For Executive Producers— Which Came First The Team (Chicken) or The Idea (Egg)?
None of this settles the argument— do you need a team or an idea, first? In my experience the best angle of approach is to chase both— a team and an idea, first.
One Quick Thought:
GM Fren,
One of the toughest tasks, in any endeavor, is to simply get started. There can be so many obstacles in one’s way. Where do I start? How do I start? What do I start on? And on and on and on… Until it causes paralysis. The basic issue for filmmakers boils down to which came first— the team or the idea.
Generally speaking, filmmaking is not a solitary effort. It is one that requires the assembly of people, working together towards a common goal— the production of a film. It is nearly impossible to find a finished film with only one individual, in every role. Even if the behind-the-scenes talent is pulling double duty in multiple roles, there are usually actors, assistants, producers, and so many more.
However, there are key aspects of filmmaking that can be completed in a solitary environment, but never in total isolation from the overall process. Some of these aspects include— screenwriting, organizational tasks (budgeting), editing, and the like. For example, a screenwriter could go their entire career and never step foot on a set. They can work in monastic-like conditions because a skilled writer can produce magic by themselves. Unlikely, but possible.
None of this settles the argument— do you need a team or an idea, first? In my experience the best angle of approach is to chase both— a team and an idea, first.
It may seem unfair, that I presented the problem in an either-or scenario, but, that is often how we look at situations. We tell ourselves we must choose a path, pick a direction, etc, and so on. But, I’ve found that building a team of amazing people, where you, yourself give in to another’s idea for the betterment of the project can be seriously liberating. And, I’ve also found, that when the right idea gnaws at me, it won’t stop until vetted thoroughly. So when faced with paralysis of not knowing where to start, or how to start— begin with building a team, and separately working on that current obsessive idea. This ultimately leads to a better and well-rounded working approach because you can practice the solitary skills when necessary, and you learn a fundamental principle of producing— building teams and team dynamics.
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