Lessons from The Beatles Movie, Get Back

Image: Movie still from "Get Back", copyright 2021. Apple Coprs Ltd, WingNut Films.  All rights reserved

In November over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, The Beatles: Get Back, a 2021 documentary series directed and produced by Peter Jackson was released as a streaming 3 part film presented by Walt Disney Studios in association with Apple Corps and WingNut Films.  Additional producers include the two surviving members of the band, Paul McCartney and Ring Starr as well as the widows of those who passed, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison.  It covers the making the The Beatles album Let It Be in January 1969 (released in 1970) and draws from material originally recorded for Michale Lindsay-Hogg's 1970 doculmentary of the album, alson titled Let It Be.  The film consists of three episodes documenting the band's time in the studio, their interactions with each other and discussions regarding songs and their infamous live performance on the roof of Apple Studios Headquarters in London, England.  

As a life-long Beatles fan, I totally enjoyed this film.  It is a rare glimpse into the creative journey by one of the World's most renown Classic Rock bands in history.  Outside some of the humorous and entertaining portions of the film, I learned a few lessons about creativity that I felt was important to share, especially when collaborating with others as well as an individual.   They are as follows:

• Show Up:  Nothing happens if iyou are not committed to showing up and contributing your part to the project.  
• Discipline is Important:  If you are not committed to your craft, it can not only affect your productivity but the productivity for all involved.  Being professional and ready to begin no matter what is what makes the magic happen.
• Exercise Boundaries When Necessary:  If a creative collaboration violates your boundaries, say so.  Stay true to your talents and contributions and if people do not respect them, let them know and the circumstances that may need to be changed to ensure everyone's voice is heard.
• Stay Flexible:  Timelines and circumstances may change while working on a creative project.  Instead of stressing about it, consider what changes may need to be made or negoitated to keep the project on track.  
• Be Open to Other Collaborators:  Sometimes the contributions of someone outside the group or you can make all the difference in the world to what you are creating.  Also be open to others in your group in allowing their contributions to be included and shine as well.
• Deal with Conflict with Compassion:  Understand what makes a contributor click and use compassion to deal with conflict.  Be open to honest dialogue, preferably in person and making changes that work for everyone. 
• Have a Sense of Humor:  Things can get too serious, which can negatively affect the creative process.  Being light and open to humor can help break stagnant energy or boost morale when the air feels heavy.

Did you watch this film and if so, what lessons were you able to glean from it regarding your creative projects?  Are there other films that you watched recently that have been helpful to your creative process?