7 Days in June: A UK Film Project That is Focused on Freelancing

There are roughly 1.6 million freelances who live and work in the United Kingdom—that’s about 1 in every 20 workers.

A study by Kingston University and PCG, the UK’s largest professional association representing freelancers, found that of that 1.6 million, roughly 265,000 freelancers work in the arts, literary, and media roles; 161,000 in management; 110,000 in teaching and education; and about 93,000 in IT/telecommunications.

“More and more skilled and talented individuals are opting for freelancing as a work-lifestyle choice, or because of economic circumstances. Freelancers are offering industry and commerce a flexible talent stream when and where it is needed.”—John Brazier, managing director of PCG for FreelanceUK

To help celebrate the UK’s 1.6 million freelancers, who contribute £82 billion to the GDP, a new project is currently underway called 7 Days in June. A series of seven films are being filmed in Media City UK and around Salford University from June 23 to the 29. Each of the films will highlight a different aspect of freelancing and the team of freelancers will be required to research, write, and produce all in just seven days.

At the heart of the project is a handful of crew members who will help make the entire project possible. There is a producer, director, director of photography, sound engineer, graphic artist, and editor. This team will work with other freelancers and students to make this project a reality.

7 Days in July is the brainchild of Rob Edwards, a freelance content producer who conceived of the idea last November. This year’s films will be the first products created.  “Rob chose freelancing for this year’s topic because of its increasing importance to the UK economy,” Cameron says. Future projects will cover other important topical themes for UK businesses.

“There is a growing need for a different sort of workforce in the UK. We’re in really challenging times as the Euro is in crisis and record youth unemployment. And businesses are finding it really hard to grow out of that.” —Rob Edwards

With an unemployment rate in the UK at 2.6 million—and expected to grow through the rest of the year—freelancing is increasingly becoming an enticing alternative for many. In fact, the UK freelance sector has grown 12% since 2008.

The 2012 7 Days in June project will cover freelance topics from three different perspectives—for businesses, for freelancers, and for students.

From the business perspective, the films will discuss the following:

• Should I be using freelancers?
• What should I be using freelancers for?
• How do I find freelancers?
• How do I work with them effectively?

From the freelance perspective, the films will discuss:

• How to become established.
• The importance of collaboration.
• How to find business.
• How to manage your finances.

From the student perspectives, the films will discuss:

• What it means to be a freelancer.
• What skills are needed.
• How can I increase my chances of success?
• Where can I turn to for guidance?

“It is hoped the series of films will kick-start a debate around the benefits of freelancing, how important it is to the UK, and what the freelance experience is in 2012,” says Alan Cameron, spokesman for 7 Days in July. “Film is a great medium because it enables us to get content on to YouTube on the run-up to National Freelancers Day on November 21, 2012.”

“Freelancing is a growing and vital aspect of the business landscape, but there is still so much more we can do to help people get into freelancing and educate businesses on just how much contract workers can contribute. That’s what we’re aiming to do with 7 Days in June and why we’ve taken on such an ambitious project!” —Rob Edwards

The project is being co-sponsored by PCG and Brookson, a specialist accountant that provides services for more than 9,000 contractors, freelancers, and self-employed professionals.

“Our research shows that freelancing is increasingly recognized as a vital force for innovation and growth in the economy,” says PCG’s Brazier in a press release. “The better it is understood, the greater its impact will be, which is why this is such an important project and one that PCG is delighted to be involved in.”