Let’s Retire the Phrase “But that’s not how it’s done” from Film Production

November 19, 2025

Rethinking Old Habits in a Changing Screen Industry

Why “That’s Not How It’s Done” No Longer Serves Modern Filmmaking

There’s a deceptively small phrase that shapes an enormous amount of behaviour on film sets: “But that’s not how it’s done.”

It slips into meetings, shoots, emails, schedules — a quiet gatekeeper for the old ways of doing things. And honestly, it’s time we let it go.

Because filmmaking shouldn’t be a rinse-and-repeat exercise

Somewhere along the way, our industry fell into a pattern of repeating the same workflows, the same structures, the same hours — simply because they’re familiar. But what if that habit is costing us?

What if we’re missing out on new, more efficient, more humane ways of making films purely because we’re clinging to what we already know? What if tradition has turned into autopilot?

A methodology that never gets questioned is a methodology that never improves.

Tradition isn’t the issue — rigidity is

Experience is valuable. Wisdom is essential. But when “that’s not how it’s done” becomes the default response, it stops being guidance. It becomes a wall.

It shuts down innovation. It discourages curiosity. It silences crew who see opportunities for improvement. And it ties us to outdated methods designed for a different era of filmmaking.

Film is a living industry. It should evolve with the people who make it.

Fresh thinking often comes from those who haven’t been told “no” yet

The next generation of crew, cross-discipline creatives, and people with hybrid digital skill sets are already spotting gaps we’ve normalised:

– Faster, cleaner ways to prep and wrap

– Kinder, safer scheduling

– Better tech integration across departments

– Sustainable practices that actually reduce costs

– New pathways for collaboration

– More flexible workflows that support wellbeing

But if the response they meet is “that’s not how we do it,” the idea dies before it has a chance.

And we can’t afford that — especially with AI reshaping the landscape

AI isn’t a distant threat; it’s here, active, accelerating. And while it cannot replace true human artistry, it can replace the roles and processes we refuse to update.

The danger isn’t AI itself — it’s stagnation.

If we cling to old workflows out of habit, we make our industry more vulnerable. If we modernise with intention, ethics and creativity, we make it stronger.

The best safeguard for our talented crew is an industry that’s adaptable, curious, and willing to rethink. Not one that shuts the door on new ideas before they’re even voiced.

Language shapes culture — culture shapes the future

Removing a small phrase may seem trivial, but it’s symbolic. It signals a shift from defensiveness to openness.

Imagine replacing “that’s not how it’s done” with:

“Tell me more.” “How can we make that work safely?” “Could this save time or budget?” “Is this better for the team?”

That’s how healthier sets are built. That’s how better films are made. That’s how we future-proof an industry we love.

The future of film belongs to those willing to rethink

We’re standing in a moment of enormous change — technological, cultural, financial. The old playbook simply can’t carry us through what’s coming next.

But a more adaptive mindset can.

If we let go of “but that’s not how it’s done,” we open the door to kinder, smarter, more innovative filmmaking — and we protect the craft, the crew, and the culture that make this industry extraordinary.

For more information:

Please Contact Us