Working on the found footage horror film ‘Unscripted’ was in effect a truly inspirational collaboration from the start, all the way through. A found footage film would not be the same without the team effort that the genre forces upon one-another which is a remarkable addition to students learning filmmaking. Coordination between the Actors and the cinematography involved is such a crucial element for the camera operator and the character posing to be the operator which are two different individuals prompting more takes and perspectives for having the adequate coverage required between CCTV shots with the character in place with her handheld camera in it and POV shots from the very same camera but operated by a ‘camera operator’ from the ‘camera and lighting department’. Alongside this aspect, lighting had to be placed in accordance to these situations without being in frame. These are markers as to what teamwork and collaboration is all about: Bringing in all your ideas and your mad skill and making the best out of it, to provide for a ‘final film’ that speaks it all.
Patrick Lencioni is a celebrated American writer whose authorship has brought to light the many dysfunctional practices in effective team management and is widely courted in this regard. In his book he talks about Five dysfunctional practices: “1. Absence of Trust: The unwillingness to be vulnerable within a group.”,”2. Fear of conflict: seeking a pseudo-harmony over debate.”, “3. Commitment, a lack thereof: ambiguity throughout the organization.”, “4. Avoidance of accountability: Mis-heaving responsibilities among peers in a group.” And finally, “Inattention to results focusing on personal success, status and ego before team success” (2012). Given the time we live in, an age of disastrous distractions may it be apps on smartphones or constant dependencies on technology while bored would clearly bring down the productivity factor not to mention a higher ranking attention span along with it as is shown on multiple case studies on the human brain. Studies show that the attention span is said to pass no more than 20 or so minutes. This is an additional dysfunction I have found on set. Not to mention that being past one’s comfort zone could also bring about higher productivity, but all these are issues to learn from and better. Despite shortcomings the values of teamwork and team spirit are ceremonial, matrimonial even.
Having tried to implement ideas from Lencioni’s books ‘The Ideal Team Player’ and ‘The Five Dysfunctions of A Team’ to build mutual trust , commitment and accountability which certainly requires a level of perseverance and an attitude to always look to the betterment of your fellow peers , an attitude of selflessness with an engaging attitude towards the learning curve of craft by your side at all times in hopes to widen your horizons, have proven fruitful on every occasion.
There may be times when fellow peers tend to lay back and it Is important to motivate them even if it may not be your place (Accountability), To always stay by your teammates even when the scene doesn’t require your assistance but you are always on the ready (Commitment), lending a helping hand even in the most medial chores which most would avoid such as washing dishes boosts morale (Trust). All these efforts to make for a final film which wraps up the need for teamwork and being a major part in it without acting in self-interest and ego makes for a wonderful experience in learning and in growth (Results).
References
Lencioni, P. (2012). The five dysfunctions of a team: Facilitators guide: The official guide to conducting the five dysfunctions workshops for teams and team leaders. San Francisco, CA: Chichester.
Lencioni, P. (2016). The ideal team player: How to recognize and cultivate the three essential virtues: A leadership fable. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Brand.
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