I have always loved movies. The whole process of watching a movie thrills me. Of entering the darkened theatre, slouching down in the sometimes comfortable something not so comfortable seat, putting my fee up on the seat in front of me (oh, shoot me), watching the trailers of coming attractions, and then becoming enveloped in the world of a movie. New, old, color, black and white, subtitled, comedy, drama, even dramedy… I am there. Sometimes with my fingers in my ears, somethings having to stiffle my over-loud laughter… I am there. In pursuit of this love, I worked in television, I worked in the theatre, I even went to film school. I wrote bad scripts. I analyzed great and horrible scripts. But still I am on the outside of the film world. Mostly I just love watching movies and taking them apart in my head to see why I was so moved or not moved at all.
Movies can help Presenters
I think I have found a way to make my love of movies helpful to Imagine Production’s audience of presenters, teachers and speakers. Movies are great instructors. They are filled with with ideas for presenting if you know where to find them. The collaborative work behind every movie from cinematographers, designers, actors, musicians, directors, producers, writers, can deliver a compact two hour lesson that will benefit the presenter who almost always works alone, on a fearsome deadline with the prospect of standing up before an audience hanging over his or her head.
I decided to start this journey with a long look at how Alfred Hitchcock handles exposition and arguments for change. In 1954, he directed Rear Window. He was at the height of his powers and had the pick of Hollywood royalty for his cast. Like any director, he put one foot in front of the other and worked his way to a masterful telling of the power of suspence and suspicion. I choose to look at Rear Window to show how to incorporate his ideas in your presentations. I start with his great approach to exposition, how masterfully he handles those pivotal moments at the start of any presentation or movie. In Part 2, coming next week, I explore how he handles his complex arguments for change in Rear Window in hopes this will help you understand how incremental change can lead to understanding and acceptance.
Here is What I Learned at the Movies: Part 1 – How to Create a Great Beginning. Please let me know what you think.
