Step Out of the Comfort Zone (Summer of 1986)

In the mid-1980s, I worked as a freelance production assistant and worked with various advertising producers and production companies. The projects varied from low budget films, TV advertising, to music videos. As a production assistant on typical music video shoots/projects, I would step into many roles as needed. I would be the local prop truck driver, the set dresser assistant, craft service assistant, the typical all-around PA. One of those projects was working on the official music video of the “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. It was a two-day shoot and I had to work most of the night so I took a couple of hour nap on the truck by the Appollo Theater. The difference from the previous projects so far, was that I stepped up to help out in areas outside of my comfort zone. At one point, the director needed more extras in the background but did not have enough talent booked/cast. So I volunteered to get up on stage and work in the background. I learned a lot by helping the various areas of the project. Areas such as electricians, stage/set dressers, camera crew, lighting crew, production team, and editing/post-production team. Here are a few of my observations from these projects:

• Ability to adapt and adjust within these low budget and limited timeframes
• Don’t shy away from helping team members in areas that are outside of your expertise or comfort zone
• Eager to learn and change and not be afraid to admit mistakes
• Even if you are not experienced, adapt by applying what you know from different areas
• Listen with an open mind and with the intent to understand instead of reacting
• Have a positive attitude regardless of how hard the effort or challenges
• Lead by example and always be willing to lend a helping hand

Below is the official music video and for those of you who are curious, the times I appear in the background while working behind the camera.