I've heard the phrase, "It's a business decision, not personal" a lot of times in my (short lived) film career. So today, I address this idea, or whatever you want to call it, with an open mind and heart. And not because something has just happened to me that I'd like to air (it hasn't!) but because I find it a fascinating statement... one that's dynamic, and understated. Much more complex than the usual phrase itself.
For example, everything we do in the film business has to do with personal relationships. We can't make films alone! Some relationships may even catapult us to the next stage of whatever it is we're trying to achieve. But more than not, a job isn't taken because of money alone. The next question when considering a gig is, "Can I work with this person for X amount of years?" Or perhaps it's, "Can I spend a few months in a trailer next to this person, working 12-14 hour days?" And if the answer is NO, then we probably decline the position.
I'm constantly curious about the way that business and personal are handled and separated. I understand the difference, of course, (I really do!) but I think it's often (not always!) a blend of both, making (especially business) decisions even harder. You have to do what's best for your business, and if a friend isn't going to do the best job, then you're screwing yourself and your friendship out of something wonderful. But will the friend hold a grudge if that decision to go another way is made? And if the friend holds a grudge, does that mean the friend isn't such a good friend after all? Or does it make you not a good friend for going another way?
I've had to make a few 'business decisions' in my early career here that I've profoundly questioned. And not because I thought I did something wrong, but because someone had a reaction to something I did, that made me question if what I'd done was wrong. But bottom line, I always strive to do what I feel is the right thing for all parties involved. And I can't anticipate, control, or be held accountable for how others will respond to my decisions.
I find that every time there's a debate, there's always two different sides (perspectives) and then there's the truth, often diluted by other people's views. I suppose if I can live with all the decisions I make (even the really hard ones) knowing that I did the very best I could do with what I had at the time, then I'll be good with me. Will you be good with you?
I suppose the reason for this personal post today is that so much of what I do, how I operate, however business related it may be - is personal. Friends, actors, producers, crew, you name it. If I'm not having fun, working or hanging with with people I love & respect, who love & respect me back, what's the point?
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