Dear fellow creatives,
As we navigate the challenges of the film industry together, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts with you.

Lately, my schedule has become increasingly hectic, and I find myself needing to be more selective about the projects I can support. In the past, I have always done my best to help out whenever I could, but I’ve come to realize the importance of a healthy balance between my personal life, my health, and my commitment to our industry – my profession.

I’ve had to become more selective in offering my help.

My Focus on Social Media Projects and Brand Activations

As you may know, my primary expertise lies in short-form, fast-digestible content, and brand-level activations. Projects like web series, social media, or streaming platform projects with docu-style crews – small, top-tier team members wearing multiple hats or activations that involve numerous vendors and production teams.

When time allows, I’m more than happy to lend a hand with these types of projects for my friends.

Feature Films and TV Shows

For other types of projects, like feature films or TV shows, I kindly ask that you secure endorsements from other industry professionals, such as agents or studio executives, before approaching me for help. This way, I can be confident that someone other than the writer has vouched for the project’s potential.

I truly believe that collaboration and networking are essential to our collective success. Moreover, I will need to review the idea personally before committing to help with budgeting. Simply put, “I need a vibe check” before breaking down your script.

Balancing Work and Life in the Film Industry

Please understand that this decision does not reflect my appreciation for your talents and creativity. Instead, it’s a necessary step for me to manage my time and energy more effectively, especially given the demands of my full-time job as I manage the Producer team and overall operations at Race Service.

My full-time job demands a significant amount of my time and energy. Consequently, my free time has become increasingly precious. It’s essential for me to prioritize self-care and ensure that I’m not stretching myself too thin by taking on too many projects.

A dear friend of mine asked me recently:
“Imagine you need surgery and have two doctor options. One performs surgeries non-stop, working seven days a week without taking a break. The other maintains a healthy work-life balance, taking weekends off and enjoying time outside the hospital. Which one would you trust more?”

I encourage all of you to continue honing your craft and building connections within the industry. While I may not be able to help with every project, I remain committed to supporting your growth as creatives and celebrating your accomplishments. And who knows, our paths may cross on a project that aligns with our interests and expertise.

In Closing

Thank you all for your understanding and support as I navigate this new approach to my career. By sharing my experience, I hope to foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect as we continue to create outstanding work and pursue our passions.

Wishing you all the best in your creative endeavors,
O.Z. Ozmen, Line Producer