Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/908098
35 by Eva Rismanforoush "The job itself comes with built-in stress because of the fluid nature of it. Home life is hard to keep balanced. Early on, I had to make the choice to accept these condi- tions completely or not. Once I chose, I committed. Having committed relieves much of the stress and making sure that your loved ones know that you are not the boss of your time can help relieve potential stress. On the job, I always prepared for scenario A, B, C or the unknown. I operated from a position of being ready for anything at any time and not letting it ruffle my feathers if things changed, because, they always do. Pull a rabbit out of a hat, change a pigeon into a bouquet of flowers. The stress of the job goes away when you accept: 1. You have no control and nothing is predictable 2. You have done your homework even though the call sheet and script can be torn up and thrown out at any time 3. Piss-poor planning makes for piss-poor performance = stress 4. You have all the tools and tricks handy to handle every situation 5. You are able to pull out these tricks at a moment's notice 6. Never be lazy, always be busy and alert. The minute you slack is when the s**tstorm hits 7. You have the confidence to jump in and do what needs to be done, especially under fire 8. You have accepted the fact that you will be working until they tell you that you can go home 9. Be happy that you have chosen this work every day. No one is holding a gun to your head to stay, so might as well spread a positive attitude so your work environment can be fun and rewarding 10. Realize that there are many people who would be more than happy to take your place "With all of these things in mind, kick your shoes off and unwind with a glass of vino at the end of a long hard day and try to catch some zzz's" –Peggy Names, Boom Operator "I've always felt that the film busi- ness is what you make it. It is in- tense; there is big money at stake every day. Pressure builds, tempers flare and it becomes cumulative among departments as it spreads down from the top. The trick is, as I see it, is to recognize the tsunami coming your way and prepare ac- cordingly. Certainly, preparation is key. But I've always told my assis- tants that as the production com- pany gets crazier, you get calmer, to the point where you are almost comatose. My dad taught me to 'work hard and go home.' I've lived that for forty years in the business. It's worked for me." –Randy Johnson, Boom Operator "To get a handle on stress at work, I begin with arriving to set early. Being consistently punctual to your location is paramount and sets the tone for the day. "Do your homework: Knowing where you're at in the script and its shooting schedule is a good way to keep the stress monsters at bay. If you know there will be a scene at a waterfall or a big dance number, you will be able to prepare for it and be prepared when it happens. Smaller details like day/night number gives you an indication of cos- tume and wiring changes. "Taking care: Exercise is another key to fighting stress and yoga has done that for me. It keeps me centered and my attitude in check. "Nutrition: I will be the first to say, I love pizza for a second meal, complementary food trucks and my morning espresso, but food does have an effect on your mood and your stress level. Moderation is the key and knowing when to curtail the caffeine definitely helps. "Humor, Thought = Empowerment and Positive Thinking: I'm very fortunate to get to listen to actors act, the telling of jokes and experiencing sublime and scary words and descriptions. For me, humor and just sitting there thinking, leads to a positive outlook about my situation. That leads to empowering my mind and confidence level. How do I get there? I need to be honest with myself and what's bugging me and deep always clears my head. I can then focus on sound for the scene or try to help others. Wanting to do the best job I can and rooting for the success of others is a direct result of empowering your mind." –George A. Flores, Sound Mixer "I've had many different relationships with stress in my forty years in 695. I've dealt with it most every way possible, from alcohol or reefer, to exer- cise and meditation. I feel the key to dealing with it is to know yourself and to know what stress is. For me, it's been an evolving relationship through the decades. When I started out, it was like young love and I was high on stress, think- ing it was like romantic love, all-consuming and that it would always be like this. It was exciting but exhausting and not sustainable. As the years piled up, I learned to give my all between call and wrap and then shut that door as I got into my van to drive home. This became my time. I dreamed up projects, personal or family, listened to music, anything was cool as long as it wasn't work-relat- ed. For me, it is paramount to have your own life that you maintain and respect as much as your career life. I love family (which can have its own stresses), hiking, playing drums or ukes, paint- ing, photography, fine food with friends, travel and sleep. After all these years, it is easy to keep stress in check when I have a balance of work and play. That and the joy I get from the world-class education I receive observing and marching in the 'Grand Parade' of life. It is hard to stress what was or might be if you are actively living in the here and now." –Crew Chamberlain, Sound Mixer