On a related note (to “the others,” below), the fact that the entire filmmaking process is so unavoidably collaborative means that it also introduces another requirement into the process, especially in the earlier stages. And it is a requirement not for the feint of heart: Patience. Because dealing with Other People means dealing with other lives, other schedules, other biorhythms…other definitions of what “soon” means, or what constitutes a “day” or “week.” And of course,

“A watched pot never boils.”

Right. But this isn’t really true, is it; I mean, it will boil, eventually, right? Certainly, though, it describes the very real experience we’ve all had — that the higher the level of anxiety accompanying the need for a particular response, the longer that response will take to arrive (i.e., “never”).

What to do? How does a DIY/loner avoid badgering people or quietly freaking out? Well, lately I distract myself with other stuff. Real stuff, that actually needs doing. That way, when the response (or whatever) does come, it feels like things are moving right along. The danger is that it is also a trap: Distract yourself with “other stuff” long enough, and pretty soon all you’ve accomplished is other stuff. So — I strive to be patient. To a point.