The Power of a Fast "No"
The Power of a Fast "No": Communication Tips for Young Filmmakers
Written by Anna Rose Duckworth.
One of the hardest things to learn as you break into filmmaking isn't about cameras, lighting, or editing—it's about saying "no" quickly and clearly.
Let's be honest: when someone asks you to work on a project, shoot a quick video, or help with their film, it feels good. You want to be helpful. You don't want to close doors. So what do many of us do? We say "maybe" when we really mean "no," and we drag it out for days or weeks before finally declining.
Here's the truth I wish someone had told me earlier: the second best answer is a fast no. (The best answer, of course, is "yes, I can do it!" when you genuinely can.)
Why Fast "No's" Are Better Than Slow "Maybes".
When you quickly tell someone you can't take on their project, you're doing them a favor. They can immediately move on to finding someone else who can help. Every day you spend in "maybe" limbo is a day they could have been making progress with someone else.
I've been on both sides of this. I've had people string me along for weeks before finally telling me they couldn't score my short film. And I've been guilty of taking forever to decline projects because I didn't want to disappoint anyone.
How to Say No Effectively.
You don't need to write a novel explaining why you can't do something. Keep it simple:
"Thanks for thinking of me for this! Unfortunately, I don't have the bandwidth to give this project the attention it deserves right now. I hope you find the right person for it."
That's it. No elaborate excuses needed.
The Professional Reputation You'll Build.
People remember reliable communicators. The film industry runs on tight deadlines and interconnected teams. Being known as someone who communicates clearly and promptly—even when delivering unwelcome news—will set you apart from your peers.
Think about it: would you rather work with someone who might ghost you, or someone who tells you straight up whether they can help?
Your time and creative energy are your most valuable resources as a filmmaker. Learning to protect them with clear boundaries while respecting others' time isn't just good manners—it's good business.
So next time you know in your gut that you need to decline a project, don't delay. Send that fast "no" and let everyone move forward. Your future collaborators will thank you for it.
About Anna:
Anna Rose Duckworth is an award-winning queer filmmaker from Auckland, New Zealand, creating raw depictions of relatable feminine experiences through a distinctly Kiwi lens. Her NZFC-funded short PAIN screened at over 30 international festivals including Busan and Stockholm, while her comedy webseries PSUSY won Best Episodic Jury Prize at LA Film Festival.
With a decade of industry experience across NYC and Auckland, Anna's work explores taboo themes through flawed female protagonists. In 2024, she was promoted to Creative Director of Day One, a not-for-profit supporting emerging filmmakers, where she mentors new talent and amplifies young voices on screen.
Recent achievements include an NZWG Seed Grant and NZFC EDF Grant for her feature PUT A BABY IN ME about queer motherhood, and the People's Choice Award for her romcom short JUST KIDDING I ACTUALLY LOVE YOU at Show Me Shorts Film Festival 2023.
Anna leads with collaboration over hierarchy, creating films that evoke empathy and understanding while finding humour in life's complexities and championing collective creative progress.