MASTER LESSON

Jimmy Chin, professional climber and cameraman, was first noticed with his film Meru and then Free Solo. If you think climbing up and down sheer faces of granite is difficult, try doing it holding a camera package weighing 50 – 60 lbs! Chin recently had a chat with his idol, Director Ridley Scott. If you’ve seen Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Thelma & Louise or Alien, you know this master filmmaker.

Scott told Chin that he started as a director of over 2,000 commercials. He said that art school taught him what he wanted to say, but commercials taught him how to make an audience listen. At Eloqui we believe attention precedes comprehension. Hook an audience and then deliver your message.

Scott directs films with crews and extras the size of an army. He finds talented people, trusts and acknowledges them. When actor Paul Mescal saw the coliseum set for Gladiator II, Scott said “It’s just a ** set. I didn’t allow him to dwell in terror.” Your team may feel similarly anxious when facing a finals presentation. Talk them down so they only focus on the pitch.

Scott told Chin that he plans, then visualizes each shot, while still being willing to change. And he admonished Chin not to overthink or listen to others when it’s time to act. You are the only critic. If a project doesn’t live up to your expectations, say “Next” and move on. And only look backward to review the steps you took. It’s experience, which if acknowledged and followed, creates success.