A recent article in the
New York Times suggests that touch…even the slightest physical contact…can quickly and effectively communicate positive emotions.
We’re not talking about invasive and inappropriate touching here…fist bumps, a pat on the back…the simplest physical connection appears to have a lasting emotional affect. Research shows that “a sympathetic touch from a doctor leaves people with the impression that the visit lasted twice as long, compared with estimates from people who were untouched.” And in sports, an upcoming report in the journal, Emotion, reveals that “with a few exceptions, good teams tended to be touchier than bad ones.” The Boston Celtics and LA Lakers were rated the most “touch bonded” teams.
So lets start a trend in production. Enough people in this business have famously tried and failed at negative reinforcement. On your next shoot, instead of that mysterious vacant stare, or moody eye roll, try something different. Let your guard down…and prep with Purell…and let that DP, grip, Gaffer, makeup artist, PA, client, etc. know that they’ve done a good job.
High five.
Dan Fox