As you’ve probably heard before, Murphy’s Law states that, “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” It takes its toll on even the most pre-pro’d sets, even under the best conditions. Something is bound to go wrong, and someone is bound to say “oops.” So, is there a way for filmmakers to stop this invisible, malicious force from creeping onto their sets?
Unfortunately no, it’s just an unavoidable consequence of filmmaking. There is no way to stop the tide of Murphy’s Law, but luckily, there are effective ways to navigate it. Here are some basic tips to keep on deck so that Murphy’s Law doesn’t sink your production:
Be positive
Keeping your composure and maintaining a positive attitude on set is the key to having a fulfilling, productive experience on whatever project you’re working on. Take a breath. We’re lucky to be bringing ideas to life, and even when Murphy’s Law strikes, there is a beauty in the struggle to create in spite of it.
Of course, this advice is easier said than done; it’s hard to imagine how you’ll react to a situation you’re not currently in. However, you can be sure that dwelling on what’s going wrong is the least productive way to solve the problem. That would be like throwing rocks at the ocean to stop the waves from hitting your sandcastle.
The good news is that reacting with positivity and composure is a skill that can be practiced like any other. Every time you separate yourself from the frustration of an issue and focus on the solution of an issue, it’s like a bicep curl for your brain, and you’ll be more fit to problem-solve in the future. From a pragmatic perspective, maintaining a positive mindset is the most efficient way to start getting the production back on track.
2. Let go
Surrender to the fact that obstacles will arise during production, but be assured that there is rarely an obstacle that will doom your project. Every Oscar-nominated film is lemonade made from a big ol’ bushel of life’s lemons, and it’s unlikely that your project will be an exception to that formula. Prepare what you can prepare for, control what is under your control, and expect what can’t be expected.
Counterintuitively, accepting that there will be problems that place limitations on your production actually opens the door to creative solutions that could potentially take your final product to the next level. Limitations lead to innovation, and innovation leads to evolution. If you allow them to, the obstacles that block your path can point you in the direction of a new, better path.
3. Move forward
Even if you’re only able to put a bandage on the problem, even if you have to sacrifice a shot, or even if you have to lose a whole scene; the only direction toward a completed project is forward. A vast majority of the time, there will be a solution that redeems the final product in a meaningful way, but you won’t find it without going with the flow and being adaptable. Murphy giveth, Murphy taketh away.
Moving forward further, apply what you’ve learned to your future projects. The best way to mitigate unforeseen, unplanned issues on set is to plan ahead, and pre-production is the phase where most of the, “anything that can go wrong,” is addressed. You can still never be sure how the production will divert from the original plan once day 1 starts, but your experiences with Murphy’s Law can help inform your plan “A” and your plan “the rest of the alphabet.”
Keep these tips in mind for the next time Murphy’s Law creeps its way back into your production. Before it does, you can bring it to us. NFocus has an unspoken agreement with Murphy’s Law like Michael Jordan has an unspoken agreement with gravity. With 27 years of experience in the industry, we're equipped to ensure that your pre-production, production, and post-production flow seamlessly.