There are many versions of this story; all of them make the same point.
It’s New York Yankees spring training in 1995 and their great first baseman Don Mattingly is running outfield sprints alongside rookie shortstop Derek Jeter. The pre-season game had ended earlier and the ballpark was empty. Veteran Mattingly seized on a teachable moment as they finished their conditioning.
“Let’s jog it in,” he said to Jeter. “You never know who’s watching.”
This was hardly a deep or profound statement, but there’s a reason why the anecdote is still making the rounds. Rather than simply going through the motions, Mattingly did something not many people do: He chose the higher road. By every account, this was the way he conducted himself throughout his career, and by every measure, it was one to admire.
So, how does this apply to the cinematographer? Note the simplicity of the gesture. His example strikes a chord within anyone who wishes to exceed themselves, to do their best and be truly great at what they do. If that doesn’t describe every cinematographer I know, I’m severely mistaken. And if that seems anachronistic, it’s a failure of our culture, not Mattingly’s sentiment.
Consider our roles as artists and leaders of the crew. There are endless opportunities during the working day to express a similar level of self-awareness and self-respect. At minimum, we owe that to our employers and collaborators – not so much as artists or technicians, but as fellow human beings.
There’s also a more Machiavellian reason for policing our behavior and always being decent on set. Remember the saying, ‘Today’s PA is tomorrow’s producer?’
You never know who’s watching, indeed.
Bravo!
Brilliant!