I remember when, not too far in the distant past, the cell phone was as big as a shoebox and the battery power supply could power any Third World country. It sat on the production table and was guarded with complete and solemn fortitude for "real emergencies." Now, of course, everyone has the powers of mobility and communication at the tips of their fingers.
Clearly the cell phone has revolutionized the way we do production—and, in fact, the way the world does business. No longer is a PA given a roll of quarters and told to find a payphone. Today’s production people are armed for communication warfare: mobile phones, pagers, Palm Pilots, "walkies," faxes—you name it. We in the film business wrote the book about being in touch, and this is a good thing. Being able to prep a job, find a client and make a deal from anywhere is so essential in this day and age that we wonder what we ever did without this ability.
But while we’re all connected, who’s paying attention? Let us try to remember that these devices were meant to facilitate our existence—not to dictate to us where and when we need to be available.
Frequently I find myself pondering whether we own our communication gadgets or they own us. Technology has liberated us from the necessity of remaining passively in one place, yet do we neglect to track this positive turn of events to its full conclusion? Sometimes there are countless messages on my wireless devices, all collected while I have been industriously working at my desk. The moment I start the mobile part of my day is the same moment I need to start returning phone calls. Now I join the legions of countless others talking as they’re walking.
The point is, if we’re not careful—if we give ourselves over to technology completely—it can dominate us and further complicate our already complicated lives. The analog of the brain has to go hand-in-hand with technology. There is no replacement for putting your energies in the right place, and first and foremost being present in the moment. Don’t let the devices of communication get you distracted from the situation at hand.
Communication connects us all. And when you get down to it, communication is essential to the best creative, the best crews and ultimately the best directors. So, whether it’s on location, in a stage, in the office or in the car—say what you mean, and mean what you say. It affects everyone.
