Ah! It’s a new year! 2026! How to not only survive, but to thrive? You need a plan.

Elliot Grove of Raindance offers 7 Ways Writers, Directors, Actors & Producers Can Actually Survive 2026.

You should read his post yourself but here’s the TLDR:

1. Build an Audience Before You Need One
2. Create Assets, Not Single Projects
3. Use AI as a Lever — Not a Crutch or a Threat
4. Diversify Your Income Into Three Lanes
5. Work in Public — and Make Repetition Your Religion
6. Build Collaborative Triangles — Not Industry Contacts
7. Develop the 7 Soft Skills That Will Matter More Than Talent

He concludes with this:

“The Good News: 2026 Favors the Brave

• Yes, the industry is shifting.
• Yes, synthetic performers exist.
• Yes, freelancers are absorbing the shocks.
• Yes, budgets are a rollercoaster.

But there has never been a better time to be an independent filmmaker.

• Never easier to reach audiences.
• Never easier to build IP.
• Never easier to experiment.
• Never easier to collaborate globally.
• Never easier to launch a career without asking permission.”

My take: if you want a roadmap to success in these turbulent times, Elliot’s advice is very much worth considering. Bonne chance!