Producers versus Consumers

I read a post the other day discussing the difference between players and fans. As in, are you watching from the stands? Or are you out there on the field?

In the world of creators, I see this as producers versus consumers.

Maybe you love movies and you watch them all the time – that’s the consumer in you. But if you love movies to the point that you feel it’s a calling, then you’re also a producer.

You’re not content with your position on the couch (aka in the stands). You want to be on the other side of the camera or writing the script or designing the set or in some other way involved in the production of the content you so love.

In committing to move, to achieve, to advance toward goals and dreams, we force ourselves up off of that couch and take a step into a scary world.

We do this when we realize that the idea of staying on that couch is more horrific than any monsters we might have to confront along the journey. Staying on the couch becomes more depressing than the prospect of failing. We’re driven and we can’t ignore it.

Consuming content is still important.

If you play ball, you should watch a lot of games.

If you write, you’d better read more than anyone you know.

And if you make movies, you should be watching them.

It’s research and data collection and an enjoyable hobby. We’re all consumers.

But if you want to be a producer as well, then of paramount importance is honoring your drive to have a role in bringing that content to life.