be thankful

I'm in New York City for the week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Between work, family and other obligations I'm not sure how much writing I'm going to get accomplished this week. This may be my only posting until the 30th although don't count me out. There is no better place for inspiration than NYC.

As tis' the season, I was thinking about Thanksgiving. No matter where I have had the Turkey meal inevitably the question arises, "What are you thankful for?". I thought what if we did that as an industry, especially this year, what would people say?

We have all heard the prognosticators declaring the end of the TV commercial. The death of the production company model. We've been deluged with talk of preferred vendor lists, AICP dysfunction, in house production. All of this points to a declining industry causing anxiety, fear and uncertainty. This is year very few found a lot to be thankful for, at least professionally. Many worked harder for less or the same. I still believe there is a lot to be thankful for.

Be thankful for the crews and vendors that have adapted to the new economic climate.

Be thankful for the production company community that is beginning to realize the industry is as important as the individual

Be thankful for an industry that not only rewards but demands innovation

Be thankful talent matters

Be thankful for the NFL, Olympics, the Oscars and all live TV events

Be thankful we make films not cars or clothes

Be thankful for realizing there is opportunity and time to adapt 

Be thankful for our dedicated staffs

Be thankful we're not in this alone

And, I'm sure there is much that I've missed.

2009 is quickly coming to a close. Let's also be thankful for that. 2010 presents us with a new beginning. A chance to end the negativity. To stop focusing on the problems and start finding solutions. To take responsibility for your own actions. To realize our future is not rooted in preserving the past. 

It often doesn't feel it but we as filmmaker and communicators and branders have potential to create a new industry and business models. Many industries in this country are not afforded that same luxury. This chance of promise alone is enough to be thankful for.