The latest episode of Denoised tackles a reality many in the entertainment and technology sectors are currently facing: job uncertainty and career transitions. Co-host Addy Ghani shares his firsthand experience navigating unemployment after being laid off from Disguise, how he pivoted to freelancing, and ultimately landed a new role at Stability AI. Throughout the conversation, Addy and Joey explore practical strategies for job hunting in a challenging market, with particular emphasis on how AI tools like ChatGPT can assist in the process.
This candid discussion offers valuable insights for media professionals dealing with career transitions, especially in specialized fields like virtual production, VFX, and emerging technologies where industry-wide downturns can affect even the most qualified experts.
From Corporate Leadership to Unexpected Layoff
Addy begins by sharing the circumstances of his layoff from Disguise, where he had been a key leader in the virtual production division. The company needed to pivot away from film and television—Addy's area of expertise—toward more growth-oriented sectors like immersive experiences and location-based installations (such as the Sphere in Las Vegas).
Despite being a virtual production expert with 15 years of specialized knowledge, Addy found himself vulnerable to broader industry trends: "You're still at the mercy of the film and TV industry, no matter how much of an expert you are," he explains. This reality is something many specialized professionals are confronting in today's entertainment landscape.
Key takeaways from this transition:
Even subject matter experts aren't immune to industry-wide downturns
The film and TV industry recovery after the 2023 strikes has been slower than anticipated
Specialized expertise can be both an advantage and a limitation when industries contract
Freelancing as a Transition Strategy
After his layoff, Addy immediately pivoted to freelance consulting work, which provided a financial buffer while he searched for full-time opportunities:
"I immediately pivoted into freelancing and doing contract work, which I found actually relative success in," Addy notes. "I was making the same amount of money, but working half the amount [of time]."
However, freelancing came with tradeoffs:
Income could match previous employment levels with fewer hours
No benefits or healthcare coverage
Unpredictable project pipeline beyond a few months
The job search itself became a full-time commitment alongside freelance work
This period offered unexpected benefits as well. Addy describes it as "both the best of times and the worst of times," providing an opportunity to reset priorities around health, family, and work-life balance after years of extensive travel and corporate demands.
The Reality of Modern Job Hunting
Throughout the episode, Addy debunks several myths about the job search process, sharing that he went through approximately 50 interviews across seven different job tracks over three months.
His experience revealed several challenges in the current hiring landscape:
Resume filtering systems like Workday can automatically reject qualified candidates
For each open position, companies may receive hundreds of applications
The timing window between your job search and available opportunities is crucial
Even strong interviews can end in rejection for reasons beyond your control
Addy shares two contrasting interview experiences that highlight the unpredictability of the process. In one case, a company's recruiters dropped the ball by losing his application for weeks, then scheduled a video call only to inform him they'd already hired someone else. In another instance, Addy inadvertently sabotaged an interview by repeatedly referencing a competitor's technology.
"No matter what capability and knowledge you have, you're still wearing a jersey at that company," Addy explains, noting how companies often have an "us versus them" mentality even when interviewing experts.
Leveraging AI Tools for Job Search Success
One of the most valuable aspects of the discussion centers on how Addy used ChatGPT and other AI tools to enhance his job search. Rather than simply having AI write his resume, he employed more sophisticated strategies:
Research preparation:
Creating comprehensive research documents on potential employers
Learning about executive teams, market capitalization, and company mission statements
Consolidating information into single-page study guides for interview preparation
Interview preparation:
Using ChatGPT to help prepare for different types of interview questions (behavioral, technical, and subject matter expertise)
Learning and applying interview frameworks like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Adapting AI-generated responses to maintain personal authenticity while covering key points
"ChatGPT was crucial," Addy explains. "I would create a Google Doc for every position and just start throwing stuff into that Google Doc and condense it so it all fits in one page."
Joey suggests another potential use for AI tools: using voice mode features to conduct mock interviews and receive feedback on responses—something Addy hadn't tried but recognized as valuable.
The Power of Networking and LinkedIn
Perhaps the most actionable advice from the episode concerns the importance of networking over traditional application methods:
"If you're throwing resumes out there, just stop, don't even bother," Addy advises. "Figure out weak connections. Figure out second degree, third degree connections, and roll your dice that way."
LinkedIn emerges as a crucial tool for successful job hunting:
LinkedIn Premium provides valuable features like InMail, which allows direct contact with potential employers
Job alerts on LinkedIn require quick responses—positions can receive 40-50 applications within hours
Profiles should be thoroughly updated and optimized
Timing is critical—Addy received a recruiter response the same day for a position at Meta by applying within 30 minutes of posting
For resume submission, Addy recommends maintaining two versions:
A visually appealing PDF version for direct sharing
A simple, single-column Word document with standard fonts for automated application systems
Specialized Expertise vs. Generalization
A significant insight for both job seekers and freelancers concerns the value of specialization versus generalization. For freelancers, Addy emphasizes the importance of positioning yourself as a subject matter expert rather than a generalist:
"You can't be a generalist. You have to be a subject matter expert to get your worth," he advises. "Have your lane and be really good at it."
This specialization allows freelancers to command premium rates and attract clients who value specific expertise. However, for full-time roles, Addy chose to pivot from virtual production to AI, demonstrating the value of learning adjacent skills when core industries contract.
His transition from virtual production expertise to a role at Stability AI shows how professionals can leverage existing technical knowledge while pivoting to growing sectors.
Conclusion
This episode of Denoised offers a clear-eyed look at the challenges and opportunities in today's media job market. From leveraging AI tools for interview preparation to the critical importance of networking, Addy's experience provides actionable insights for professionals at any career stage.
The conversation underscores that career transitions—while often difficult—can provide opportunities for growth, skill development, and personal reset. As Addy notes: "You have the power to reset your life and pick a new direction and choose the things you want to do and the things that you don't want to do."
