1) Learn the business and never stop creating. Directing for a living is a privilege very few get to experience. Respect that privilege, and when someone gives you the opportunity, drop your ego, be a team player, and do it with a smile. You’ve got a daunting challenge ahead of you, so make the journey as special as you hope the destination will someday be.
2) Don’t pretend like you know everything. It can seem scary to risk asking a dumb question, but by allowing myself to do so, I’ve learned exponentially faster, made fewer mistakes, and earned the respect of those around me quicker by being honest and genuine. We live in a time where all aspects of our industry are constantly shifting. There is no road map, there is no guide book. You need to forge your own path, and make sure the path you forge is one that you love – because you’ll spend a lot of time walking it.
3) In airline safety messages they remind us, “If you’re traveling with someone who requires assistance, secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” This advice is important to heed even when you’re not flying. The industry we work in can be stressful and chaotic, and often we prioritize the projects needs before our own. This year I’ve been focusing my attention on this lesson: In taking care of your own health and happiness we better serve the needs of our projects. With this change of perspective, my team and I have taken meaningful steps towards building a happier, more creative, and more productive workplace.
4) I’m extremely proud of a recent pro-bono piece we did in collaboration with youth poetry organization Get Lit and social justice group Into Action. It was directed by Mike Harris and Aaron Grasso, and creative directed by Ido Gondelman of agency Fast Machine. These are challenging times, replete with turmoil and uncertainty, and we were honored to help realize the groups’ voice and vision. https://vimeo.com/264681819