So many things pop up along the path of each project: Unexpected, unaccounted for, unplanned to be sure, and occasionally things for which we have no budget, or extra time. And despite years of experience, something may pop up that has never happened before. Surprise!
So be it. All of the above is part of our service. We plan as best we can and know that we’ll likely encounter the unplanned moment. Our response is always the same: find a solution so that the project proceeds smoothly and seamlessly.
Even so, my insider’s look at the production schedule for our Year of the Snake film would certainly include this fact: Composer Roberto Blandin had to record his beautiful music in one take, due to studio scheduling issues, and last-minute disasters. And he played all the instruments himself, including the traditional Chinese “Moon Guitar” and lutes.
Not to mention, whenever Roberto brings these rarities to his recording sessions, no one has ever seen or even heard them. In this way he has become a musical ambassador, who must take the time to educate as he blends East and West with Old and New.
And then there was the added pressure of living up to the season: An event like the Chinese New Year leaves very little room to wiggle. You can’t postpone, hesitate or surrender when the calendar demands that we finish well before the festivities end.
A big plus for us is the extraordinary relationship we have with our vendors, the printers, photographers, film technicians and editors, and others who help us throughout the process. Once again, the client sees the finished product, not all the consultations, inevitable mishaps, suggestions and extra effort that occur behind the scenes. We band together, deal with it all up front, and find solutions without laying blame or filibustering. I’m proud of that — another thing the client may not actually see. It’s a secret ingredient that has been earned through the years by supporting and trusting one another.
We also know that being upfront and honest with our clients is the only way to go. When we have a new issue or riddle to solve, we immediately alert the client. It is much better if everyone is aware of the situation. It is part of the collaboration. Solutions come quickly when we all put our heads and hearts together.
The client also does not see us all sigh with relief, and then take a deep breath before starting all over again.
There is always another impossible dream waiting to be fulfilled.
Concept Creation is a 5-part series on the making of Year of the Snake.
concept one: http://reginarubino-imageglobalvision.blogspot.com/2013/02/concept-creation-1-chinese-new-year.html
concept two: http://reginarubino-imageglobalvision.blogspot.com/2013/02/concept-creation-2-our-movie.html
concept three: http://reginarubino-imageglobalvision.blogspot.com/2013/03/concept-creation-3-movie-storyboards.html
concept four: http://reginarubino-imageglobalvision.blogspot.com/2013/03/concept-creation-4-poetry-in-motion.html
