This year marked my third time at the Edinburgh television festival, writes SD Emma Jones – thanks to being an EDTV Ones to Watch alumni, and part of the application process for their entry-level scheme The Network. Like many freelancers, I couldn’t have gone without a funded ticket!

It was my first time attending as a mother… And that changed everything – from the new-founded guilt about time away from home, to the anxiety about added exhaustion after nights out, to the ramped-up imposter syndrome!

I’m only two jobs in after a period of maternity leave and already I’ve experienced being told by a project that they would no longer consider me as an applicant when I asked if they would be open to a conversation about flexible working! So in spite of being a new parent, I intentionally referenced being a mum in all conversations I had at EDTV. That shiny new plate I now additionally spin is one I truly believe strengthens both my storytelling and team management skills. Much like being a female shooting director, becoming a mum, for me, was something I had to work hard to achieve – and like my career, it is something I’m very proud of!

It was no happy accident that I should spend my week in Edinburgh almost joined at the hip to fellow working mum, and industry returner, Ally Thompson, a Senior Producer I’ve been very lucky to work alongside on the project I’m currently Series Directing for Big Mountain Productions – BBC1’s Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care (W/T).

To quote Fozia Khan, from the ‘50 Minutes with… Fozia’ session, “Find your people”. It also feels on point that I’m sat here, on a plane to Belfast hurtling towards a shoot, writing this piece for Media Parents. I reached out to Media Parents’ Amy Walker when I knew I would be going to EDTV – keen to meet in Edinburgh and, ultimately, talk about the idea of job shares. We didn’t end up meeting because Amy was unable to attend EDTV this year, but she gave me great advice on who to approach and how at Edinburgh, and asked if I would write this blog piece about my experience at the festival… (Here’s a link to Munya Chawawa’s alternative MacTaggart if you fancy a taste).

I think my main takeaway from EDTV, and it’s something that was an undercurrent in almost every session I attended, is the importance of diversifying – now more than ever before…

Be open to opportunities in other genres; and start shouting [in my case] about that short you made for The Guardian, and that mid-form series for YouTube that the industry previously didn’t want to hear about. With a stark lack of jobs, and an ever-increasing digital footprint, employers can no longer be genre, duration or platform snobby!

I know it’s really bloody hard out there right now but to all those who have felt pigeonholed, overlooked, or struggled to move across genres – this could be your moment! And here’s to freelancers finding their people…

I’ll be attending the Media Parents September Drinks to meet more… (see link on watercooler to book).