From Amanda’s Desk

In film school, I spent more time than I care to admit on sets that smelled like questionable science experiments.

One standout? My grad film. A horror short about a killer lawn mower.

The “special effects” team whipped up a wicked brew of fake blood and raw sausages...then left it in a fridge for a week.

The resulting stench could have ended friendships.

We were still filming at 4 a.m.... tired cast, exhausted crew, and the kind of delirium that makes everything simultaneously funny and impossible.

That chaos taught me something simple about leadership: it’s not about the loudest voice or fanciest title; it’s about reading the room, knowing when to push, when to crack a joke, and when to just get the damn scene in the can.

As Kevin Smith says:

“Remember: It costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering. A pat on the back to an artist now could one day result in your favourite film, or the cartoon you love to get stoned watching, or the song that saves your life. Discourage an artist, you get absolutely nothing in return, ever.”

Same goes for your crew, your team, your clients.

Encouragement + direction = magic

Even when the “magic” smells like rotting meat. I will never EVER forget that smell.

So here's what I learned...

🎯 Why Leadership Is a Lot Like Directing a Horror Movie

When everything is sticky, loud, and running on fumes, your job is to protect the story and the people telling it.

Three things that never failed me on set:

1. Cast the person, not just the role. Know your people. Put extroverts where morale matters, quiet pros on the gnarly details, and rotate folks before they burn out.

2. Call the shot. Clarity beats volume. Name the next beat (“Reset. Two more takes. Then break.”), timebox decisions, and keep the goal visible.

3. Keep the vibe clean. Energy is contagious. Celebrate small wins, kill unhelpful side chatter, and fix the environment (food, breaks, airflow) so people can do their best work.

Producers don’t just call the shots...they set the pace, mood, and meaning.

Great leaders do the same.

And hey, if you wanna watch the movie that inspired my story today - you can see it HERE. (https://vimeo.com/260375362)

Keep Off The Grass (short film)

"Never sell your soul for the perfect lawn..." Diploma of Screen and Media (DVP230: 2nd Trimester) short film. Brisbane Campus.

vimeo.com

It is NOT suitable for work or for your kids - lots of blood and gore so watch this one away from your boss and 5 year old.

🎥 VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Why You Need to Stop Talking and Start Listening as a Leader

💡 Mini Takeaway

If you can keep people motivated when the set smells like death, you can keep them motivated anywhere.

Trust me.

Ready to stop reliving the same frustrating workdays?

Join me for Say No to Groundhog Day at Work - we’ll stop repeating mistakes and start building momentum together.

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/events/saynotogroundhogdayatwork-stopr7356930452051410945/

Have an epic week out there and remember to keep dreaming and doing!

Amanda 🦄✨

Amanda Rosazza

Chief Imagination Officer

Imagine8 Consulting

At Imagine8, we help businesses transform through learning experiences that actually stick (and don’t bore everyone to tears). Whether you’re mastering your mission or planning your next adventure, we’re here to turn your business challenges into extraordinary opportunities.

180+ organisations and 3,500+ individuals transformed (and counting!)

📅 Ready to explore what’s possible?

Book a Curiosity Call: calendly.com/amandarosazza/letschat