How can you collaborate with media professionals who have different genre preferences or expertise?

1 Respect and appreciate diversity

One of the first steps to collaborate with media professionals who have different genre preferences or expertise is to respect and appreciate their diversity. Instead of dismissing or criticizing their genre choices, try to understand their perspectives and motivations. Ask them why they like or dislike certain genres, what they find appealing or challenging about them, and how they approach them creatively. You might learn something new or discover some common ground.

3 Learn from each other

A third step to collaborate with media professionals who have different genre preferences or expertise is to learn from each other. You can benefit from their knowledge and skills in different genres, and vice versa. Ask them to show you some examples of their genre work, and share your own. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different genres, and how they can be improved or combined. Seek their advice and input on specific aspects of the project, and offer your own.

4 Experiment and innovate

A fourth step to collaborate with media professionals who have different genre preferences or expertise is to experiment and innovate. You can use the genre gap as an opportunity to explore new possibilities and create original and innovative media products. You can mix and match different genres, or create new ones. You can challenge and expand the conventions and boundaries of genres, or subvert and parody them. You can use genres to express your ideas and emotions, or to engage and entertain your audience.

5 Evaluate and celebrate

A fifth step to collaborate with media professionals who have different genre preferences or expertise is to evaluate and celebrate. You need to assess the outcomes and impacts of your project, and how well it achieved your vision and goals. You also need to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and achievements of your collaborators, and how they enriched your project with their genre preferences and expertise. You can celebrate your success and learning by sharing your project with others, and by giving and receiving feedback.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?