- Martin Scorsese says be decisive. Humility has its place, but you must also assume the responsibility that comes with being the decision-maker. Keep your vision top of mind. Always remind yourself of your original vision. Stay focused. Block out everything around you that distracts from the idea you had in your head when you first embarked on making the film. Trust your crew. Every single person on your set plays a role in making your film. You absolutely need them, and you should trust their expertise.
2. David Fincher advises directors to respect and value every crew member: "The people (directors) who know how to communicate well, collaborate well, understand other people’s needs, and respect the value of every single person working on the crew...those are the people who are going to do really well." (This reinforces the idea that a successful set depends on mutual respect and clear communication.)
3. James Genn emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships: "Your whole career is about relationship building. The people that you meet along the way and the type of vibe you bring to your work. Make that good and enjoyable for people, and they’ll keep calling you". (This highlights the importance of creating a positive atmosphere and maintaining strong professional connections throughout your career.)
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Fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing them, Peter D. Marshall. I always remind myself of my original vision. That's one reason I keep going back to my outline when I write and rewrite a script. Every writer and writer-director doesn't make outlines, but they're really helpful!