"E" for Effort

In this world of indie projects, it's often discussed that all things are limited and minimal. From resources, to talent, to funding. And while yes, it's not an easy race to run, most of your success in this game will be attributed to the effort you and your team put in.

I've been blessed to work on my own projects, to work both on and in other people's projects and also work production on larger (in comparison to my budget reach) projects as well. Many times the only difference is how smoothly the work runs and how much effort folks are putting into their respective positions.

It's really easy to sit and say I want to do this or that. It's very self satisfying to say I am the director or I am the writer...but are you putting more effort into promoting what you are doing and who you are in the project with, than you are actually contributing to a great piece of work?

If you are hired on a set, be it as a PA (production assistant...one of the MOST underpaid and under valued positions by the way), a driver or the talent - or anything in between) your level of effort should be maximum. No one wants to be disrespected, dismissed or the like, but this game is high on stress and low on time for mistakes. So even in the clutch you have to pad yourself with patience, understanding and the ability to push through the rough spots while still giving it 1000%.

Know that I'm talking to myself as I write this, considering I'm presently mid project and have had many a moment where someone was parasailing away with the very last good nerve I had. But I've had to temper my temper and try to hold in my WTF face. Lol Let's just say I suck at both. But I'm truly working on it. My triggers are many, but my desire is to control my anger and impatience to foster consistent effort and amazing results.

All in all though, it's not who you are when there's an audience, it's who you are when no one is looking that dictates who you truly are. And the times when someone has made you angry, has offended you, or possibly even disrespected you all while you still have deliverables,  those are the times when no one truly knows your effort level but you. What will be your output?

Speak on it SupaStarrs.

~ O

Photocredit:  Coolnsmart.com