Adams, ‘Don’t Panic’.
First up – sorry to be a Debbie Downer but be realistic about money. Work out how much you need to live. Do you have that in your bank account? It could be several months before things are back to how they were. Is it time to think about alternative income streams? Can you use your skills in other areas? Do you need to, gulp, get a job? Any job. It might be smarter to do this sooner rather than later. Get help if you need it to polish up your CV so it looks appealing to a corporate employer.
OK for money? Fantastic!
Use this time wisely. Coronavirus could turn out to be a fantastic gift in really shitty wrapping paper.
- Your creative project. This is THE perfect time to write that documentary treatment, screenplay, novel or film. Many other creatives are in the same unemployed boat so depending on Government advice, and sensible precautions, this could be the time to make super low budget or free content.
- Podcasts can be recorded remotely so even if you’re self-isolating you could still make something – and increase your skillset at the same time.
- Learn Something. From software tutorials to free workshops, paid in-depth courses or YouTube videos there are 100s of skills you can learn online.
- Mental Health #1. Do not scroll through news sites detailing coronavirus deaths for hours at a time. If you find yourself on the Guardian, again. Stop. Have a self-intervention and go clean out your knicker drawer.
- Mental Health #2. As a long time work-from-home-gal I know it’s essential to have routine. Get up at a sensible time, set periods of your day for work and periods of your day for fun, get human contact any way you can safely – social media, video chat, phone calls, talking to your neighbours over the balcony and finally… get dressed. Everyday.Â
Finally, starting this week, you can check out the the new  #runningfreeskills micro-skill sessions that are up and running in a brilliant partnership between Media Mentors Australia and ACMI. Details below.
Read more: Upskilling in Isolation: making use of the time
‘Running Free’ Free Online Skills WorkshopÂ
Twice a week – from 10 am, Friday, 27 March – we will be dropping a new session live on the ACMI Youtube Channel.
There’s no need to formally sign up – just turn up.
While the sessions are live streaming, you’ll be able to ask questions of our presenters on the socials through #runningfreeskills and have them answered.
Then the sessions will stay on the Youtube Channel in case you want to watch them (again!) later.
We’ve been swamped by enthusiasm – from people who want to watch and from incredibly generous people who want to contribute skills for our sessions.
We’re making 10 initially and we’ll see how we go after that – but what a 10 we’ve got!
Running Free Online Skills Workshop
Friday 27 March
Keep Calm & Look For New Markets
with Author & Journalist Jenny Valentish
Wednesday 1 April
Screenwriting:Where Do You Start?
with Drama Writer David Hannam
Friday 3 April
What Makes A Good Factual Story?
with Executive Producer Alex West
Wednesday 8 April
What You Need to Know to be a Videographer
with Lara Van Raay, Small World Documentaries
Wednesday 15 April
Budgeting 101
with Producer Charlotte Wheaton, Good ThingProductions
Friday 17 April
From Short to Long
with Feature Director John Sheedy,H for Happiness
Wednesday 22 April
Lighting for Beginners
with Cinematographer Joanne Donahoe-Beckwith
Friday 24 April
Getting The Most From Interviews
with Dominique Pratt, Presenter & Director
Wednesday 29 April
The Joy of Archive
with Producer Kate Pappas
Friday 1 May
TBC
Everybody is donating their services for free and we see it as a great opportunity to learn new stuff and be entertained during tough times. Full details here.
Media Mentors Australia is a Melbourne-based coaching, career development and training company co-created and run by Denise Eriksen and Esther Coleman Hawkins.
