Rebecca Coley
Rebecca is a filmmaker and she also runs DRIFT surf and yoga retreats. Rebecca lived in London for seven years and worked on the creative team for Adjust Your Set Agency directing content for brands such as M&S, British Airways, Debenhams and HSBC. She produced LOCO the London Comedy Film Festival at the BFI and ran Branchage Directors Labs which is where the love of bringing people together comes from. Rebecca now runs the Jersey Surf Film Festival, a small festival celebrating the sea and surf culture in St Ouens Bay. Rebecca loves teaching meditation and surfing when she's not making films.
Rebecca makes both documentary and fiction films. She loves real life stories and exploring the human condition through both documentary and fiction filmmaking. Rebecca has made numerous short films that have won awards and toured festivals worldwide and she also enjoys creating content for brands and charities particularly where there is a strong story to be told.
“Taking time to plan properly is always time well spent."
Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?
Rebecca worked for many other companies and agencies as a freelancer and got lots of experience on set and working on different films before setting up on her own company to make her own films. Freelancing is usually the main way filmmakers have to work and so it evolved naturally.
How do you work and what is a typical day like for you?
Every day is different which is what I love about my life and my work. Shoot days are always very early starts and all consuming non-stop action as there's never enough time in the day. On days where I'm editing or writing at home I try to plan an outing to swim or surf as otherwise I can got for days without seeing another human (apart from the dog, cat and boyfriend :)
What are the best parts about your business?
Meeting new people. Being creative. Freedom to work in the way that best facilitates the work. Being your own boss.
What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?
There are always new challenges. Staying self-motivated, particularly on long projects. The feast and famine nature of freelancing took me a while to get used to and the uncertainty between jobs and projects. The high of completing something successful and then the quiet time of not knowing whats next and trying not to panic :) But I'm used to it these days. Sometimes managing stress if it's a long or uncertain project and keeping a handle on that. Always trying to balance out with time with friends and family and keeping it light and fun when possible.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
Taking time to plan properly is always time well spent.
Do you have any advice for other small business owners?
Having a good rest and properly digital detoxing is so valuable to come back properly recharged.
What currently inspires you?
Currently subscribed to Masterclass I love tuning into that to get advice from the greats. Enjoying the 'We Look Sideways' podcast too & been using the Insight Timer app for tracking my meditations which I love, even if its only 5 minutes in the morning.
I’m always interested in meeting new people and connecting.
You can contact and find me here
