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Film Quote by Nina Jacobson

“As a studio executive, I took the approach that people are competent until proven otherwise. But when you make a movie, because there is so little time to fix things when they break, you have to almost come to it with the mindset that everyone is incompetent until proven otherwise.” quote by Nina Jacobson
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“As a studio executive, I took the approach that people are competent until proven otherwise. But when you make a movie, because there is so little time to fix things when they break, you have to almost come to it with the mindset that everyone is incompetent until proven otherwise.”

Nina Jacobson

About This Quote

In fast‑paced film production, assume incompetence until proven otherwise to mitigate risk and maintain quality.

In simple terms: Assume low competence to enforce high standards.

Key Takeaway

Set high expectations and verify competence.

Themes

leadership film production risk management

Mood

pragmatic stern

Type

advice professional

When to use this quote

  • movie sets
  • tight deadlines
  • production meetings

Key Concepts

competence assumption quality control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance vigilance and trust?
  • What checks ensure competence without micromanagement?
A Different Perspective

This mindset can demoralize teams; balance with trust is needed.

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