John Mouratis

Apple always finds a way to stand out.

Their Holiday Film is out.

Let me break why this is so good:

1. Stop motion

Stop Motion brings a warm feeling to a video project, as Christmas does to our lives. It introduces sadness, frustration, and loneliness that is not oversold.

We relate to it, in a subtle way.

2. The Christmas Effect.

Frustration, anger, revenge. All negative feelings.

Transformed into empathy, support, and positivity.

That's what Christmas is about.

3. The Song.

Isn't It a Pity by George Harrison is a perfect theme for a Holiday film that no one would expect.

Not the classic Christmas song, but fits like a top Tetris combo with the concept.

4. The unbeatable turn of events.

The film doesn't have any 'surprises.'

You know from the start that there is going to be a twist and that it will end on a positive note.

Despite being aware of it, there is something so powerful and beautiful on that turn of events, that you simply can't avoid giving a smile when it happens.

You don't need always a surprise in your story when it's told well.

5. The final scene.

One person sitting alone in a room full of tables.

Another person is being added. Suddenly the room, despite still empty, feels full.

The power of a human relationship.

1+1 = 11

I have never met a producer I admire who was a pushover.

The most common problem with people who step up too quickly is that they're still operating with an assistant's mindset. Trying to be everywhere at once. Doing every small task themselves. Constantly looking to others for direction or validation.

The best producers I know do none of that.

They build a well run team and trust it to function.
They know when to let something go and when to be firm.
They're not intimidated by celebrities, big agency names, or major directors.

And if someone tries to take advantage of them, their crew, or the production company they represent, they go all in and shut it down before it has the chance to escalate.

It has nothing to do with being rude, or easy to work with.

It's keeping people in place of not making ridiculous requests, taking advantage of creative people and their love of work, or treating production partners as suppliers or hands to do whatever they're being asked.

4 shoot days in Mallorca this week.

Travel jobs for a producer without a service company on board can seem a fancy but usually end up in 15 hour days.

Organising transport for everyone, making sure people have food, water, ice cream all the time.

Resolving any issues on rooms with the hotels, ensuring schedules and call sheets going out after a long shoot day.

Ensuring people are safe. Sunscreen, Autan sprays, meds nearby.

Making it enjoyable by giving them enough downtime, organising activities to enjoy yourselves.

Being the first in and the last out.
Sometimes shooting sunrise and sunset too.

Staying after for the drinks but still being on the job as you want to make sure everyone is comfortable, in good spirits and with smile on their faces.

It’s a lot of work, and I love it.

If you're a freelancer, don't be afraid to recommend your colleagues when you can't do a job.

They won't steal your contact or client. There is enough work out there, for the good people.

Just be nice, be helpful, and reply quickly. It makes all the difference.