Problem #2- Dealing with Pressure

I knew that creating a music video within a one month time frame at the busiest time of the year would be hard. I knew it would present unique challenges that I may not have encountered before. I knew I was a perfectionist who will not rest until I have done everything in my power to make my work the best that it can be. I knew all this before the studio began. What I didn’t know, however, is the pressure of creating work for someone else.

Whenever I have had to make short films in the past, it is the fear of failing myself that weighs on me throughout the process. Sure, I want other people to like the product, but for me it is really about whether I am proud of it or not. I always put my best effort in, and only when I believe I have done that can I even feel comfortable showing other people. However, this music video isn’t something that no one will see- it is for a band with an audience. It is for the eight band members that entrusted me with their favourite work to adapt into something they can publish proudly. My aim with this project was to work with the band and create something that we can all be proud of. I wanted it to be a wholly collaborative process, as I believed that is how we would achieve the best possible end result.

Unfortunately due to time constraints and lack of availability from both the band members and ourselves, there simply wasn’t time for everything to be done together. In the end, it was hard to decide upon a story within our own group, and because of that we never really got to talk to the band about their vision for the music video. The band told us that they were happy for us to fully take the reigns, however I started to worry.

Flash forward to now, after our two shooting days and dozens of emails, facebook messages, polls and phone calls later- the band are waiting for their final product. I am a nervous wreck.

Resolution-This is our last dance, this is ourselves…..under pressure

How am I dealing with my crippling anxiety regarding the possibility of disappointing the band and one of my closest friends? I am doing everything I can to eliminate that possibility. I am continually coming up with new ways to edit so that the story will be coherent and visually appealing, teaching myself how to do it and then racing into RMIT to put it in place on the proper software. I am *trying* to encourage my group members to feel as passionate as I am about making this video perfect. I’m still nervous as anything, but at least I will know at the end of this that I tried my best. I sincerely hope that comes across in the final product!