Loyalty is a HUGE thing in Hollywood. Didn’t expect that,
eh?
It’s true. I’ve been involved with a lot of projects who I
constantly run into the same crew members. Some might say, “well, they know
what they’re doing and they know how I like to work” and this would be true.
But I think most productions are also very superstitious. Some wear the same
underwear the whole production. They listen to the same song every morning
before work. Or they have a lucky pen used for marking up their script. I’m no
different. My ritual is simple, a cup of Earl Grey tea (it’s actually been in
one of my deal memos/contract). It’s just the motion of drinking it. An elixir
before stress.
I know I’ve pissed people off in the past with my on-set
curmudgeon-y ways. I am cranky. Any behind the scenes video shows me in total
contempt. I often wonder why people would want me on set at all. I gather it’s
their ritual to see my stupid angry face as the wake up call of the morning.
God, I hope not.
I also think that making movies does have a clubhouse/gang
mentality. You do for me….I do for you. Tomorrow’s production assistant becomes
the green-light guy in the future. Loyalty goes a long way. As does follow
through. Finish what you start. Don’t let things self-destruct. I like working
with the same people because new people are a liability. You don’t know their
demeanor. Their idiosyncratic behaviors. I’ve been burned a few times dealing
with complete strangers (have been burned being loyal as well, specifically a
key grip that had worked with my gaffer, which I would consider more a
stranger). It’s hard to crack into the inner sanctum of what has been
established.
So my advice to you is to always always always find a way to
get your own loyal band of merry men. You will float through life easier.
No comments:
Post a Comment