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So, I just started working with someone who is extremely talented and gets many opportunities (numerous Super Bowl spots and great projects with awesome travel). Before hand I heard so much talk about how they are impossible to work with and have a bad attitude. I asked for specific examples and mostly no one had one, just “what they heard” or “questions strategy.” Decided that those weren’t valid reasons and I wanted to see for myself. Now that I’ve heard some of these “questions” IRL I think they are brilliant and this AD pushes back on exactly the right stuff. People become very biased based on things they’ve heard and then these reputations are unfortunately very hard to shake.
I suggest, if you can, doing a trial run on a project. There’s nothing wrong with seeing how you jive - esp if you can make that clear to a CD or resource manager.
TLDR- try to come to your own conclusions about people, they may just surprise you.
Stressful situations crop up so often in this industry I can’t help but feel that someone who crumbles like that under it would be unbearable to work with. I’ve encountered people like this and the thing is, their attitude spreads to who they’re working with, or reflects poorly on them as a team. I would sooner partner up with someone “less talented” who is mature enough to handle being under the pressure that this career creates. Easier to be around on a daily basis and they leave the impression that they’re capable/not easily overwhelmed.
How good are you with people
No
No. I’ve had a ragey partner and it made my life hell. Just make sure you trust the source.
I've worked with plenty of people who had a bad rep and found them to be fine. Sometimes it's the person who's giving you that advice who's the problem.
I’ve done this and your work will suffer, unless you can really get to them. Talk to your manager about doing it on a project basis maybe?
Learning how to work successfully with “difficult people” is probably the best skill you can have. Don’t let other people’s attitudes determine what you can and can’t work on
You get to know someone’s real personality when you work with them in stressful situations. If they are mean under stress they are mean. Anyone can pretend to be nice when things are going their way.
Worth it how? Are you in a position to decide on whether to have them as your partner or is someone above the decision-maker?
I’ve worked with a CD like that. Not worth it.
Depends if you’re the sensitive type or not
CW3, good call, never hurts to give someone with a reputation a shot. “Questions strategy” should be baseline for a creative.
We are in this business to do great work. I have and would put up with almost anything to help build my reel.
Weak creatives and weak strategists complain about the strong.
Idk I’d probably consider it
I’ve never worked with a creative who loses their temper under pressure and is also good at their job. Grace under pressure is a sign of confidence, the opposite is a sign of insecurity
I'd do it. Maybe they just don't mesh well with people that "just get by". You can always hone the relationship - Rome wasn't built in one day. Doing the trial run is always good too.
H-E-double-hockey-sticks NO
Kindness and respect can coexist with creative tension. Are they a genuine asshole or do they just lack the wisdom to carry their talent?
No
There’s a reason why they’re mean when stressed. Could be they’re not getting the support and guidance they need. I’d work with them. Someone else’s experience doesn’t have to be my own.