In order for a media industry to be fruitful and for those working within it to feel content, an equilibrium between traditional hierarchical business and freelance work arrangements needs to be found. This would be inclusive of fairer work arrangements for those working as freelancers, including financial security. Conversely, those working within larger production companies and business will have more freedom in how they structure work around their lives. This equilibrium would be specific to each individual industry and fluid to allow for changes over time or financial downturn. True utopia would be achieved once freelancers felt a sense of security and those working for large companies were given far more agency in how they managed their workload. Unfortunately, industries are far too complex for this to (probably) ever come to fruition. Instead we have to hope that through research, regulation and shifting attitudes toward workers that we slowly progress towards this utopia.

It would be impossible as a media professional not to identify with the Lobato and Thomas’ closing remarks that we all wish to exhibit the freedom of a Freelancer but with the security of someone working for a larger company. Particularly approaching the end of my degree I’ve thought extensively about how I might structure my career and the goals that I should set myself. I’m draw to the idea of working a number of roles both as a freelance creator but also fulfilling a role in a larger media company for financial stability. I do acknowledge that these aspirations are likely to change just as much as the industry I will be working within will.