Star Wars, Episode One: The Phantom Menace is back in theaters, this time in a new 3-D version.  I'm not a fan of these "conversions" of regular films, as they often just make my eyes hurt.  I feel that great movies are engaging enough without the gimmicks.

Along with the release was a very interesting article in Entertainment Weekly about the actor who played Jar-Jar Binks.  One of the most maligned characters ever, Jar-Jar was apparently a favorite on the set, and all the cast thought he would be a huge hit with audiences.  Of course, they couldn't have been more wrong.

The lesson for us "creative types" is clear.  You can't always hit the home run.  Even in the wildly popular and lucrative Star Wars universe, things don't always pan out as expected.  So if George Lucas can occasionally miss…and still end up okay, we should take heart and have courage.

As you are planning your show and making creative decisions, be bold and take some chances.  If you want to create something "extraordinary" then you must, by definition, do something that is NOT ORDINARY.  You may end up with a Jar-Jar moment, but you also might end up with a Darth Vadar, or R2D2!

In every creative career, there are hits and misses, but it's the persistence and bravery to try that sets the true winners apart.  Me-sa think you going to be okay!  Now get busy!