It’s 10:30am and we’re already about a half hour behind schedule. Talent is in front of the camera and we’re making progress, but they’re having some trouble getting in the groove and we’re falling further behind. The director is working with them to get them more comfortable. I could push them to speed up; that could make talent and the crew more anxious, slowing us down even more.
I’ve sent the production assistant to grab a part that we need for the next setup, but we’re down a hand on set while they’re gone. One of the lights is giving us issues, and the gaffer is trying to decide whether to pull it down and replace it or make the best of it. I tell everyone to plow ahead, but taking a few minutes to replace the light might make everything run faster in the afternoon and we’ll make up the time we’ve lost.
This is a hypothetical scenario, but it’s similar to the experience I often have on set. It can be a chaotic place, and I’m not naturally comfortable in chaos. I am learning to be more comfortable with uncertainty.
I have to remind myself that perfection is a myth, and I can only put my best effort and attention into what we’re trying to accomplish. If I beat myself up for falling short of perfection, I lose twice. I make the day a slog to get through, and I diminish my ability to see all the options. In that sense, I’m entirely unable to do my best work. When I’m calm and focused, all of the options are available to me.