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How to get people to do what you want | Barry Sonnenfeld

TED Talks Daily

2025/07/23
TED Talks Daily

TED Talks Daily

2025/07/23

Shownote

As a film and television director, Barry Sonnenfeld had millions of dollars riding on his ability to get his cast and crew to play along — and much of what he learned along the way applies to everyday life. Here, he shares nine bits of wisdom and whimsy gl...

Highlights

Barry Sonnenfeld, a seasoned film director with a career spanning four decades, offers a unique perspective on navigating high-pressure creative environments. Drawing from his experiences in Hollywood, he shares unconventional yet practical insights on leadership, decision-making, and managing interpersonal dynamics on set. These lessons, while rooted in filmmaking, extend far beyond the industry and offer valuable takeaways for everyday situations.
01:45
There's no upside to optimism; I embrace pessimism when flying
03:38
Being late can lead to potentially tragic consequences
10:05
Rob Reiner made the final decision on the scene setup
10:52
Empower others to get the results you want.
14:12
Directors should let others make decisions to avoid paralysis

Chapters

How a director’s long career shaped a unique philosophy for success
00:00
Why pessimism, secrecy, and punctuality matter more than you think
03:38
From humble beginnings to key moments behind the camera
07:18
How to lead, persuade, and make the right call under pressure
10:52
Cutting scenes, ordering steak, and staying in control of the big picture
14:12

Transcript

Elise Hu: You're listening to TED Talks Daily, where we bring you new ideas to spark your curiosity every day. Elise Hume: I'm your host, Elise Hume. Elise Hu: When you've been making films for as long as director, producer, and author Barry Sonnenfeld h...