On the Fly

Embracing Spontaneity

Filmmaking is an endeavor built on meticulous planning, from detailed storyboards to precise shooting schedules. To do something ‘on the fly’ is to deviate from that plan, to improvise a solution or pursue a new idea that arises spontaneously during the heat of production. It is the act of making an immediate, in-the-moment decision based on instinct, opportunity, or necessity. While a well-run set depends on its plan, the most memorable and electric moments in a film are often the result of this kind of spontaneous creativity.

Improvisation Across Departments

The need to think ‘on the fly’ touches every department on a film set:

• Directors: A director might see an unexpected interaction between actors during a rehearsal and decide to incorporate it into the scene. They might be struck by a sudden inspiration for a new shot and ask the Director of Photography if they can achieve it ‘on the fly.’
• Actors: Actors may improvise a line of dialogue or a physical action that is more authentic or powerful than what was scripted. A great director will recognize the value of this and encourage it.
• Camera Operators: In a documentary or a handheld, verité-style film, the camera operator is constantly making compositional choices ‘on the fly,’ reacting to the unpredictable flow of action in front of them.
• Grips and Electrics: When the weather changes unexpectedly during an exterior shoot, the lighting and rigging crews must make adjustments to their setup ‘on the fly’ to maintain a consistent look.

The Balance Between Plan and Chaos

Working ‘on the fly’ is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. It can disrupt the carefully planned schedule, create continuity issues, and put immense pressure on the crew to adapt instantly. However, it is also the source of ‘happy accidents’ and moments of authentic, unscripted magic that could never have been conceived in a writer’s room or a pre-production meeting. A skilled filmmaker knows how to foster an environment where a solid plan provides the foundation, but there is still enough flexibility to capture the lightning in a bottle that comes from thinking ‘on the fly.’