Life may be like a box of chocolates, but it turns out that Mardi Gras is kind of like a day on set. We’re serving you up some tips on this Fat Tuesday.
1. Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint.
For anyone who has ever experienced the marvelous chaos that is Mardi Gras, you know that it’s a marathon experience, not a sprint. When whole cities are raucous with celebration for days and weeks at a time, you have to remember to pace yourself. There are many hours in a day and many miles to walk to find a prime spot for your choice parade.
Likewise, a day on set can easily go longer than anticipated. The weather sometimes refuses to cooperate. Technical malfunctions abound. Things go wrong.
And, you’ve got to be ready to put in the extra effort to keep your crew’s energy up. Not to mention your own. #BringAProteinBar Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Creativity is valued, but so is hard work
Mardi Gras boasts so many amazing creative traditions, from beadwork to costume design to mask crafting. It takes a Krewe to entertain a ballroom of Carnival attendees. Not to mention the innovation it takes to keep float design fresh each year.
But, as much as creativity is always valued so is the hard work of making it happen. Being part of a krewe means putting in some work long before the day of parade glory. Work on your costume. Grab a ladder. Show up with extra glitter. And, have a little patience untangling those bags of beads.
Being part of a crew means you’re a valuable asset, but not just for your creative eye. When you’re on set, remember that you’re there as a hardworking member of a team executing production. Don’t let your creative genius get in the way of being at the ready with a helping hand.
3. Throw Me Something Mister!
It’s time to put your hands in the air and scream for some beautiful beads! And feather boas! And glow-in-the-dark unmentionables! Besides sporting events, Mardi Gras parades are truly the only time it’s socially acceptable to revert to your childhood energy *nonsense* of bouncing and shouting in the street.
And, when you’re on set, you want to harness that same level of energy and excitement. No one wants to work with a slow-moving, unenthused production assistant. Keep on your toes and be ready to jump at the next instruction from your director.
Happy Mardi Gras!
