How has your company been impacted by concerns over the coronavirus--or the virus itself if a worker or client has been stricken--in terms of business, your staff, client relationships?
One of our producers has family in Italy, so we were receiving constant updates as they were dealing with the virus ahead of the USA. This led us to shift to working remotely very earlier than most and informed how our work pipeline would slow down. We’re taking guidance from other cities and countries who are weeks ahead of us in the virus and hopefully recovery from the virus.
The well-being, health and safety of people is clearly top priority. What measures have you taken to protect your staff and collaborators during this challenging time?
In addition to working remotely, we’re doing mental check-ins with each other. It’s easy to fall down a rabbit-hole of bad news and anxiety. We need to make sure we’re all getting some social time on Zoom, some vitamin D from social distancing exercise outside, and a fair dose of non-screen time.
How have you adapted your behavior, practices, policies, approaches, ways of thinking and doing business in response to the pandemic?
We’re going back in time 10 years to when we had more of a “maker” way of approaching projects and pitching ourselves that way by looking at what resources we have at our disposal. Our DP/directors are using their homes, families, and dining room tables to make spots again. Our producers are brushing up on storyboarding, editing, and Photoshop skills. We’re figuring it out. It’s what we do.
What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with coronavirus concerns thus far?
News is changing everyday. Take it one week at a time.
It’s said that strength emerges from adversity. Do you see any silver lining or positive dynamic emerging for our industry/marketplace from this global health crisis?
People are going to learn new skills and how to be creators (filming, editing, taking something soup to nuts). There’s a good feeling in that. A lot of genuine work is going to come out of this period of time too. Using real people, real families, we’re going to see a lot of “made at home” videos - so authenticity is going to shine.
I also believe we’ll become better communicators. This may eliminate the need for office space and bring efficiency to team meetings.