How can you develop emotional resilience during a long production process?

It takes discipline to develop emotional resilience during a protracted filmmaking process. Filming involves a lot of work, long hours, disarray, confusion, tantrums, temperaments, and outside variables like weather variations, all of which have an impact on the process. Perfect conditions for a pressure cooker scenario. Resilience training must be done on a daily basis. Understanding one's own tasks and responsibilities, setting clear boundaries, giving rest and food priority, making backup plans, and setting up support systems, meditating, journaling etc are all basic steps toward developing resilience.

Learn to identify when fatigue may be affecting your performance or decision-making. Mistakes are often made in moments when you are tired. So learn to not make spur of the moment decisions when asked for a response. Give others a reasonable time-frame for a response that allows you to walk away and reply when your batteries are recharged.

Developing emotional resilience during a lengthy production process involves several key strategies. First, set realistic expectations, acknowledging that challenges are inherent in such endeavors. Break down the project into clear goals and celebrate milestones to maintain motivation. Build a supportive network, prioritize self-care, and develop personalized coping mechanisms. Foster a positive work environment with open communication and effective time management. Embrace unpredictability and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Ultimately, this holistic approach equips individuals to navigate the emotional challenges of a long production process with resilience and adaptability.

Emotional resilience during a lengthy production involves self care and perspective. Stay organized and focused on smaller milestones to prevent overwhelm. Embrace flexibility, understanding that setbacks are part of the process. Communicate openly with the team for support and collaboration. Take breaks, maintain a healthy work life balance, and engage in activities that rejuvenate. Remember the project's purpose and celebrate achievements to stay motivated throughout the production journey.

Aunque la producción que va a empezar sea fascinante o haya sido un sueño llegar a cumplirlo, recomiendo bastante una limitación a la hora de trabajar de más, sobre todo al inicio. Si algo nos encanta puede que echemos muchas horas de más sin darnos cuenta, pero a los meses pasará factura. Por eso es importante que el trabajo no sea lo único que haces en tu día a día.

Quando sabemos quais são os elementos que nos causam estresse, podemos adotar estratégias para lidar com eles de forma mais eficaz. Para identificar os estressores, é importante observar as situações em que nos sentimos sobrecarregados, ansiosos ou irritados. Podem ser prazos apertados, excesso de tarefas, falta de autonomia, conflitos interpessoais, entre outros. É imprescindível promover um melhor equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e trabalho, para que seja possível evoluirmos como profissionais e seres humanos.

Developing emotional resilience during a long production process involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining open communication with the team, and finding balance through self-care practices. Adapting to unexpected situations and fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere contribute to a resilient mindset in the dynamic world of production.

Focus on the practicalities of the production, seek alternative solutions to creative problems, communicate, allow enough room for spontaneity and get enough rest.

Sin duda los valores que más desencadenan los valores estresantes en el audiovisual son los imprevistos constantes que se generan en el medio. Tu reacción y tus aptitudes condicionan tu respuesta

Change ups are always a stressor. Which is why I use mogul skiing as my metaphor. Its not about plowing through but rather how you maneuver between the moguls that get you down the hill. Changes are just another bump on the hill of production. Keep them pointed down hill one change at a time.

Keep your audience in mind. Meaning...every day during the production process, think about how you want the audience to feel when they see your work for the first time. Try to narrow that description down to a few words and then repeat those words almost as a mantra each day as you begin. Watch what happens to your focus. More importantly, when it's all said and done, notice how many viewers use the exact words you spoke aloud everyday when they describe their experience watching the finished project. Break a leg out there!

There are many natural hazards on any film set: crew members can trip over cables, fall off platforms, equipment can tumble on them, they can burn and cut themselves and they can slip downstairs. Then there are the added hazards specific to our industry: breathing atmosphere smoke for long periods, accidents involving insert cars or process trailers, accidents involving stunts and special effects and noise hazards such as loud explosions and gunfire. All crew members should know the safety issues of working on a film set. If you have any concerns or suggestions, talk to your shop steward, union representative, or the First Assistant Director who is, on most productions around the world, the Set Safety Supervisor.

Building emotional resilience during lengthy productions involves self care and perspective. Set realistic expectations and milestones, pacing yourself to avoid burnout. Cultivate a support network within the team for mutual encouragement. Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, focusing on the project's long term impact, fostering resilience amidst the production's duration.

If you have competent DP, don’t be afraid to consult with them about whatever problems you’re facing on a set. Too often directors treat shooters like employees separate from the creative process. Just tell them where to put the camera, how to cover the scene, when to roll and when to cut. A good DP is an invaluable asset who will become a great partner in your problem solving process. They are so much more than a hired gun.

As someone that has worked in a large production setting, a support network couldn't be more important. Generally, productions are fairly large groups of individuals working long hours together. Being able to have individuals you can lean on in the process is integral to keeping some peace-of-mind. I know from personal experience that sometimes, being able to go to a friend in a production and have a quick chat can help alleviate stress and get you ready for the rest of the day.

While seeking help and guidance from others is important, it is equally important to offer your support and expertise to those in your network. By actively participating and contributing to the community, you not only receive assistance but also contribute to the growth and development of others. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of camaraderie and creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Additionally, by joining online communities or forums, you not only gain access to valuable advice and insights but also have the opportunity to share your own experiences and expertise, further strengthening the network and creating meaningful connections with fellow film professionals.

I think, like anything else, you have to prioritize recovery time. If you don't set limits and boundaries, the business - and your projects - will bleed you dry. As a producer, it's often all-encompassing and, since the film or series is your baby, it feels like you can't step away... ever. But you have to. Look to friends and family for support whenever possible but, more than that, make sure you're carving out time for a life. Doesn't mean you don't answer those 4am calls from your First A.D. or Location Manager (they wouldn't call then if it weren't important), but if you've created space elsewhere in your schedule for quiet time (meditation) or even just family time, you'll make it through.

Sin el equipo correcto y sin el empuje que conlleva tenerlo en los proyectos audiovisuales no es posible obtener buenos resultados. Siempre hay que saber rodearse de gente con talento, incluso más que el tuyo propio

Do not hold grudges when things aren’t going as planned. Hang in there and do your job! Frustration will pass and anything worth venting can be brought up during the next team meeting. Do not hold it in if it’s bothering you. You can vent to family but a reminder of non disclosure contracts and the trust you’ve been given to protect the integrity of the project. Always go to your team leader after a challenging day.

Cultivate a strong support system, both personally and professionally. Surround yourself with individuals who understand the challenges of the production process and can offer encouragement and advice.

It’s just like an airplane emergency - you always have to put your oxygen mask on first in order to help others. Same philosophy.

Take time to work on yourself. Think about how you want to show up on set and use the time you do have to wind down from the long days. I highly encourage that you find a passion that isn’t film related so that you have something to go back to. Set boundaries to avoid being overworked and tiring yourself out.

I have learned to embrace the idea of setting boundaries between work and personal life. After my working hours are over, I make sure to disconnect from work-related activities such as checking emails or following up with colleagues. This allows me to have quality time for myself, my family, and my friends. It is crucial to set healthy boundaries and avoid working round the clock.

In my experience making the most of your free time not just between jobs but also during a project allows my brain the free space giving me a better grasp on the production and inevitably allows for much better decision making. For me that comes in the for of music and fresh air. I have a piano in my office so when I am not firing off a set of emails or calls I will spend 10 mins playing also going for dog walks or just walks in general (not taking your phone) is another simple way to disconnect. Yes there will be times when the day speeds past and I haven’t left my desk and that is bound to happen as production’s ramp up but being mindful and keeping an eye on when those free moments arrive really helps me to destress.

Good to know where and with whom you find your strenght. If a group explores how each individual member accesses their source of life, this can be beneficial for the group as a whole. In times of stress and uncertainty it is very important to have quick access to one’s source and help your team members to do so too.

El amor propio. A lo largo de mi carrera me di cuenta que no todo era entregarme totalmente a mi profesión, sino cuidar de mi, cuidar mi salud, mi mente y mis emociones para poder tener una estabilidad y firmeza que me puedan ayudar a tener la fuerza para continuar adelante en momentos de mayor presión, estrés, que todos pasamos alguna vez en el ejercicio de nuestros trabajos.

Consider demands and challenges as opportunities for self-improvement and resilience-building. Embrace the process as a chance to push your limits, learn new skills, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your capabilities. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you are not only ensuring your ability to perform at your best but also nurturing your personal growth. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally allows you to approach the production process with a clear and focused mindset, leading to better decision-making and creative problem-solving. Remember, the journey is not just about reaching the end goal but also about the transformation and growth that happens along the way.

Best way to avoid burn out, is to move your body and do other tasks other than work. Stimulate your mind and travel when you can. Working in animation/film can be incredibly draining but shifting focus on physical well-being will help with the psychological, and emotional which in turn helps produce better work. Never neglect yourself for the sake of work. Time and health is an invaluable resource. You are not bionic. Nor young forever. Have passion for work, but compassion for yourself and rest. Set boundaries and refrain from work talk when on breaks. Work on personal work and read if you feel inclined to as well. Anything to break yourself from cyclic thoughts about the job.

In my experience, there is no way to foresee the potential issues in a production, something will always pop up. So lean into it, by being adaptive and resilient you can handle anything that will come up and always, always surround yourself with people whose skills and opinions you trust.

Request feedback from colleagues or mentors. Constructive feedback provides insights into your performance and can guide improvements. Embrace a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. See setbacks as temporary and use them as a chance to develop new skills.

Learning from other examples in cinema and accepting feedback from mentors and colleagues is great. You definitely want to be approachable on set to avoid costly mistakes. In my experience it is most important to be crystal clear on your vision, and trust yourself. You can absolutely critique your own work, and learn from it. Anyone you accept artistic feedback from should respect you and your vision. This should be demonstrated by the degree to which they execute their responsibilities to the production if they are on the crew. Consider the advice, consider the source, and trust your gut.

Handling feedback, especially when negative or conflicting, is crucial for emotional resilience. Learn to accept feedback graciously, separating it from personal feelings and defensiveness. Develop the skill to filter feedback, discerning between constructive and destructive criticism, and prioritizing facts and solutions over emotions and problems. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth, learning, and adaptation, leveraging it wisely for continual improvement in skills and approach. As a proactive step, explore AI-driven sentiment analysis tools to extract valuable insights from feedback data, enhancing your adaptive learning process until 2024

In my experience, there is no way to foresee the potential issues in a production, something will always pop up. So lean into it, by being adaptive and resilient you can handle anything that will come up and always, always surround yourself with people whose skills and opinions you trust.

One of the strange film shooting experience,is that you won't get a lot of immediate feedback. While in production, every department and every crew member has something important to do. At other times, feedback will come crushing from the dailies, from an angry director or even worse, a disconcerted producer. This is why you have to be a professional and work at your best even in the worst working conditions. You need to learn your benchmarks from your mentor, department chief or colleague. The best time for feedback is after the daily wrap, maybe at the after-hours beer. Pay attention and sleep over it. Improve your work the next day. Make it your mantra to "do better tommorow" every day of your career

Ah, feedback, our old friend. One thing we've learned this year working on our feature documentary has been to keep that circle of trust close - you need feedback, you need criticism, but it needn't be overly negative. So be careful about who you show your work to and set clear boundaries as to what you want to hear in response. It's no good showing a full cut of a film to an audience and opening the floor for comments, when you know this is virtually a locked cut, for example. In terms of filtering feedback, I think this starts with who you let into the room, and into that inner-circle, in the first place...

When you give your script to a person. You open yourself up to feedback. Everyone has an opinion. Be sure to give your work to someone that knows the craft. Remember this, when you give your script to someone, sometimes it sparks their imagination. They get ideas on how THEY would tell your story. That's not feedback, it's the creative take on your script. Take the notes, listen, don't defend. Most of the notes the average person will give you are trash. I said it. There will be that one diamond of an idea that allows you script to jump to the next level. Be able to decipher notes. Understand the idea of a note, not the note itself. If more than one person gives you the same note. Take a look at it.

Before show our visions to the eyes of the world, is important show our script and our first cut to people most close and most profesionaly people we are in contact. When we make a project we are extremely close for take a notion of all their qualities and mistakes, so is important make confiance in others for have new ideas and know what their see in our proposal. Listen differents voices in the process can make noise in the way, but we need that for be in focus with the project, is important recovery what we need for refine the process, and what we don't need for leave that and be more effective and clear in our visions.

Developing emotional resilience during a lengthy production process is undoubtedly a journey that involves continuous learning. Embracing feedback is a cornerstone of this resilience. Constructive criticism is not just a critique of the work; it's an invaluable guide for growth. I've found that establishing a feedback loop—encouraging open communication and creating a culture that views feedback as a catalyst for improvement—fosters a resilient team. It's about transforming feedback into a collaborative tool, ensuring everyone feels heard and empowered in the creative process. This shared commitment to learning transforms challenges into opportunities for collective and individual advancement.

To thrive in film production's uncertainty, embrace it. Accept you can't control everything; be flexible, adaptable, and resourceful. Trust your vision, skills, and team. For a future-focused approach, leverage AI-driven predictive analytics for strategic decision-making amid uncertainties until 2024.

La incertidumbre, los cambios,etc. en una producción cinematográfica es "el pan de cada dia" aceptalo como un reto e intenta visuakizar al iniciar el dia de trabajo todo lo que puede salir mal y como resolverlo, eso te calmarà y te dará una perspectiva a la hora de solventar los problemas y los verás más fáciles de resolver de lo que en un principio parecían.

Uno de los factores más estresantes en una producción es querer controlarlo todo. La experiencia más importante que aprendí produciendo es que tengo mucho menos control del que imaginaba y que, si eliges a los mejores para trabajar, llega un momento en que tienes que lanzarte y viajar con ellos, adaptarte a todos los cambios que habrá en los planes, confiar en todo tu equipo y rezar o cruzar los dedos ;-)

No matter how much you plan, things will go sideways. It's important to understand this is the creative process. Be nimble. Bamboo is stronger than steel because its flexible. If you are too rigid, you will shatter.

There is one certainty, however exhausting or frustrating, the production will end. Try to have equanimity with the process. Remind yourself that one of the kindest things you can do is be gentle and patient with yourself.

Use visualization techniques to imagine positive outcomes even in uncertain situations. This can help shift your mindset toward possibilities rather than limitations. Cultivate adaptability by being willing to adjust plans based on new information. Adaptability is a key trait in navigating uncertainty successfully. - Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues. Having a strong support system can provide encouragement and different perspectives. - Identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for you. This may include exercise, mindfulness practices, or creative outlets that help manage stress. Stay informed about changes in your environment or industry that may impact your plans.

On a film set there's always some uncertainty and chaos. You, as a professional need to stand straight in the tides and do your best work. Be open to minute changes or significant shifts in the daily routine. Understand when things go wrong. Experience will make it all easier.

In film production, embracing uncertainty is key. It sparks creativity and originality. If every detail of the production process – script, budget, schedule, or crew changes – was predetermined, innovation and uniqueness would suffer. In our ever-changing world, adaptability and improvisation are more crucial than rigid planning. It's about riding the waves of change, not controlling them. Trusting your team is vital; it fosters a creative environment where exceptional films are crafted. Embrace uncertainty; it's where the greatest stories are found and told. Let the unknown inspire your most creative work.

Embracing uncertainties will ensure that you have a Plan B for your Plan B. Often times no matter how well you plan, a whole lot can go wrong. Best to prepare, anticipate challenges and pivot accordingly. As they say - only the paranoids survive!

Understand that not everything can be predicted or controlled during a long production process. Be flexible and open to change.

You win something cherish it... if it has your name on it ...it's yours. Winning awards is great, but winning the hearts and minds of an audience is magic.

Big or small celebrate them all, you never know when the next one is coming so enjoy them and take that feeling onto the next job and with a bit of luck you'll have another ine to enjoy!

Los logros se celebran porque es el fin de una etapa. Una producción involucra muchos constantes logros. Y estos logros nunca son únicamente individuales, son de todo un equipo que se une para lograr el mismo fin, el mismo objetivo.

The best piece of advice I was given was to celebrate the small wins. I think we’re mostly conditioned to always wait until a big achievement and everything else is just a step to getting there. A small achievement is still a win and something to be proud of.

In building emotional resilience, it's crucial to celebrate achievements, regardless of their scale. Recognizing your efforts, progress, and results, and rewarding yourself for dedication is essential. Expressing gratitude to your team, collaborators, and supporters for their contributions fosters a positive environment. Celebrating achievements not only boosts confidence and motivation but also prepares you for upcoming projects or challenges with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

You can be your own worst critic or your own biggest fan. One of them is gonna make you, the other is gonna break you. Trust yourself and watch the magic happen.

Recognizing your achievements is not just a pat on the back; it is an ESSENTIAL part of emotional resilience. Acknowledge every step, thank your incredible team and savor the moment. Taking time to acknowledge and savor the moment is a culture of appreciation and resilience that paves the way for future triumphs.

Emotional resilience includes celebrating achievements, regardless of size. Acknowledge efforts, progress, and results, rewarding dedication. Appreciate your team, collaborators, and supporters, expressing gratitude for their contributions. Celebration boosts confidence, motivation, and satisfaction, preparing you for subsequent projects or challenges. As a forward-thinking practice, explore virtual reality (VR) collaborative platforms for immersive and globally shared celebration experiences, aligning with evolving trends until 2024.

We have to celebrate our achievements! We don’t have to wait for someone to congratulate us. We are very demanding on ourselves when we make a mistake. Why is harder to us to be proud of ourselves?

Find micro-goals each day. Consider what small achievement will you assume as success today? What step will make you proud of yourself? What task resolved will make you feel a bit better?

Treat the PAs the same way you treat your stars. There's nothing more debilitating to a production than the crew feeling invisible. Get to know as many people's names as you can. Be sensitive to their needs and issues. Secondly, check your attitude. Not everyone is a happy-go-lucky, cup-half-full kind of person, but if you're the producer or the director (or both) the mood you bring to the set will be infectious. Some may be immune, but a lot of folks will follow your lead.

On days that seem to not get over or you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself of the end date of the project. “This too shall pass.” and “I will get to the other side.” are important reminders for your mind. It’s not always easy to stay positive but it is helpful to remind yourself that the stressful days will eventually come to an end.

I have said in many of my opinion comments that film production if done right, takes real talents. Anyone can make a film, but creating, producing one that is beautiful, impactful and with genuine sincerity takes a lot of work. If you are not talented at doing it and love doing it, it will feel like work. If you truly love it, it’s fun no matter how difficult it is. The harder it is, the more proud you are of it and the more precious it becomes. It’s that simple. No other things accomplishes the gruesome work of filming a bald eagle on a snow covered mountain at 30% below zero. Realize this, or let the real filmmakers do it, you may develop your gifts in time, but it’s the love of doing it that makes it all worth while! Be blessed.

sometimes working on a film can be monotonous and you must reinvent your passion for the film, which is easier said than done. To keep momentum you must constantly find something in the film that you are passionate about even if it’s just a concept, but never quit and finish the film.

A sense of humor is critical! You need a tall, short and funny person on any crew. A tall one for places where ladders can't fit. A short person for the tiny spaces. A funny person for morale!

Bad vibes are bad for everyone. Make sure your crew is satisfied, and if there is a reason for envy, disagreement or any other reason for crew members not to work in harmony with each other - solve it immediately!

The hours are long. The pressure is high. The personalities are “Big.” Take a breath. Remember why you got into this industry in the first place: You’re weird and don’t fit in when you try to do white collar work in other industries. The people on a film set just GET you. You connect with them because they’re ALSO weird and don’t fit in anywhere else. Cherish that. Tell the people around you how much you appreciate them for their odd uniqueness. Going through the trenches means connecting with colleagues on a deeper level and reminding them how much they mean to you. Oh, and remember to stay hydrated.

EMPATHY, EMPATHY, EMPATHY. At the end of a crunch day there is very little that can substantially heal daily burnout from long production stretches because our very souls are tired. To truly put yourself in someone else's shoes to better understand their state of mind and emotional capacity can turn the tide of connecting and sharing the burden of emotional stress more than anything else.

One thing I really like to do is to give positive praise in front of lots of people, but talk about negative things in private. If I, as a director, have a problem with something a crew member did, I talk to them quietly, just the two of us. This way, they understand the feedback better and don't feel embarrassed in front of everyone else. It's a kind way to help them do better without making them feel bad.

Keep perspective. Remember, tough days are part of the journey, not the whole story. Stay flexible. Things change fast in production. Being able to roll with the punches makes a big difference. It's all about adapting, learning from each day, and keeping your eye on the prize.