“I don’t know, but I will find out.” This statement is powerful in filmmaking and everyday life. It’s a superpower! Think about it. Most people will leave it at “I don’t know.” They may even emphasize that it isn’t in their job description to know. Which, I understand their point, but let me give you something to ponder… It’s not about being the smartest person in the room but rather being the person who is willing to roll up their sleeves and dive into the unknown. It shows that you are a team player and are willing to help out! It’s a valuable asset you can add to your film industry toolbox!
Embracing the Unknown
Film is a medium that thrives on creativity and innovation. Would you agree with that statement? Every project, whether it’s a feature film, a short, or a TV series, presents unique challenges and opportunities. As new technologies emerge and storytelling techniques evolve, there are always new things to learn and adapt to. This is where being the person who will find something out, even when you don’t initially know how, becomes invaluable. I am not saying that you need to know how to operate every piece of equipment or be the “know it all” on set, but I am saying that if you take the time to figure out how to do something, or finding the answer to someone’s question on set is an awesome skill that many people don’t have in today’s day and age.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, the key is to approach these challenges with curiosity and determination!
Why This Skill Shines in the Film Industry
1. Flexibility and Adaptability: Making movies is fast-paced and unpredictable. Hurry up and way is a true statement, and projects can change direction suddenly. Meaning, last-minute adjustments are often required. Being someone who can quickly learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, or circumstances is a huge asset. It means you’re not just reacting to changes but actively contributing to solutions and innovations. Even if you are just an actor on set, be open to helping as much as you can. More often than not, the crew will probably figure things out, but you just never know… You might end up saving the day with your willingness to help figure something out!
2. Problem-Solving Proficiency: From managing tight budgets and tight schedules to resolving on-set issues, problems arise constantly. CONSTANTLY! So, a person who is resourceful and driven to find solutions can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for creative problem-solving! And who wouldn’t want that on set?
3. Collaboration and Support: Being the go-to person for finding answers or solving problems builds trust and respect among your peers. Think about it…When you take the initiative to learn something new or figure out a difficult issue, you’re not only advancing your own skills but also supporting your team. This collaborative spirit is essential for successful filmmaking. Personally, I would much rather have someone on my team who wants to help versus just sit around all day. So I practice what I preach and am always on the lookout to see how I can help the production too.
4. Innovation and Creativity: Being someone who actively seeks out new knowledge and solutions can lead to groundbreaking ideas and creative breakthroughs too. Your willingness to explore and experiment can push the boundaries of what’s possible in storytelling and production. You just never know what can happen when you are willing to stop and think about a solution for a problem on set.
It’s an Easy Skill to Master
The good news here is that this skill is a pretty easy one to master. As long as you are willing to keep your eyes and ears open, then you can be the biggest asset on any set!
Here are some key takeaways that can help you master the art of Finding Out on Set:
1. Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek to understand how things work. Whether it’s through online tutorials, industry workshops, or simply talking to experts, stay engaged with learning opportunities. Let your mind be open and willing to keep learning and growing, always!
2. Embrace Challenges: When faced with something unfamiliar, approach it as a learning opportunity rather than a hurdle. Break the problem down into manageable parts and tackle it step by step. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Just take a moment to breathe, think things through and move forward based on the information you have available to you.
3. Leverage Resources: Use the resources available to you. There’s so much out there. With online forums, industry networks, and educational platforms and google searches, you can find so much information that will create valuable insights and solutions for whatever you need to know.
4. Network and Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for advice and support. This is one thing that I cannot suggest enough. Someone already has the answer you’re searching for, you just have to ask. Collaborating with more experienced professionals can provide you with guidance and accelerate your learning process. Keep meeting new people and expanding your network. The more, the merrier!
5. Reflect and Iterate: After solving a problem or learning something new, take the time to reflect on the experience. What worked well? What could be improved? Use this reflection to refine your approach and build on your successes. Over time, you will become a plethora of knowledge both on and off-set!
All in all, when you’re person who will go out of your way to figure out how to get things done—regardless of your starting point—will set you you apart from the rest. It’s about more than just solving problems; it’s about being a proactive and supportive team member who contributes to the collective success of a project. Think about when you needed help figuring something out or taking care of something when you had your hands tied and needed the extra help. Did a close friend come to your aid and help you solve the problem? If not, wouldn’t it have made things go a lot smoother for you? Remember – teamwork makes the dream work!
“Never underestimate someone’s ability to find out the truth” — Unknown.
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