Lesson from Third Day: Stop Apologizing
Third Day has a brand-new studio project called Revelation. They have some big names in the world of music joining them: vocalist Chris Daughtry (American Idol), guitarist Robert Randolph (& the Family Band - steel guitarist), producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Daughtry), Chris Lord-Alge (Bruce Springsteen, James Brown) and Brendan O’Brien mixing (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Train).
We can prevent our own progression.
Bassist Tai Anderson said, “…we got everything we could have wanted. We’ve learned that the limitations that people feel for Christian music are self-imposed. We can prevent our own progression.”
He goes on to say that they learned they have to stop apologizing for who they are and what they do. There might be people who decide they don’t want to be in a project that Christians are doing. Sure. But don’t make that assumption before even asking them. He goes on to say, “We don’t mind if someone tells us ‘no,’ but we do mind not going for something and assuming it’s a ‘no.’”
So what are we holding back on because we’re assuming ‘no’ before even asking? Do you want a “real” actor in your films, rather than some kid in your youth group who’s available on the days you need to shoot? Ask them. Don’t think your budget is big enough? You never know if you don’t ask.
If you’re apologizing for your work, something’s wrong.
When I research actors and producers on the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com), I’m always surprised by the range of budgets represented. Abigail Breslin (The Ultimate Gift, Nim’s Island) had her first role in Mel Gibson’s Signs, an $80 million movie. Two years later, she did a film called Keane, with an $850,000 budget. Since that time, she’s had roles in films with budgets ranging from less than a million to $37 million.
If we find ourselves apologizing for our work, either we don’t believe in it, or it’s less than our best. Want the best actor for your next project? Go find them and ask them. What’s the worst that can happen? They say “no,” and you go find the next best person. It’s not the end of the world.
