I’ve not been able to Google this term, and apparently this term isn’t as common was I thought it was. But let me explain why this is so important, and how, in a way, it is a life skill.
Production in this case refers to video production – TV and film. Sorry engineers. What the phrase means, as I understand it, is that despite the number of creative minds involved in production, the moving picture that results frequently surpasses the expectations of individuals. Expectations of quality, not expectations of how it should look like.
Essentially – even though creation by committee results in an ugly camel (you should see some ridiculous websites for examples of that), somehow when it comes to production, the finished movie or episode turns out much better than if any one person had worked on it.
Of course, not every industry bats a thousand, and you do get lemons that arise from too many creative minds. But what this phrase illustrates is the sheer belief in teamwork, that creates a synergy which no single person can ever hope to create.
I know many folk who don’t believe in it – they want what they’ve written to be executed exactly as they’ve visualised it. No deviations from the path. I think this is a terrible path to take as a writer, as it deprives your work of becoming a greater product than you could have imagined.
I can’t exactly explain why or what this is, but here’s my take on the magic of production.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Not that it’s possible to quantify each person’s contributions, but this is true of any production. The moving picture that results is often greater than if any one person had done all the writing, producing, directing, editing, and so on by himself or herself. I believe this comes from the amount of creative energy put into the project – after all, more minds means more creative energy (most of the time), doesn’t it?
Don’t be scared to let people change or alter your art
Because the tighter you try to rein them in, the less pure their motives become for changing your work. And then the reason they want to change things isn’t because they want to make a better product – it’s to spite you. Try to find out why exactly they dislike something, or what it is they like – you’ll be surprised what happy mediums you can find. I’m not saying all changes are good or logical though, just that you should try to give each suggestion a chance before outrightly dismissing it as “ridiculous.”
Another interpretation of your work will adds depth
As a writer, I do get annoyed by interpretations that don’t follow my intentions. But what I do realise is that another competent person’s interpretation of my work adds depth to the execution of the product. They see layers and connections that I didn’t intend (but pretend to so that I seem more clever than I really am), and bring forth a different dimension of my work in the actual finished product.
It’s a little bit wishy washy and not as easily applicable as I would like, but here’s my take on it. Don’t be afraid to let others interpret your work differently. You never know how far they can take it.
Leave a Reply