The Thing About People

Don't be a phony.
Everyone can tell, except you. Because you're a sociopathic artist.

Genuinely show interest in people or you will suffer working in this industry. Unless you're in post production, like I am. But even then...showing interest in people and GENUINELY interested is a learnable (is that a word?) art. Most of you will never learn it. It is being a real person towards unreal people. Because unreal people seem to thrive in this business...
...WRONG!
The most successful people (long career) are the ones who care more about people than anything. Because movies should be about people. Incidentally, before anyone says it, or I should clarify here...you think superhero movies directors have long careers? They're disposable as the product. Because they don't direct, studio does. And is obviously dissatisfying (is that a word?) to you. Or just take the money and run. Who cares.

I will say, they probably have a way with people. TOO many people who come here think "being good with people" is to manipulate them. These people have no clue. Perhaps it is a smaller window to success that I first realized. Here's the thing...

...even if you're a shitbag curmudgeon (like myself) people can tell I like people. I am INTERESTED in people. In behavior and relationships and questioning it. Pushing them. From what I see, the technical side takes over too much and people forget to keep looking at other people. The catch is...you are around other people who aren't interested in people. OR, you're around industry people who aren't people.

Hang with the grips or gaffers. Or even script supervisor (they're not that much fun, to be honest. They're brains are analytical but keeps you from the grip cocaine truck...we all know).

The point being... learn more about people. Don't learn to manipulate them but show genuine interest. Like David Bowie in "The Man Who Fell to Earth." Simply observe. You will get further. Swear.