Faster Feedback -> Better Outcomes

The impact of feedback loops like testing in software development can be as profound as it is widely misunderstood. Movie-making had a similar problem up until the 1960s. Crew shoots a take during the day. Director has to wait until the film’s processed so they can watch “the dailies” to check for any mistakes nobody noticed at the time – like an extra using an iPhone in what’s supposed to be 1889 – and to see if the shot actually works dramatically, comedically etc. If they wanted to fix it, back in the day, that could mean rebuilding the set, or transporting everyone – cast, crew, equipment, costumes, props etc – back to the location. Remounting shots is a big deal. In 1960, comic actor and director Jerry Lewis started using “video-assist” while working on The Bellboy. Takes were captured simultaneously on film and on video, so the director can check each shot in “video village” immediately after the take. If a joke’s not working, they can see straight away and adjust for the next…