Mistakes in the Making - Natalie Ruffino Wilson - Trusting Your Instincts, Setting Boundaries, and Protecting Your Work

Hello, Hello!

In this edition of Mistakes In the Making, filmmaker Natalie Ruffino Wilson shares her experience navigating the challenges of a volunteer film project that went awry. Joined by her husband and filmmaking partner, Kyler Wilson, Natalie recounts the lessons she learned about the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and protecting one's creative vision, even in the face of unexpected obstacles.

The conversation delves into Natalie's initial excitement about being invited to direct the volunteer project, where filmmakers were paired with artists, and her subsequent decision to co-direct with a close friend, despite her gut instinct that it was a bad idea. As the project progressed, Natalie found herself doing the majority of the work, only to face a negative response from the artist, who felt that Natalie had taken their work and done something with it without proper acknowledgment.

Natalie and Kyler discuss the importance of having contracts in place, even for volunteer projects, to ensure that everyone's roles and expectations are clearly defined. They also share how this experience taught Natalie to focus her energy on people and projects that align with her values and goals, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect her time and creative vision.

Key takeaways from this Mistake In the Making:

- The importance of trusting your instincts and asking questions or saying no if something feels off from the start.

- The value of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and values.

- The necessity of having clear contracts and communication to protect your work and expectations, even in volunteer projects.

- The lessons learned about setting boundaries, protecting your time, and being explicit about expectations.

Products, software, websites, people or places mentioned:

Kyler Wilson - Filmmaker and co-founder of Outsider Means

Natalie Rufino Wilson - Filmmaker and co-founder of Outsider Means

Outside Our Means - Kyler and Natalie's production company

Kyler and Natalie's short films

Best Laid Plans - Kyler and Natalie's feature film made during COVID-19

[e-mail] - Natalie's email for filmmaking questions

[e-mail] - Kyler's email for filmmaking questions

Check out our full conversation with Kyler and Natalie Ruffino Wilson Here

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