Entry 1. Thoughts on Co-Creation
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In relation to: Fair Weather Friends
Watch it here
An alternative artistic process, against the single author vision. Meant to be a less exploitative way of working, where projects can evolve within communities instead of about them.
In our 2nd year film class, we focused on exploring co-creation and our final films that year were made in groups of 3. (Chosen by our teacher)
Initially, I was worried and others seemed to feel the same way. Group projects always seem to have issues and end up with you wishing to do the project alone. However, I was actually very appreciative of the process and felt its importance.
Who is on Top?
I immediately noticed a shift when sharing ideas. I felt that the non-hierarchical structure allowed everyone to share and and receive ideas freely. People didn’t confine their thoughts to the specific aspect they were focusing on. (e.g. someone working on sound recording could also discuss camera) There was also less need to contort your concepts to fit what you think others will enjoy best.
Timeline Timeline
As a chronic procrastinator, I was initially worried that I would stress others out, seem unreliable, or even miss deadlines. But, the added pressure of others people’s expectations actually motivated my work. It felt like I could just hop onto their schedule and be along for a very practical & on time ride.
Note: I think it was very important that I felt safe and comfortable with my group members to the point where I didn’t feel judged for my “flaws” and could be truthful.
They always kept me accountable, sometimes without even realizing. Of course, setting our own goals and deadlines was helpful, but even working in a discord call helped tell my brain to focus.
Friend or?
Despite having a lot of care for my collaborators, conflict was expected and did happen. It was something we had to expect and discuss seriously,. At the beginning of the process we set some guidelines on how to handle conflict and how each person should react. We initially didn’t take it to seriously but, as the project progressed it was clear that conflict was not a bad thing.
Being challenged is the only way to grow and “fighting” mades us come up with more complex and thorough ideas. It forces you to be rigorous and not take the easy way out. It also improves your ability to communicate, both in the present and in the future. It is more beneficial to all to argue and resolve a problem then to ignore it and build resentment.
Note: A high stress environment can make people act irrationally or unlike their regular selves. No matter how close you are to someone, stress is hard to manage and creates unexpected tension. Give people grace, we are all just trying to fight through.
What do I bring forward?
I want to stress that I am very thankful for this process. It isn’t something I would ever have done on my won time so I appreciate this introduction.
I will bring communication through conflict into many aspects of my life. Remembering to express my feelings while being mindful of others.
I will also be interested in more collaborative projects, where working with a group can help guide me to not only be more prompt with my work but also being rigorous and put my best work forward.
Speak your mind, argue when needed.
Love ya, Maya xoxo