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The Freelance Lounge

The Freelance Lounge

Written by: Bruna Davi Dale Tidy & Joon Rho
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Welcome to The Freelance Lounge, where photographers, videographers, editors and producers gather to share experiences, gain practical knowledge, and feel less alone on the freelance rollercoaster. Whether you're happily flying solo or running a production company on caffeine and hope, this is your community.

In each episode, we dive deep into freelancer journeys and the challenges facing their careers. We'll tackle everything from awkward money talks and tax season panic to gear addiction and the art of not burning out while binge-watching tutorials on YouTube.

Think of us as those behind-the-scenes conversations you crave with peers over post-shoot drinks. Pull up a chair… you're in good company.

The Freelance Lounge
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Summer Survival Mode: Burnout, Balance & New Gear
    Oct 17 2025

    Bruna, Dale, and Joon catch up on their chaotic summer. Joon's drowning in work and weighing a return to full-time freelance. Bruna shares how her first client photoshoot went. Dale recaps months of non-stop travel and production work across Canada.

    What's That New New: A dreamy perfume ad with stunning flat lighting, and Tilta's game-changing autofocus system that could bring cinema lens quality to small crews.

    Plus: dealing with burnout, Dale’s dad one podcast rule, and why the team desperately needs your likes and validation.

    Whether you're navigating freelance life, love gear talk, or just need to know you're not alone in the summer grind, this one's for you.

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    41 mins
  • The Freelance DOP Life
    Sep 25 2025

    What does it really take to make it as a freelance cinematographer in today's market?

    In this episode, we sit down with Director of Photography Cody Preston, whose journey from childhood stop-motion films to shooting major commercials proves there's no single path to success. We talk about his early start as an extra in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, running a clothing business in his twenties, and the decision to focus on freelance cinematography over creating his own production company.

    We also dive into the behind-the-scenes of his recent documentary work with Destination BC, featuring adaptive sports across British Columbia, and a technically demanding Terra Footwear commercial that pushed creative boundaries. Plus his approach to networking authentically with directors and why craft-first thinking builds sustainable careers.

    Plus: Grandma Baba's mysterious career connections, crash cams, and why focusing on the work attracts the right collaborators.

    Connect with Cody:

    Instagram: @codywpreston

    Website: www.codypreston.com

    Check out his cinematographer template: https://lento.me/templates/filmmaker

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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Freelancing in a New Country
    Sep 9 2025

    What happens when you leave everything behind to start over as a freelancer in a new country?

    In this episode, we sit down with documentary filmmaker ⁠Balazs Horvath⁠, who left his life as a punk rock musician and lawyer in Budapest to rebuild his creative career in Vancouver from scratch. We talk about working construction to afford his first camera, finding community through online courses, and the cultural shock of Canadian work culture, plus what it really takes to transition from immigrant outsider to trusted creative collaborator.

    We also explore Balazs' current passion projects documenting fascinating Vancouver characters like community hero Leona Green and the nomadic "Dirty Kids" street performer subculture, and how he finds stories worth telling.

    Plus: Would You Rather, creative tools, and why being genuinely kind matters more than perfect work in Canada.

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    1 hr and 30 mins
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