Tip of the Day: When in Doubt, Say Something

By Greg Pak

If you know what you want but you're not getting it, say something. If you think something's wrong and haven't said anything, say something. This applies to everything you do as a filmmaker -- with the possible exception of working with actors, where a little more subtlety may apply. But if you're looking at something your DP has lit and you think it looks too contrasty, you're probably right and if you say nothing you'll end up kicking yourself when you see the dailies. Or if you're at the lab looking at your print and there's a weird white spot in the middle of one of the frames, make some noise -- make them put your negative up on the rewind table and remove that little piece of tape that's somehow made its way onto the emulsion.