Friday 28 September 2018

The Fifteen Minute Rule

What is the The Fifteen Minute Rule? It's a rule I learned while working at Sony Pictures Animation, on Open Season. It's a simple rule, and way of keeping production moving ahead.

The rule is this: if you get stuck on a problem, spend 15 minutes trying to figure out the solution. Google it, Read The Manual, check out online forums - whatever works.

But, if you still can't figure it out after 15 minutes, ask for help. Someone next to you might be able to solve the problem quickly and simply, so you don't want to spend a lot of time trying to fix a problem that has already been solved.

Take 15 minutes to solve the problem
Getting help
Part of the problem is that when you start off as a junior at a studio, you may feel shy to ask for help. You may feel like you are constantly bothering your colleagues, and don't want to bother them yet again. That's where the 15 minute rule comes in.  15 minutes is a good length of time to try to solve a problem. If you can't figure out, you probably do need help.

Who should you ask?
Mostly, your first port of call is the veteran at the desk next to you. Or, maybe even another newbie who perhaps has better tech skills. You're all in the same boat so you can always ask another animator to help out.

If you need technical help, ask for it.

Remember the 15 Minute Rule: if you can’t solve something after 15 minutes, ask for assistance.

There is no shame in asking for help.

----Alex

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