Generalists need to hire specialists to compete on big jobs. Doesn't matter if we are talking about construction, landscaping, video production or healthcare.
That truth begs the question each of us must ask as we choose how to spend our training time and resources:
Will skill "X" improve my bottom line or my joy in what I do?
Skills that transcends tools will last. However deep knowledge of current tools is essential if you want to be near to the rubber hitting the road.
Think of building design and construction as an example.
Architects do not need to keep up on the specifics of crane operation. It is helpful if they know about major changes in the capabilities of cranes, but architects do not need to know how the levers work.
Contractors need broad and fairly specific knowledge of many areas. Plumbing, heating, electric, cement, drywall, etc.
Subcontracts need to focus on being the best available at a certain price point for their chosen skill. Carpenters need to know a lot about nails, lumber, etc. They need to know about plumbing, electric, etc in so far as these trades effect carpentry.
If you do choose to specialize, you have to be learning new skills in the chosen specialty all the time. And to be excellent, you need to understand how the different disciplines interact.
If you aspire to be an architect you need to find big fish clients, because many small projects don't need an architect.
Contractors do well by combining the skills of specialists.
Television and film projects are very like this:
Architect = Large project Producer/Direcctor (Superbowl Commercial/Feature Film)
Contractor = Producer on small to medium project, Operations Manager on large project
Subcontractor = Operator, editor, artist
If you are a client who has little experience with video, imagining your video as a construction project can be helpful. Try to figure out if you need an architect or a handyman before you start shopping.
If you are a producer or director, keep in mind that architects get paid more than handymen, but handymen have less pressure, responsibility and overhead.
If you are a camera operator keep in mind that your deep understanding of editing, while helpful, is not directly relevant to the producer or the client. The little edge that knowledge provides is a secret weapon, the hidden reason why your footage is easier to work with in post production.
Knowing your role and filling it well is critical whatever path you choose.
Comments