🎬 Why HMU Collective Exists (and Why It Matters)

Let’s be honest — freelancing can feel like a scam sometimes.

One week you’re busy, the next you’re stressing over rent and wondering if you made a huge mistake. Been there.

A new report from the Film and TV Charity called Make Freelancing Pay just landed, and let me tell you — it hits home. It puts numbers behind the stuff so many of us already know but rarely say out loud.

Here’s what stood out:

Most of us are freelancing — and struggling

• Over 60% of people in film and TV are freelancers

• Nearly half have experienced financial hardship

• Many feel isolated, undervalued, and like they’re constantly winging it

• Late payments, unstable income, and no real career pathway are standard

This is the reality. And if you’ve felt it too — you’re not imagining things.

So… what do we actually need?

According to the report, freelancers want:

• A proper way to get seen and booked

• Tools and advice that actually help them get paid

• More clarity on money, progression, and what “success” even looks like

That’s exactly why I created HMU Collective.

Not to be another job board. Not to talk down to people with “just network more” energy.

But to build something real — a space where hair and makeup freelancers (especially early-career ones) can show off their work, connect to short-term jobs, get money tips that actually make sense, and feel like they’re not doing this completely alone.

If you’ve ever felt like…

• You’re always working but never quite ahead

• You’re talented but not connected enough

• You’re building something but no one sees it yet

…you’re the reason HMU Collective exists.

And if you’re just surviving until your next invoice clears? You’re not lazy. You’re not behind. You’re doing what you can in an industry that hasn’t made it easy.

Read the full report

If you want to see the data and recommendations for yourself, you can download the full Make Freelancing Pay report here — it’s a bit of a read, but it’s worth it.

We’ve still got a long way to go. But we’re building something better, together.