A number of years ago, my then Executive Producer was interviewed about
the directing team on One Life to Live. I distinctly remember him
talking about how, when you had a directing team that worked together
regularly, there became a shorthand, so that the process could happen
without saying all the words. The Stage Managers and ADs could
anticipate the Director's needs, and the ADs, PAs, and Stage Managers
could work together so well, they could get the job done almost
seamlessly.
Today, with my family, I've been reminded how empowering that can be.
It's been a day of not doing that much--just going through old clothes,
books, and papers, sharing meals--but there has been that same feeling
of finishing each other's thoughts, knowing which stories from our
shared past will make us all laugh. There really is nothing quite like a
group knowing each other that way. For me, it has actually allowed me
to relax a little from my job search stress. After all, while scouring
the Internet and networking and writing multiple cover letters may be
stressful, even wearying, it is the absence of that team, that shorthand
among colleagues that is even more wearying.
When I was with my "team" in the midst of production, we knew we could
get it done if we stuck together. As a freelancer, I am on my own, so
whatever "team" I assemble is defined not necessarily by job titles, but by my
ability to reach out to like-minded people. While someday this may
change, for now, I'm just grateful for family filling the gap. Because
sometimes it's easy to say all the words. And sometimes I hope some things
can go without saying.
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