Process Information

I will be the first to admit that sometimes I don't formulate a complete sentence to get to my point. Or I come at it from a different angle. But I am baffled that no one really takes the time to digest what is being said.
IF...seriously...IF you intend to work in the movie business...pay the fuck attention. Most producers, directors and so forth say odd things, figure out what they're saying. I'm around too many people who just wait to speak. Because they're self-absorbed. They have no idea if your point was valid or not, but will start sentences like "...I see your point. BUT..."
How about ask a fucking question without knowing the answer?
This is a pet peeve of mine. When people ask a question when they already know how they would answer it. It's like when you come in on Monday morning and someone asks you how your weekend was. They don't really give a shit about your weekend. They want to talk about THEIR weekend.
A person who has communication skills would say "hey how was Timmy's birthday?" or "how was that ski trip to Big Bear? Did you guys stay at so and so place like you said?"

THIS, is the correct way to function. Because it shows you care about the other person. Or even if you fake interest, at least you can separate the details.

GREAT actors know. Marlon Brando was a nut, but he would blast people with questions. EVERY great actor wanted to know about you. If only to get you off their back about asking about them. But they process behavior (remember this word). They harness people. This is why they're famous.

Know who does this? Tom Cruise. He has spent decades honing it. He knows everyone. And soaks it in. Because he is self-interested but NOT self-absorbed. Details means a lot. If your memory sucks, it's going to be rough for your career.

I met Cary Elwes on the set of "Saw." I wasn't there for ONE day. And, remember, there are hundreds of people on set. He goes "Hey Thom, where were you yesterday?" One day, and I was working for ONE week. This is how professionals do things. He knows everyone on set and what they do.

I know too many people who do the opposite. They either, just show up do the work and leave. Or really get to know the people they work with and show real interest. IF you don't show interest in people, you're fucked. Movies are about people, either about them or made by them with others. Relationships boost your career. Check in on people without ulterior motives. Learn to listen to their lives. Ask questions. Stop thinking you're the most interesting person in the room (you're not). Too many of those. Guess where their careers are?