Creativity is a Team Sport
Production or producing is a team sport. Or have we forgotten that fact, given the advent and advancement of new technology? With the advancement of technologically creative tools and their inexpensive price points, we straddle the fine line between “because we can, does that mean we should.” My point is this, just because technology allows us access to each phase of a project, independent of other artists, should we accept that as a positive or better approach? In the Thirty something years I’ve been bouncing through both the music and television industries, I have concluded the answer is an emphatic, NO!
There is no arguement that access to pro gear at an entry level price has allowed many, who would never have been heard from, now have a voice and I believe that’s GREAT! I am a strong proponent of the notion that everyone possesses talent. For some it lies on the surface, for others it’s buried and needs to be mined like a precious metal. Regardless of where that talent resides, creativity and its expression needs to be nurtured and cultivated, bringing me to my main point.
Never create in isolation. That is not to say the genesis of an idea MUST be the results of collaborative efforts, although it may well be if it naturally took that course. Regardless of which, bringing that vision to life will always have a better chance of soring beyond your expectations given a blend of creative specialists.
Imagine for a minute going to a concert to hear your favorite band, you arrive and instead of the 5 experienced musicians who have all mastered their instruments, you see a single unknown keyboard player on stage using an array of synthesizers simulating the performance of the missing musicians.
He may be able to reproduce every note in their songs but the X factor, soul and personal interpretations of those musicians will surely be missed. Each artist brings a lifetime of mastering and passion woven together by their day-to-day, year-to-year experiences. No single person can duplicate those artistic impressions. I see each of us as a “flavor” or an ingredient to be combined to produce the perfect meal. No satisfying meal ever came from a single ingredient!
Creativity is a Team Sport!
When you hear about of an actor who decided to go out on his own to write, produce and direct his vision, he still has an army of experts collaborating on that vision.
When a musician breaks away from their band to do a “solo” album, they still rely on the talents of others to create their solo vision.
With a deep sense of humility, I can say I am quite comfortable at most phases of production in both music and video. Even with that comfort zone I would NEVER assume responsibility of all aspects. Nothing I am proud of came to life solely by my talents. To this day it remains embarrassing for me to be referred to as an Emmy award-winning Producer. Those Emmys belong to everyone on those productions.
These words I speak are not just the words of a humble acceptance speech, they are fact.
The most AMAZING creations are the ones that come from a perfect combination of “FLAVORS”.
