THE “COOL” FACTOR: WHAT MAKES A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP REALLY WORK?

Written by: Mickey Lee

Real quick—before you dive into the rest of this article, take a moment to flip through your mental rolodex of friends. Now pause and consider—how many of those names are true friends versus mere acquaintances? If I were a betting person, I'd wager that about 60% are connections, 25% are weekend buddies, and only 15% are genuine, once-in-a-lifetime friendships.

Now, think about how those close friendships began. Chances are, they clicked on a fundamental level—personality, humor, values—not because of social standing or wealth.

In the entertainment industry, relationships are the backbone. The 'cool factor'—that intangible connection—is often what determines who gets called back for the next project. When filmmakers assemble a team, they typically choose people they've enjoyed working with before—those with positive temperaments, respect for everyone, and, of course, talent.

Take the tight-knit community at SNL, for example, where loyalty among members feels more like family than just co-workers. SNL DP Alex Buono once responded to online criticism by saying, "Sure, you might be better, but are you really gonna tell my friends that?"

A film set needs to be a well-oiled machine, and talent alone isn't enough to keep it running smoothly. Crew members work long, grueling hours under various conditions. In these situations, a level head, an open mind, and maybe a sense of humor can transform a challenging project into the foundation for long-lasting friendships.

So, while you’re sharpening your skills in editing, DPing, or sound, take a moment to consider whether your 'cool factor' could use some training too. Sometimes, being great to work with is just as important as being great at what you do.