Freelancer Spotlight: Alex Gulland – Filmmaker
Next up in our âFreelancer Spotlightâ series is Alex Gulland, a multi-talented professional whose career spans mental health counselling, equine therapy, and documentary filmmaking.
Our Freelancer Spotlight series is designed to help promote the great work that creative freelancers do and provide a platform for them to share their insights and experiences in the sector.
If you would like to feature in our âFreelancer Spotlightâ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
About Alex Gulland
Alexâs career portfolio seamlessly integrates her diverse passions. With a foundation in media, Alex transitioned to independent film production, starting her own company in 2010.
During the pandemic, she pivoted towards documentary filmmaking, giving a voice to those unheard. Simultaneously, her love for equine therapy led her to pursue a four-year course to become a mental health counsellor, allowing her to work directly with clients in a meaningful way.
Alex on her inspiration to become a freelancer
Alex shares what inspired her to go it alone as a freelancer:
"I have always had a love of film and my previous career was in the media industry.
"However, I found moving from that industry into working independently in film production, both terrifying and liberating at the same time.
"I established my film production company in 2010 and my initial focus was on corporate filming, with clients ranging from sole traders to blue chip companies.
"During the first Lockdown, I began to utilise my skills producing and directing feature documentaries, that gave a voice to those who did not have one.
"In terms of my equine therapy and mental health counselling. I had always wished to pursue equine therapy and this led to me wanting to work more with clients who had mental health issues in a face-to-face environment.
"To do this safely and knowledgeably, I opted to study the four-year course required to be a mental health counsellor."
Alex on her dream clients
Alex shares who would be her dream clients:
"In common with many people, I envisage my dream client as someone who wants to explore the issues in which I am involved.
"For example, someone who wishes to create a documentary that can positively effect peoples lives, or research the effectiveness of using animal therapy to assist those who are struggling with mental issues."
What makes Alex proud
Alex on what she is most proud of in her career so far:
"I feel most proud of my documentaries because both of the completed films were made freely available to any organisations, charities, societies etc, that wished to screen them and any profits went to charity.
"However, it was very tough in making the films a reality, as I was working predominantly on my own and both films were completely self-financed.Â
"I felt that the hard work paid off in terms of the very positive reception to the films and you no longer feel like you are a lone voice shouting in the darkness, when someone like award winning actor, Martin Clunes states, âIâll support what you are doing and endorse your filmâ. Â
"Suddenly you feel ecstatic that you are finally at the summit of a mountain that was extremely hard to climb! I am also very proud of becoming a mental health counsellor, as it involved many hours of study and dedication.
"All of which now feels immensely worthwhile when at the end of the day, you feel that you may have helped someone, by sympathetically listening to their problems and helping them to find some stability with their mental health."
Enjoyment of freelancing
Alex shares what she enjoys most about being a freelancer:
"I love the variety of my work and the space that it gives me to express myself. More importantly, I like the fact that I am trying to help people and aspire to impact positively on their lives."
Alex's advice for other freelancers
Alex shares her advice to other creative freelancers:
"Try not to do anything in haste and leave a contracted job on good terms, if possible to maintain future positive relationships.
"I would suggest that you do as much groundwork and due diligence in advance for your business and once you are set up, then talk with anyone and everyone about your business skills.
"I have found that new business leads can sometimes come out of the most random of conversations or meetings. Lastly, donât be afraid to ask for help."
Learn more about Alex and see her work on her two websites below:
If you would like to feature in our âFreelancer Spotlightâ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
Written by
Luke Glassford
Marketing Director
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