At Big Slate Media, “stretching” isn’t about touching our toes (though maybe we should do more of that, too). In our world, stretching happens after every video shoot, and it’s a key part of what makes our production team culture different.
Instead of wrapping a production, packing up gear, and peacing out, we carve out intentional time to debrief together. We believe that every shoot matters, and there’s always something to learn from it. Here’s a look at what stretching means to us and why it’s a crucial part of our post-production process.
The Stretch Breakdown:
Stretching happens once we’re back in the office (or sometimes in the parking lot of the set). Here’s how it goes:
1. Litty
First, everyone shares their “Litty,” aka their favorite part of the day or shoot. Maybe it’s nailing a tough shot, surviving a chaotic setup, or just a great moment with the client. It’s about celebrating the wins, big or small.
2. CC (Constructive Criticism)
Next, we offer constructive criticism kindly and honestly. If something could’ve gone better, this is where we talk about it. It’s never about calling someone out. It’s about team communication and skill-building. We want to grow, not gloss over the tough stuff.
3. TIL (Today I Learned)
Everyone shares a “Today I Learned” moment, whether it’s a new lighting trick, a faster setup method, or just learning where NOT to park the grip truck. The goal is to stay curious and sharpen our skills because video production constantly evolves.
4. Kudos
Finally, we wrap with a round of kudos. Everyone shouts out a teammate who crushed it that day and why. And yeah, the “one kudos per person” rule often gets tossed out the window. When your crew pours their heart into every project, it’s hard to choose just one.
Why Stretching Matters
Stretching isn’t just a feel-good ritual. It’s a production team debrief that strengthens everything we do:
- It builds trust and transparency.
- It reinforces creative team communication.
- It helps us refine our production workflow after every project.
- It reminds us that growth doesn’t happen by accident; it happens on purpose.
Plus, it’s good for our team culture. It’s easy to say you have a “good team vibe,” but it’s another thing to actually invest in it. Stretching helps us stay connected, accountable, and energized for whatever crazy project comes next.
We’re Not Here to Film and Bounce
Every set matters to us. Every project matters. And every opportunity to get better matters. We don’t just film, clock out, and call it a day. We reflect, we learn, we appreciate, and then we stretch toward whatever’s next!