Learning the Industry from the Ground Up: A Lesson from My Nephew
My nephew is eager to break into the video and film industry, and like any true professional in the making, he’s starting from the bottom—learning each role, understanding every responsibility, and, most importantly, grasping the respect needed to be part of a successful production.
He may eventually become a one-man band, handling shoots on his own, or find himself as a vital player in large-scale productions. Either way, understanding all the moving parts is essential. So, where did we start? With the fundamentals. Wrangling cables, setting up lights, and putting away C-stands—tasks that seem small but are critical to the production.
After his first hands-on experience, he shared a realization that resonated with me: "You have to start as the grunt to really understand how everything works." This insight is more valuable than any film school lecture. By embracing the entry-level grind, he’s not just gaining skills—he's learning the discipline, patience, and humility that define great creatives.
Understanding the Full Picture—In Any Industry
No matter the business, true success arises from understanding your industry from the ground up. It teaches you how to budget realistically, manage time effectively, communicate clearly, and, most importantly, find where you truly belong. Loving an industry doesn't mean you need to master every role, but you must respect and understand them.
When I began my career, I held a microphone for four-hour county meetings that aired on a local TV station. My job? Stay alert in case someone’s mic died. I spent countless hours wrangling cables at live events—and I loved it.
Fast forward to today: I’m a skilled production manager, content strategist, filmmaker, and, importantly, a self-motivated entrepreneur. Sometimes, I take on the head executive role; other times, I’m brought in by production houses and ad agencies as a production manager who can keep the budget and schedule intact while adding value by filling in the gaps. I respect every role—from the PA on set to the company president.
The Hard Truth for Young Creatives
Too many aspiring professionals want to leap straight out of college, film school, or an online course and call themselves directors, producers, or content strategists. Passion is great—but without mastering the craft from the ground up, you’ll never maximize your efforts or those of your team.
The Power of ‘Got It’—Respect in Production and Business
In the camera department, there’s an essential chain of communication. One of the most important phrases you’ll hear is “Got it.” When handing off an expensive lens—or even an inexpensive but heavy object—it’s a sign of respect.
“Got it” ensures the other person is alert, especially if they’re multitasking. It shows you care about your teammate’s safety and the gear’s integrity. Even if you’re sure they have it, saying it reminds everyone to prioritize safety and mindfulness.
This simple yet powerful habit translates directly into business. Whether you’re delegating a task, passing critical information, or ensuring a client’s needs are met, clear acknowledgment and communication build trust, respect, and efficiency. Just like in production, great leaders confirm rather than assume.
Production is never a solo act, even if you're a one-man band. If you can’t see how a solo effort still relies on teamwork, you’ve missed the point. Maybe it’s time to be a PA on set. Perhaps you should ask my nephew how to wrap cables and put away C-stands—he’ll be happy to teach you.
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