Allowing for Input

So, a lot of people feel their work is very precious and aren’t willing to let go of anything. It’s great to believe in your work, but often I feel these people miss out on making something creative.

Actors, editors, DPs, set designers, make-up artists, costumers…they all have areas of expertise and I wish that more filmmakers would allow their team members to take them outside of their own box.

When I work with actors for example, if they want to change a line or they want to try something differently (as long as there is time), I let them. This often results in a better piece of work.

I freelance as an editor and though I get my job is to make a director’s work come to life, I am often frustrated when I see the end result of films (particularly by people starting out) because I can see how much better the film could be if only they had listened to me and tried something different. I accept this because again, I’m hired to do what the person wants but often I wish they would let me try things and not be so conservative. “I planned shot reverse shot and that’s the way it is done!” Well, no…

When you don’t have a large budget, being innovative is key.

I totally understand not wanting to give up what you are hoping for but often what we hope for, we cannot afford to make and so we need to let go.

Just my two cents… ;-)