This is the Golden Rule of Collaboration

Most people in the film industry who have heard of Maui-born film director Destin Yori Daniel Cretton want to find a way to work with him. Most who’ve worked with Cretton want to work with him again. Why? It’s of course because of his immense talent and craft at filmmaking.

It’s also because of how he treats people.

Destin Daniel Cretton (Middle front) and the Marvel casting team at an event for Shang-Chi.

In August of 2021, Cretton was preparing for the release of his latest film, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Cretton is not a prolific social media user, but this was a Marvel movie, and the MU promotion machine is part of the gig. So Cretton did his part to promote the film on his Instagram account.

What would you do in this situation? Would you make yourself look good by posting hip, artistic pictures of yourself with famous actors Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Ben Kingsley, or Michelle Yeoh? Talk about the ultimate opportunity to make yourself look good and hustle for new jobs, right?

Well, you will see those great actors on his feed, but you will also see many of the over 3000 crew members who worked on Shang-Chi.

“In the lead up to our release,” Cretton wrote, “I’ll be sharing some of their names and faces (often covered by masks due to Covid) so you get a taste of how many fingers a reel of film passes through before you see it on the big screen.”

In the following weeks he introduced people like Rick Findlater (hair and make-up design), the VFX team members, the films editors (Nat Sanders, Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir, Harry Yoon). He posted pictures of the dozens of stand-ins and background actors. Of Deb, the 2nd Assistant Director. Of Jasin, the onset photographer. Of Joy Cretton, his sister, who has done costume design on every film he's ever created—since the time they were 8- and 10-year-olds. And these were not just photos. Each one had a thoughtful tribute written by Cretton, expressing the impact these team members made on the film.

Cretton's post thanking his costuming team, which is led by his sister, Joy Cretton (in the red mask).

Film and TV composer ​Ron Jones​ once told me that if he could add a class to the college education of musicians who want to go into the industry, it would be Friendship 101. There’s a masterclass in friendship waiting for you in the career of Destin Daniel Cretton.

Who in your life can you boost, admire, and respect—in public?

Cretton's example is a reminder for all of us of that timeless advice, to treat people as you would like to be treated. It’s how we fight ​creative loneliness​ and tell great stories, make great art.

If you had the opportunity to work with an immensely talented jerk, or an amazing human who’s immensely talented, which would you choose?

Be the collaborator you’d want to work with.