Pitching An Idea Without Messing With Egos
As you get farther on in your career and (hopefully) get better and more comfortable with your skills as a storyteller, two things will happen (well, probably more than two things, but I’ll just talk about two here). First, you will start to work with people who have less experience than you do (much, much less). Second, you will realize that just because someone is in a position (director, DP, actor), that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily good. So, the time will come when you’ll hear about the shot(s) they are suggesting to tell the story set out in front of you and you’ll realize there is a better option.
How do you change minds without telling them that your idea is better?
Well, there are no hard and fast rules, because, like everything else in this industry, every case is different. But here are some suggestions for you that work for me, to varying degrees:
Start by keeping quiet - jumping in with your idea the second they have given theirs is a sure-fire way to get you on someone's bad side. Sometimes you have to start down that road and then try and suggest things along the way that steer it in the direction you think it needs to go.
After their idea has landed, consider what would need to change to work the way you think it needs to work. Maybe part of what they have come up with is good and your idea simply builds on it.
Remember that there are all sorts of egos and the best negotiation (everything on set is essentially a negotiation) is where both sides win.
Saying things like “I have a better idea” is never a good idea. Instead, use phrases that are suggestions “Do you think there might be value in...?”, “Is there a world where we would...?”, “Do you think it would work if we...?” These methods of bringing an idea into the conversation couch it as you looking for their validation and, as such, do not mess with the power structure or take them out of the position of controlling their vision (which, of course, you are completely circumventing, but let's’ keep that between us).
“Can I show you something?” works well too. Showing instead of telling is almost always better and inherent in the idea that you are auditioning something different without being confrontational.
If it's a framing issue, ‘accidentally’ leave the camera on that frame in between shots until it’s noticed. I can’t tell you how many DPs have come up to me and said “You know what I just found?” and then show me the frame that I ‘accidentally’ left the camera on.
At the end of the day, recognize that some people don't want your input; some can’t take it, and some just won't be able to see what you see. What do you do in those situations? Know that your idea works better, put it in your back pocket for some show where you can use it, and continue on with the shot that they want you to do, because, at the end of the day, that’s your job.
