I have just returned from an Arctic filming shoot
On reflection, It was a textbook case of a small team operating on the highest level
All three of the drivers of a high-performing team were at play:
Small teams thrive when they have a clear understanding of their goals and purpose.
On natural history shoots of this calibre, the goal is clear - author a sequence with the team that sets the visual bar so high no one wants to follow.
This ambition, combined with strong editorial direction in the field creates the requisite focus needed to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Collaboration between team members is at its peak when there is trust between team members.
Trust enables one to speak freely without fear of being ridiculed or shamed.
Decisions made by one brain after consulation with more brains tend to be better than those made withoutout consultation.
Natural History shoots often require split-second decisions to be made in response to fast-developing action
Knowing you have the freedom to experiment and innovate and potential make mistakes id liberating.
Just don't make that same mistake twice!
As human animals we evolved in small hunter gather groups where co-operation and team work was crucial to survival.
Our beings are hardwired to thrive in relational units.
Pick you team members carefully, as the culture that blooms on a shoot in that team will be a key driver of the calibre of the footage that is acquired.
