March 2010

Dictionary.com defines an “Aha Moment” as a sudden understanding, recognition, or resolution. Interesting, but they leave out the best part – the emotion. The only way I can describe it is a gentle head rush with a sudden surge through your muscle system. In other words, it will melt your face in a good way. 

So what the hell are these things?  Let’s start with a few general principles about Aha Moments (from our experience):

1. You can’t force it.
If you concentrate on doing it, forget it. I’m betting you’ll come up short. It’s a natural process that will present itself when the time is right. God, I sound like Ann Landers… don’t worry Biff, the right one will come along soon!  Honest!

2. You can’t predict when they will happen.
See the previous Ann Landers comment. However, the thing you need to remember is that it will happen. Unfortunately, it may happen after you’re done shooting the flick, but it will happen. It’s the curse of a filmmaker. If you can, use the idea for your next flick.

3. They may come in clusters.
Sometimes an Aha Moment will set off a chain reaction of other ideas. Consider yourself one lucky muchacho if this occurs.  Do not ponder the legitimacy of the ideas. You can do this later. Just make sure you record all of them. The iron is hot…strike it!

So why the hell did you title this post “Maximizing Aha Moments in Filmmaking?”

Because you can take action. You can’t force the Aha’s, but you can create an environment they dig on.

1. Get outside.
While Mike is working his landscaping gig, I can usually expect a call with an idea for a shot or movie. As he’s digging in the dirt, his brain is digging too. Get outside and into the elements. Go for a walk or observe the activities around you. Your brain will reward you.

2. Go for a drive.
Mike and I tend to call each other with ideas while we’re driving. I don’t think this is a coincidence. The trance of driving distracts you from keeping all the goodies buried in your head.  Let them out babies!  Make sure to keep a recording device in your car. I personally use the IdeaOrganizer app on my iPhone.

3. Listen to music that gives you a buzz.
In the last Vanish Old Time Radio show I talked about listening to music while I write. Depending on your tastes, the right music will dig up some interesting ideas from your subconscious. Pick your poison and go for it. I’m big on ambient/instrumental music like Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel’s “The Last Temptation of Christ” soundtrack. Check it.

4. Listen to binaural beats.
I discovered this phenomenon a few months ago. Wikipedia defines it as auditory processing artifacts, or apparent sounds, the perception of which arises in the brain for specific physical stimuli. For me, that stimuli was a major shipment of ideas – some good, some bad. I listen to binaural beats through my iPhone with the Attractor app. Real or placebo, it does the job for me.

5. Run an errand.
Trista  experienced her idea for the set of Surely You Jest while she was shopping for groceries. She passed by a magazine and the whole layout of the house came together right there. Sounds easy enough but she was waiting for that moment for days. It was worth it.

So there you have it. Let us know where you experience the Aha Moments. Keep it clean kids; this is a family show. Just kidding…let it rip.

Charley says rock this:

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