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Deborah S. Patz – Author

Author of film books for industry pros and youth

Aug72009

Inspiration at the Movies: Mary Poppins

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and… snap!… the job’s a game!”
  – Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins – 1964)

I find that if you look at each task (separately) of any job on a film production – be it above- or below-the-line, it is easy to trivialize the work. A director has to remind the actors which scene preceded and follows this scene; the actors have to walk in or out of a building… the list goes on and on.

Each small task, however, is critical to a larger whole, though we can easy become bogged down in the details and forget to see the bigger picture. When sometimes I cannot see the whole purpose for all those busy little details, I reach out to Mary Poppins to remind me to make a game out of any task that I do, and so start enjoying each step of the way again. I recommend you follow her lead and enjoy the fun!

Cheers,
Deb

Jul172009

3 Things I Learned About Filmmaking from… Horseback Riding

Life can teach you about filmmaking even when you’re not making films… here are 3 things I learned from horseback riding:

1. Get back on when you fall
It’s not “if” you fall, but rather “when”. As with horseriding, a career in the film industry is full of ups and downs. Keep trying. Especially try to learn from your mistakes – though this is a harder concept than it sounds. Your persistence will pay off in the long run as you become a seasoned professional.

2. Relax; your stress is being communicated
Horses KNOW when you are stressed as you sit on their back, and they will echo back your frame of mind. Horseriding then becomes harder and harder you fight their reaction and your rising stress level. Once relaxed, the job is easier, more pleasant, magical. Film crews can feel your stress level too. Find a way to relax (but stay focussed) and see the production atmosphere around you echo back a more pleasant, more functional environment. 

3. The shovelling and the cleaning is all part of it
The image of riding off into the sunset on a perfect, warm summer evening may attract you to horseriding as the glamour may attract you to working in the film industry. You still have the clean and feed the horse, shovel and sweep the barn… small payment for the reward of a perfect day of horseriding. In film, there is payment for the glamour too… all those small, seemingly insignificant jobs that contribute the bigger picture – right down to cleaning garbage cans on set. Be prepared for these jobs, they are the payment.

Happy trails and a good shoot to you!

Cheers,
Deb

Jul102009

Inspiration at the Movies: Harold and Maude

“You see, Harold, I feel that much of the world’s sorrow comes from people who are this, [holding up a single, unique daisy], yet allow themselves be treated as that. [indicating a field full of daisies]”
    – Maude (Harold and Maude – 1971)

I love those bright little-daisies-in-the-grass and think of this movie moment nearly everytime I happen across such a field. May we all find the wonderful uniqueness in each other and in ourselves, then and nurture it, treasure it.

Cheers,
Deb

Jun272009

Treasure Box of Free Management Resources

If you love a good treasure hunt, the Free Management Library for non-profits is a fabulous place on the Internet. Yes, the collection is designed primarily for non-profits, but not everything we learn is from sources written specifically for the fim and TV industry. It’s worth learning from more traditional sources too… they share some of the same management issues we deal with, just from a different point of view. And sometimes it’s the other point of view helps solve the problem.

Some of my favourite finds (in no particular order) are articles on: guiding skills (delegation, boosting morale, motivation, mentoring); the PR kit; conflict management; project management. What treasures do you find there?

Some of their links are internal to the Library, whereas others are agregated from all over the world. Good stuff! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Deb