How do I gain a crew's respect?
- Thread starter c.g._eads
- Start date
Zak Forsman
Major Contributor
no, up until now that's one of the jobs i've done myself. and i wouldn't like to admit it, but yes, maybe the films have suffered for it. i'm usually the one deciding on color, painting walls, buying props, dressing the set, buying clothes, amassing props. i've already started conceptualizing and collecting for the next one. so far i've bought an acrylic door curtain that will catch the light in interesting ways....Sad Max said:
greenheron
Well-known member
I guess when your the producer/director/dp/art director you don't have too many crew members to worry about gaining respect from.
Zak Forsman
Major Contributor
greenheron, i know you're a veteran and have very clear ideas about how a set should be run. i make a living documenting life on a studio picture's set so i know how rarely the things you talk about are actually put into practice. i've been on six sets in the last two years and clooney's set on GNGL was the only smooth operator.greenheron said:
anyway, this is dvxuser. nearly everyone here wears more than one hat when they make a film. and if they can afford a crew, it's going to be minimal in most cases. as for me, i don't concern myself with earning respect on my sets. i concern myself with hiring like-minded individuals with a passion for the medium and an ability to keep their ego in check. i concern myself with making friendships and working together to make something meaningful. i want everyone to get something out of it. whether that's experience, an education, or a chance to prove oneself. my cast and crew becomes my family. and i'd walk thru fire for any one of them. really.
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greenheron
Well-known member
Zak Forsman said:
All you are really saying here is that you can't pay your crew and you need people with inexperience so that they will be glad to work for little or no money. That's fine. I thought we were talking about real crews and real movies. When names like Peter Jackson start getting thrown around I think very large feature production crews.
I stumbled on this thinking that I was talking to film professionals but, except for a very few individuals I realize that this is the heart of the "I want to make independent movies for no money forum". I will leave and not bother you anymore. Besides I was really just trying to answer a few individuals who had questions about lighting.
Best of luck. See ya'.
Brandon Rice
Distributed Producer
greenheron said:
This is one of the most prideful, arrogant things I've read in awhile! Dude, there are a ton of professional people here, but guess what... in case you didn't realize this, money DOESN'T grow on trees... if it did, I'd be able to hire a HUGE crew, but as the case is, making movies for a few thousand dollars doesn't allow that.
Zak Forsman
Major Contributor
you don't know who you're talking to. before co-owning a production company, i freelanced at $1,100 a day as a producer/editor. you don't need to condescend to me about a perceived lack of credentials. now i'm able to use my company's profit margins to create content; namely features, pilots, music and new media. so in addition to everything i said prior, i do pay my cast and i do pay my crew. but i'm talking about something bigger than a paycheck. i'm talking about how i go about finding the right kind of people and bringing them together to make something with a little heart. can't you see that? a quick review of your post history shows a penchant for hammering away at people here for their "inexperience". i suppose this last post is the coup de grace. now you've insulted the entire forum for its focus on small budget, homegrown productions. how wonderful of you to come in here and take a big dump on the place. how grateful we all should be.greenheron said:
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DorkmanScott
Active member
Well, at least greenheron's posts are useful as solid examples of how NOT to behave if you want a crew to respect you. :thumbsup:
bountyhunter
New member
Hi;
Thought I would add my 2-cents worth too.
Remember when you step foot on the set. whatever your attitude is will be carried out over the cast and crew the rest of the day.
If you are in a nasty mood, it will catch on, likewise if you are upbeat so will your crew be too.
If you have personal problems...leave them at the Hotel or at home. The set is no place for you to think about anything except directing that project.
concentrate on just the scene you are shooting, forget the next 55.
You and the 1st AD should have had pre-production meetings with your crew heads.
Story Boarding; a lot of directors will simply by pass this very helpful process. get with your DP and board all the shots and talk about your lighting etc. it really saves time and money when the camera rolls.
Rehearsal for your actors. let them rehearse with your guidance before the grips and gaffers are trying to set up. (days before if you can) remember, "take 12" is not a good idea.
Keep your word.
Trust your 1st AD, he is there for you.
Have fun and enjoy what you are doing.
Thought I would add my 2-cents worth too.
Remember when you step foot on the set. whatever your attitude is will be carried out over the cast and crew the rest of the day.
If you are in a nasty mood, it will catch on, likewise if you are upbeat so will your crew be too.
If you have personal problems...leave them at the Hotel or at home. The set is no place for you to think about anything except directing that project.
concentrate on just the scene you are shooting, forget the next 55.
You and the 1st AD should have had pre-production meetings with your crew heads.
Story Boarding; a lot of directors will simply by pass this very helpful process. get with your DP and board all the shots and talk about your lighting etc. it really saves time and money when the camera rolls.
Rehearsal for your actors. let them rehearse with your guidance before the grips and gaffers are trying to set up. (days before if you can) remember, "take 12" is not a good idea.
Keep your word.
Trust your 1st AD, he is there for you.
Have fun and enjoy what you are doing.