Take Notes and Take Names
If you want be great at anything you have to put in the work. As a #documentary #editor I spend a significant amount of time watching documentaries. I'm adding to my collective knowledge of storytelling. I'm mining for tips and tricks. Most importantly I'm broadening my reference database. Having a deep vocabulary of your work is crucial to creative communication. When I collaborate with #designers #animators and #film #directors we enter into a collaborative conversation based on shared experience. Having an in-depth library of reference material serves as a short hand for communicating ideas. Regardless of your vocation, becoming a student of your craft is the most valuable way to invest your time between the margins.
By studying both the product and the practitioner you can get deep insights into your line of work.
One my simple practices is to take notes and take names. I'm constantly banking images from references documentaries in my mind as I watch. When I see something interesting I rewind to soak it in from different perspectives. After the film I'll dig into the credits to find who the editors, directors, and animators are. I explore their body of work and follow them on IMDB. In many cases I'll reach out to these talented creatives and ask for 15 minutes of their time to learn from their experience. People are more generous than you might think. If you are honest and sincere in your intentions, I have found that the majority of people in the world are more than willing to help. By studying both the product and the practitioner you can get deep insights into your line of work.
If you are honest and sincere in your intentions, I have found that the majority of people in the world are more than willing to help.
I would like to extend an open invite to anyone seeking to become a better #storyteller. I've had the opportunity throughout my career to craft narratives for keynotes, brands, networks, and independent filmmakers. Don't waste another day trying to go at it alone. Here to help.