My wife and I developed a theory about movies back when we were dating, and it has held true over the years that we have been together. Many, many movies have what we call a "getting better" scene. If you are not familiar with a "getting better" scene in a movie, this is how it works:
- A person, couple, or team of people is faced with a challenge (or a new relationship is forming)
- An upbeat, lively song begins to play
- A montage of rapid-fire happy (or hard-working) scenes are shown during the song
- The scene resolves with the project completed or improvement done or relationship stronger
This is a device that has been around for a long time. At one point, we thought that it started in the 80's with some of John Cusack's early work, but I know that the original "Rocky" movie included multiple getting better scenes. We also have seen early evidence of this in older movies, but I honestly can't remember which ones and I guess I am too lazy to research it right now. The point is still a valid one.
One of the funniest spoofs that I have seen for this type of scene appears in "Naked Gun": Montage Scene
These scenes are typically used to move the story along a bit faster, to get us from Point A to Point B without dragging things out unduly. I remember another scene from "The Breakfast Club" where they used a getting better scene to bond the characters together a bit more, and it only took a minute and a half: Classic Scene
80's movies are simply filled with these scenes - "Flashdance", "Can't Buy Me Love", "Dirty Dancing", "Top Gun", "Splash", "Wall Street", "Big", pretty much any movie that was mainstream. They didn't stop using these in the 80's, but I can more readily access these in my memory banks. At any rate, you get the picture (no pun intended).
So, back to my original title and idea for this post (which my wife assisted with). Wouldn't it be great if we could use the "getting better" scene with our clients? Imagine this:
You receive a phone call about a listing. After speaking with the potential buyer for about 25 seconds, a song begins to play (this song would do nicely perhaps). Cut away to a lender meeting with the client, then a brisk series of shots at various homes, with you laughing and having a great time with your clients, perhaps a quick lunch with them, then 10 seconds of writing the contract, and 10 seconds of light-hearted negotiations. A few seconds of inspection footage, then it's you and the buyer enjoying each other's company at the closing table. THAT's how real estate should be done, right?
If you work with sellers primarily, then it would be you getting the same initial phone call, but the montage scene would primarily involve getting the property ready to show. Painting, cleaning, supervising, all in a minute or two, then happily closing, with the sellers receiving a briefcase of actual cash. Why not?
As we all know, real estate is not easy most of the time, but it can be fun. Inject some humor into your day and have fun with your clients. They will thank you and they will send you more business. I promise!
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I, for one, hope you did use her picture for that very reason! I love gratuitous you know what! My girlfriends and I were doing a Flashdance re-enactment last Friday night. I'm waiting for the pictures. It was the welding scene tho ;-)
You know me, I sneak humor in at every opportunity. And it does work well with my clients - most of the time. I'm going to keep that 'getting better' scene in my mind with all of my client interactions this week. I'll report back on how that goes :! Awesome post, as always!!!
There must be several formulas for movies...for almost any fiction it boils down to this sequence:
1 Stranger comes to town
2) Series of ordeals involving stranger and town
3) Stranger or town are changed in the process
I will also keep this "getting better" idea in mind. I appreciate the post.
JAMES - Good point. Most movies are relatively formulaic. If not, then they are now considered "groundbreaking" and fresh. Thanks for reading and commenting on this post. Have a great Monday!
JENNIFER - No, YOU ARE!
Ooohhh, Jason, may EYE get in on this? Here's how the staging version goes:
Client is painfully aware their home needs merchandising help; cleverly calls stager, begging for an appointment.
Stager arrives, photographs, pauses for theatrical and artistic consideration, gives bid.
Client signs handwritten contract immediately, insisting on giving the full amount rather than just the deposit.
Client completes all pre-staging work, takes self, spouse, pets, and dirt on vacation for two days, leaving stager a key and a buffet of healthy snacks and mineral water.
Stager works magic; client returns exactly on time to swoon with amazement and gratitude. Gives stager gift certificate for a spa day, including deep-tissue massage and chocolate wrap.
Real estate agent is so blown away, buys the house, closes within 10 days with no contingencies, no home inspection and cash sale.
The end. I'm thinking Yanni or Enya for the soundtrack.
Cheers! from DC...
Jaynee
Hey, Jason ... ahem ... isn't one of the purposes of your BLOG that it serves the "Getting Better" function??
(And pics to increase readership are encouraged and applauded!!) <Clap clap clap!>
Thanks for the flashbacks, Jason. ELO and the Breakfast Club in one post? Genius, I say!! If you open JHR, call me and I'll help with the soundtrack - I have a head full of useless music trivia, but can't remember what I ate yesterday (smile)
BTW, that dance that Molly Ringwald was doing is back...would you believe that all of the girls (and some of the boys) at my daughter's sweet 16 were doing the exact same move to a ska band? Amazing..
I've had some 'getting better' scenes on some loans I have done. LOL
I will loose at this game, i do not see many movies and I forget the punch lines, now I know how you remember them by this game.
Jason,
You always have to up one on every one of your blogs. I have to admit when I started playing that song and reading your blog, it made me smile so big. How awesome.
I am not sure about the actual stat. but I heard people who inject humor into their lives actually live a lot longer. Any stat. guys out there to share, so it does not sound like I am talking out of my you know what.
Anyhow great post.
Jason:
Great post. I need a getting money scene in my movie. Ha. Hope your week is going well.
Forget the movies....can't we just go back to the '80's and be kids again??!!!!!
Great thoughts Jason.......I swear your mind is on overdrive....I can't seem to keep up with all the random thoughts that tie together so well!!!
KATERINA - May I suggest this song for your bad CMAs? It always cheers me up, and I bet it will work wonders for you:
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
It actually reminds me of my honeymoon in St. Lucia.
ANDREW - I am glad that you found it thought-provoking. I try! Have a great week!
JOAN - I agree with you - that is when the action picks up speed! Thanks for understanding and commenting on this post.
LISA - I am sure that you do remember it. Thanks for your comment, especially since you were tired.
BILL - You have become a fan of my work, and that makes me happy. I also feel like my mind is on overdrive sometimes. Other times, it needs a kick start. Have a great week, man.
jason
Nice blog, isn't this what real estate is really about in a longer time frame? we all create lasting relationships and while being professional when it counts it's nice to be able to let your hair down.
Hey Jason:
My brother is in town until Thursday but I am open Friday if you have time for lunch. If not we could do something early next week.
Funny post, you big old featured machine, you! One of my favorite South Park moments is a montage about Stan learning how to ski for a big upcoming duel competition. Hilarious parody. The words to the "getting better" song go something like, "Show lots of things happening at once to remind people what's going on. With every shot show a little improvement, to show it all would take too long. That's called a montage!" and "Always fade out in a montage. If you fade out it seem like more time has passed in a montage." Classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_QV_8U6fU
Jason,
From my distorted view, I immediately got the scene from The Postman, with Kevin Costner. You know the one? He's pretty much going through the areas, telling everyone "Stuff's getting better!", when in reality he has no idea that it is. In the end, he essentially propelled himself into being the catalyst for a better change.
OK, slightly off where you were coming from. I just had to chime in.
SARDI - I knew you would be able to relate to this post. Yes, my wife is actually one of the most intelligent people I know. Hey, she married me - she must have some serious brain power! Thanks for the compliments.