#25: Francesca Marago, Producer & Podcast Host - Freelancer Success in the Creative Industries

Filmmaking Framed

In this episode, we feature Francesca Marago, the co-host of "Not The 9-5 Podcast", where she explores the realities of freelance life and offers invaluable advice for aspiring freelancers.

Francesca shares her inspiring journey as a dynamic force in the creative industries, juggling roles as an actress, producer, and location manager. From her early days in local theatre and studying drama at Portsmouth University to founding her own production company, Melon & Spud Productions, Francesca details her experiences working on commercials and still shoots, emphasising the importance of organisation and creativity in producing. She delves into her transition from acting to behind-the-scenes roles, revealing how internships and diverse job experiences helped shape her career. Francesca also discusses the importance of staying positive, finding hobbies outside of work, and continuously learning and adapting in a challenging industry. Tune in to hear Francesca's valuable insights on balancing multiple roles, building a successful freelance career, and thriving in the competitive world of film and television.

Key Lessons

• Versatility and Transferable Skills: Francesca transitioned from acting to producing and managing, highlighting the importance of versatility and transferable skills. Her journey showcases how organisational, creative, and leadership abilities are applicable across different industry roles, encouraging professionals to explore diverse opportunities.

• The Power of Networking and Mentorship: She underscores the importance of building connections and learning from others in the industry. Francesca's journey showcases how meeting key individuals, such as a location manager on a shoot or her current accountant, significantly impacted her career trajectory and provided crucial guidance.

• Staying Positive and Adaptive: Francesca stresses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, finding balance through hobbies, and continuously learning. Her advice to freelancers includes being proactive in seeking out new opportunities, staying adaptable to industry changes, and using downtime productively to recharge and grow personally and professionally.

Resources

• Networking Events and Industry Connections: Francesca highlights the importance of attending networking events and building connections within the industry. These events provided her with opportunities to meet key individuals, such as her business partner for Melon & Spud Productions.

• Not The 9-5 Podcast: Her own podcast serves as a resource for freelancers, offering insights, advice, and experiences from various professionals in the creative industry. They have a weekly newsletter where they share insider tips, tricks and stories to get you through your freelance lives, plus special guest announcements!

• OJC Accountancy: Francesca recommends her accountant, Rachel Owen Jones, who specialises in freelance and film industry accounting. Having a knowledgeable accountant has been crucial for managing her finances and understanding tax obligations.

[e-mail]

Want to contact Francesca? Reach out to her via the methods below;

Acting & Voice Over Website: http://www.francescamarago.com

Spotlight: https://app.spotlight.com/1177-9081-5117

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescamarago/

IMdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12666884/

Melon & Spud Productions: http://www.melonandspud.com

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.