Editor's note: Haider Rifaat is a writer for the South China Morning Post, Arabian Moda magazine, Good Times magazine and OK! Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The global film industry has experienced a major blow this year, and as 2020 gradually comes to an end, things still seem to be on a downward spiral for filmmakers and production companies. 

It is well-founded that the aftermath of COVID-19 will cause the entertainment industry to lose 160 billion U.S. dollars over the course of five years, according to the Observer. The United States alone suffered a loss of seven billion U.S. dollars since March of this year.

The implications of the pandemic will have a long-term impact on filmmaking, and recovering from the loss we have collectively suffered, will take years. However, there are alternative means of empowering the world film industry and fostering positive growth during the most challenging year in recent history.

For starters, utilizing social media to tell meaningful stories should be the top priority of filmmakers. There is minimal production cost involved and it kind of gives filmmakers a pause, to introspect and come out with something more nuanced and creative. 

This gives independent filmmakers and producers a great opportunity to work together on projects including short films and web series. This is their time to shine, if they execute projects in the right manner.

We have also seen many mainstream production companies move towards web series, which has emerged as a phenomenon. Many deem that web series and the overall digital media landscape may replace television in the coming years. We are already witnessing an upward trend in web series being produced by numerous platforms.

Some small and even large scale production companies have prioritized online web portals, giving independent filmmakers room to prosper like never before. The industry at large is having a hard time combating the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hence, pulling through with quality projects that have been on hold for months remains a challenge.  

Additionally, screening of films on social media – more of an "online cinema" – can encourage people to watch movies from home without requiring them to visit their nearest cinemas. This saves efforts of all the filmmakers and producers as a result. Only social media can offer us this luxury. 

These producers and filmmakers can easily release unpublished work on the internet for the whole world to see. Therefore, utilizing digital media for both content creation and screening can keep the entertainment industry afloat without any roadblocks in the way.

It is high time that filmmakers collaborate with creative people and make constructive content. There is no need to invest millions in a quality project. A good camera, solid script and a few committed individuals can make your product shine.

Quality storytelling does not require you to have a big budget. Invest little and expect more. This is the success mantra for any business model during a pandemic. Though it is a step backwards, this strategy is still better than other lousy options out there.

What we need more than ever is to find alternative means to share the stories we want with the world. We have accustomed ourselves with traditional tools of storytelling – big budgets, tech savvy equipment and a large pool of cast and crew members – without realizing there are so many other means of marking your territory in the entertainment business.

We should experiment more often with multimedia tools. Have short films made that are driven solely by sound. Make documentaries using audiovisuals and have brilliant scriptwriters on board. Conduct sessions with creative individuals and companies that are willing to invest in you. This is not the time to take risks. 

Play it safe. It is the safest of all options, at least for now. When in doubt, write your own original work and bring it to life with your camera. Be inventive, be creative, be an independent filmmaker.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)