Filmmaking is a collaborative effort. That’s why there are so many people listed in the end credits of a major Hollywood picture. The collaboration is one of the things I love most about filmmaking.
We can’t do everything. Sure, you can be a producer-director. Or a director and actor. Maybe even all three. It’s difficult to play too many roles while making a film. (I can tell you why but let’s save that for another blog post.)
Take Nick Bottom for example. He’s a character in A Midsummer Nights Dream who wants to play all of the major roles in Shakespeare’s play-within-a-play. This leaves his fellow actors rolling their eyes in the big screen version of the Bard’s play (1999, IMDB). Great movie. Go watch it.
Nick Bottom (Kevin Kline) in the 1999 version of A Midsummer Nights Dream
Nick wants to play all of the major roles in the play, something that’s close to impossible to do on stage.* There are many people needed to put on a great show, just like there are many people needed to make a great film. More often than not, it takes a team of people to make something great.
In my humble opinion a strong team is made up of smart people who know their strengths. They feel comfortable with their role, knowing they’are an important part of the team. They work together, trusting one another. They work harmoniously most of the time but they’re never afraid to challenge one another to be better.
If you want to be part of a strong team, know your strengths. Figure out what gets you going. Focus on perfecting that skill. You don’t have to stay committed to that talent forever.
Know thyself. Know thy strengths. Then own it. And get to work.
*Close to impossible does not mean it hasn’t been done. Stones In His Pockets was played by two men really well when I saw it in London eons ago. They played so many different characters that you forget it’s just two actors. But that’s a rare, beautiful thing. Go see the play if you can, though; it’s great.