3 Rules I’m Leveraging To Stay Relevant In 2026

One project doesn’t create momentum.

What you do between projects does.

In 2026, I'm predicting that the filmmakers who get ahead aren’t waiting until their next film is done.

They’re building leverage on a weekly basis.

These 3 rules have moved the needle for my career.

And for the filmmakers I mentor who follow them.

Rule 1: Create content weekly (or as often as possible)

In 2026, creating content isn’t optional anymore.

It's the only way.

I've embedded this practice into my day to day.

Do I get busy and fall behind? Absolutely.

But I've been consistently posting content since 2016 and significantly more over the past few years.

This doesn’t mean posting a few times and hoping one goes viral.

When done correctly, content does three things:

1. It builds awareness
Nobody knows you exist. And quite frankly, nobody cares.

And even if they do, they’re busy thinking about themselves.

Posting gives you an opportunity to be discovered.

2. It finds your people

Employers. Collaborators. Producers. Editors. Other filmmakers.

The algorithm wants to connect niche content to niche audiences. 

My latest development and consulting project with a reputable advertising agency came from being active and visible on LinkedIn.

They didn't know where to find female directors who work in sports.

And they found me organically!

3. It creates momentum when you’re between projects

You don’t need a new film to stay relevant.

You need a narrative that communicates who you are and why your work matters.

It can look like:

• Behind-the-scenes from a shoot you worked on

• The story of how (and why) you became a filmmaker

• Using a trend to talk about filmmaking, or whatever specific niche you exist in

You can literally use ChatGPT to analyze why your content idea worked or didn’t. 

Then you can keep doing what's working and do less of what's not.

Rule 2: Your personal brand is your most important asset

I’m hired for my work and my skill.

That foundation matters more than anything else. Full stop.

But more often than not, I’m actually hired because people want to work with me.

They believe in what I stand for.

They understand my point of view.

And sometimes, that matters more than anything else.

If someone finds you online, can they immediately understand your story?

If not, that’s a problem, and it’s your sign to start creating content that makes it more obvious.

Rule 3: Marketing is equally as important as the film itself 

In my experience, the story leading up to a release can be more powerful than the release itself.

I know that sounds crazy, but it's true.

Hype and press can do wonders, and that's why marketing budgets exist and can be huge.

Think of yourself as a mini film studio.

Marketing deserves the same level of intention and resources as the film itself.

Here's an example:

My TV show has been running for two seasons on Prime Video, so obviously people are watching it.

And yet, I can’t count how many friends tell me how amazing the show is…who haven’t actually watched it yet.

And...I’m not offended at all.

Because that tells me the narrative I created worked.

People decided to support my work before they ever pressed play.

That’s brand.

I hope today's newsletter inspires you to post that content in your drafts.

Everyone wants the reward.

But the ones who win are the ones willing to take the risk.