“Bike Shedding” and “Yak Shaving” - How filmmakers can avoid these two oddly-named but dangerous pitfalls

As we dive into the wild adventure of turning our creative dreams into reality, there are two hurdles along the way that almost everyone runs into: Meet Bike Shedding and Yak Shaving, the dynamic duo that might just trip you up on your filmmaking journey.

These terms, originating from the world of software programming, are equally relevant in other creative endeavours, offering valuable insights into the pitfalls that can derail even the most passionate filmmakers. In this blog post, we'll explore what Bike Shedding and Yak Shaving mean, and how indie filmmakers can steer clear of these distractions to stay focused on their cinematic dreams.

Bike Shedding: The Art of Overthinking the Trivial

Bike shedding, also known as Parkinson's Law of Triviality, refers to the tendency to give disproportionate attention to minor details while neglecting more significant issues. The term originates from a hypothetical scenario where a committee gathers to discuss the construction of a nuclear power plant. Instead of delving into the complexities of nuclear technology, the committee ends up spending an inordinate amount of time debating the color of the bike shed for the plant's workers.

For indie filmmakers, bike shedding can manifest in various ways. It might involve endless discussions about the font style in opening credits or heated debates over the exact shade of a character's wardrobe. While these elements can contribute to the overall aesthetic, they shouldn't consume an exorbitant amount of time and energy at the expense of critical aspects like storytelling, character development, and cinematography.

To avoid falling into the bike shedding trap, indie filmmakers should establish clear priorities and allocate time accordingly. Create a hierarchy of tasks, focusing on the aspects that have the most significant impact on the narrative and visual appeal of the film. By recognizing the importance of each element in the filmmaking process, you can prevent trivial details from overshadowing the core of your project.

Yak Shaving: The Perils of Endless Detours

Yak shaving, on the other hand, describes the process of getting caught up in a series of seemingly necessary but ultimately distracting tasks that take you further and further away from your original goal. The term originates from a scenario where a person sets out to shave a yak, a task that leads to a series of prerequisite tasks, each more complex than the last, such as sharpening the razor, finding the perfect shaving cream, and so on, until the original goal is all but forgotten.

For indie filmmakers, yak shaving can manifest in a myriad of ways. It might start with a desire to upgrade your camera equipment, leading to extensive research, comparisons, and ultimately, a never-ending loop of technicalities that take you away from the actual act of filmmaking. While equipment and technology are crucial, they should serve the creative process, not hinder it.

To avoid yak shaving, indie filmmakers should set clear boundaries and stay focused on the primary goal: telling a compelling story through film. Identify essential tasks and resist the temptation to get sidetracked by non-essential details. While it's essential to stay updated on industry trends and technology, it's equally crucial not to let these pursuits overshadow the core of your creative work.

Strategies for Indie Filmmakers to Avoid Bike Shedding and Yak Shaving

1. Define Your Vision Early:

Before diving into the intricate details of your film, establish a clear vision for the project. Define the core message, themes, and overall aesthetic. This will serve as a guiding light, helping you prioritize tasks that align with your vision.

2. Create a Task Hierarchy

Develop a hierarchy of tasks, categorizing them based on their impact on the overall project. Focus on the high-impact elements first, ensuring that your energy is directed toward aspects that significantly contribute to the film's success. Check out our Ultimate Production Checklist for help with this.

3. Set Time Limits

Allocate specific time limits to tasks, especially those prone to bike shedding. While attention to detail is crucial, imposing constraints can prevent you from getting lost in trivialities. Use your time wisely, reserving the bulk of it for the aspects that truly matter.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Perfectionism often fuels both bike shedding and yak shaving. Understand that perfection is elusive, and there will always be room for improvement. Embrace imperfection as a natural part of the creative process, allowing yourself to move forward without getting bogged down by endless details.

5. Stay True to the Story

Whenever you find yourself veering off course with yak shaving tendencies, reconnect with the heart of your story. Remember why you embarked on this filmmaking journey in the first place. This reconnection can serve as a powerful reminder, steering you away from unnecessary detours.

In conclusion, bike shedding and yak shaving are challenges that indie filmmakers must navigate to ensure the successful realization of their creative visions. By understanding these concepts and implementing strategies to overcome them, filmmakers can maintain focus on what truly matters — the art of storytelling through the powerful medium of film.