Big Task

wowza...I'm a bit stressed, but in a good way.
My boss put me in charge of our DTV transition campaign. I wrote a couple of test scripts-and, BAM! He wants to roll with it and have it on-air this month...woah!
We shoot in a week, hiring a crew and everything...which is soooo exciting. I've been on big shoots before, but basically in "helper" fashion, directing an occasional scene here and there (with Tafoya promos being an exception...although, my shooters/grips for that shoot were all in house, so in my mind-way different!). I just get so intimidated working with people who've been in the business so long, and are SO good at what they do. I mean, why would they want to listen to some punk girl in her mid-20's direct? But, alas...my boss seems to think I can do it. -and I'm up for the challenge. My Image manager and Art Director are both gone the week of the shoot-and in the past, they have both been the main directors, so the pressure is on. No fall back peeps this time. If it sucks, it's on me. But, I think I've finally reached a point in my career where I'm ready for that. I may be a bit hesitant at first, but usually when the director hat goes on, it kicks in like instinct...almost like I'm in a dream, imagining the entire thing-and seeing the final product in my head. I wonder if other people feel the same way, when they say "action"? Or if it's just some strange rush I get from seeing the product come together?
Yup, a Creative adrenaline junkie...that's it...that must be what I am...hmmm...

It's great to have a boss who believes in you...not just 100% either, 110%. Decisions that I waiver on, he pushes me and says, "I know you see it in your head, go for it-trust your gut, you know what's right." Wow...what a great mentor. Micromanage? Not even in his vocabulary. He trusts that I always use my time wisely, is never "peeking in" to check up, and that is a great feeling. To all managers out there that love to do the surprise "head pop in the door": what are you trying to do? Bust people on the internet? Make them feel bad for not spending every single waking minute storyboarding or writing scripts? Layoff. Trust them, and they will return the favor with a great product. -and most of all, reassure them. Let them know, when they impressed you---and do it enthusiastically. There is nothing better, than pitching an idea and seeing your bosses eyes light up, as he claps his hand together and says, "oh yeah! rad, I totally get it-yes! and then we could do this, this, and this...too." Having other people jazzed about what you do, builds confidence. So please, managers-learn from my boss.

So, here I go-with my (in my mind) big time budget, creative thinking cap, and chicken scratches for a storyboard. Executive Producing...here I come. Ready or not.