Barry Sonnenfeld, director of the "Men in Black" films, shares some surprisingly practical advice for getting people to do what you want, drawn from his four decades in the film industry. He humorously admits that even Will Smith doubted his directorial abilities, but Sonnenfeld’s journey proves that success is achievable for anyone willing to learn.
Nine Bits of Wisdom From a Hollywood Director
Sonnenfeld offers nine key takeaways that can be applied not just to filmmaking, but to everyday life. These insights, often delivered with a dose of self-deprecating humor, reveal a unique approach to managing people and situations.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Pessimism for Peace of Mind: Sonnenfeld suggests that expecting the worst can lead to a more relaxed state, as either your negative prediction comes true (and you can say "I told you so") or it doesn’t, and you’re pleasantly surprised.
- Don’t Announce You’re Making a Comedy: When working on a comedy, it’s best to let the humor emerge naturally. If everyone involved knows it’s a comedy, they might overplay their parts, leading to a less effective result.
- Be Punctual, or Even Early: Being on time is already late. Sonnenfeld recounts a story where being 20 minutes late to meet his mother’s curfew resulted in a public announcement at Madison Square Garden, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to schedules.
- Don’t Rush to the Top: Sonnenfeld advises against trying to climb the ladder too quickly. He started as a cinematographer, not by immediately aiming to direct, suggesting a more gradual approach to career advancement.
- Let Others Make the Decisions: Instead of dictating terms, guide people to the desired outcome by framing it as their idea. Sonnenfeld learned this from director Rob Reiner, who wanted actors to stop where it looked good on camera, not necessarily where the lighting was set.
- Avoid the Edges in Group Photos: To ensure you’re not awkwardly cropped or distorted by wide-angle lenses, always position yourself in the center of group photos.
- Handle Bullies with "Forts": When faced with a shouting bully, create a physical or metaphorical barrier. Sonnenfeld humorously describes building a "fort" out of sofa cushions to block out a producer’s yelling, effectively de-escalating the situation.
- Be Prepared to Sacrifice: Sometimes, you have to make tough choices, even if it means cutting something you or someone else loves. Sonnenfeld had to convince a studio head to cut a favorite scene to stay within budget.
- Use Visual Aids for Specific Requests: When ordering steak, don’t just say "medium-rare." Bring a picture to show exactly how you like it prepared. This avoids ambiguity and ensures you get what you want.
Sonnenfeld’s advice, while rooted in the specific demands of filmmaking, offers a relatable and humorous guide to communication, negotiation, and managing expectations in any professional or personal setting.
