How can film production professionals work under pressure and solve problems quickly?

DONT PANIC. THINK. PIVOT AS NEEDED. The first step to solving any problem is being able to see the big picture. You may not be able to solve every aspect of the problem in the timeframe you have. You needn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. So figure out what is the most important thing that needs to be immediately addressed. Sometimes solving one small aspect of the problem does the trick and ends up being the adequate solution. There’s always time to assess the damages later and prevent the same problem from arising in the future.

One of the most difficult parts of problem solving within the film environment is to accept that a plan is changing. All of that preparation and people get glued to it. You need to be fluid in your decision makings. Adaptability and perseverance is what ultimately gets the job done with a production. Time is where a producer or a director should be constantly paying attention; every single frame of the project, and every single second of production time is in focus and valuable. There is a cost tied to production time and it is detrimental to the process to dwell on issues for too long. Decisive and clear reactions as problems present themselves is a skillset that you need to master in filmmaking. Keep the train moving!

If you can’t assess what’s in front of you clearly, nothing else matters because nothing else will be achievable. Lead with curiosity, listen actively, and be more interested in discovering an answer than you are in proposing one. Ego is the death of achievement. Respect the expertise of others, alongside your own potentially infinite interest in the work, and you will more clearly understand each challenge you face.

DONT PANIC. THINK. PIVOT AS NEEDED. The first step to solving any problem is being able to see the big picture. You may not be able to solve every aspect of the problem in the timeframe you have. You needn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. So figure out what is the most important thing that needs to be immediately addressed. Sometimes solving one small aspect of the problem does the trick and ends up being the adequate solution. There’s always time to assess the damages later and prevent the same problem from arising in the future.

One thing I have found useful by being in the industry since 12 years is to get the hold of every why's, how's, what's during pre- production. A strong script, right team, camaraderie between every personnel can make the process hassle free. On the other hand one can't predict what might happen during production, that's where all the hard work of pre production comes in. Even if it's bad weather one should be ready prior to not getting stressed out. One definitely can't afford to have a bad script so hop on to the pre- production process make sure of every possible question or worry that might occur and get ready with the solution. This is what has worked for me by far. P.s enjoy the process :)

Know that everyone on set has put stake in helping to make the film. This means a lot is at stake when making the decisions you need to make. By not prioritizing, you're going to end up slowing down other parts of the process, and if it happens to be time that you're shooting, it may mean not making the deadlines to get shot what you need to get shot that day. Even if you're the movie director, you have a team whose job it is to make sure that you get done your tasks. Don't be afraid to delegate to the right people in order to free yourself for what is most important for you to get done.

I completely agree with prioritizing and delegation! It takes strategy and a team. If you’re part of a production, trust in your counter parts to be professionals in their field and for everyone together to game plan and do their jobs!

Think slowly. Take a breath. Sometimes the pressure and requests come from all directions and so working hectically feels like a solution when in fact you're just in a high stress state, not thinking clearly at all and dealing with surface level symptoms, not cures. Do not merely do a rapid lot of random somethings because at least you're active, that's only going to chip away at the problem. Take a step back, pick the right order of attack and knock 'em down in order without flitting about. But take that slow breath moment to clear the noise first.

If you are on set there and in the AD Dept there is only 1 priority MAKE YOUR DAY. If you are on set and in the trades there is only 1 priority GET IT DONE. If you are the PM there is only 1 priority ON TIME & ON BUDGET. Clear, concise, professional communication is of paramount importance. Have 1 point of contact with all the departments that your role touches. Make sure that the people in your department have clearly defined responsibilities and that they are meeting them. When a problem arises call an immediate and brief meeting to define the problem. Find a solution as quickly as possible. What are the implications; budgetary, scheduling, or both. Alert your line producer, accountant and inform them of the change.

Once the difficulties have been identified, the teamwork begins, because by debugging and prioritizing the problems you will clarify the panorama for an action plan, then you will assign tasks according to the capabilities of each one. Remember to solve problem by problem; trying to solve everything at once could be very counterproductive.

Experience, experience, experience is the key. As an HOD I have to source the problem by talking and communicate with other Department Heads to track the cause. Then delegate the team and stir the ship out of the storm with a calm and organised attitude.

Many years of working and encountering obstacles give you an instinct. Experience trumps everything. However if you're luckily enough to work with someone who happens to be a great decision maker, who see's things clearly and has common sense in droves, watch and learn. Their style may not appeal to you but you can take the best bits to develop your own style of great decision making. It's a short-cut but experience will reinforce your ability.

One thing so have found helpful on set is to have these collaborative conversations in person if possible. If you have identied an issue that needs to be dealt with urgently don’t delay the resolution by getting trapped in a web of email replies. Gather the department heads involved and talk through all the options and implications sooner rather than later.

Communication and collaboration is all well and good but listening is really important but often misunderstood by others your working with. For example, if someone has a disability and everyone around them struggles to hear them speak, the person with the disability will more than often give up on saying something or communicate or collaborate altogether. It’s important to remember that everyone has a different way of communicating and expressing themselves. I know this to be true as the way I communicate has changed and will continue to change.

It is very important to have a team that has your back and understand what you are trying to create. Also, taking a step back, analysing the situation and just a small pause can help you get back on track. Also, good experience comes from bad experiences. So, try and reflect times when you had a problem which you couldn’t solve and think what you will do next time. This way, you are prepared for future hurdles.

This is such a great question and it's a complex answer in my opinion. Personally, I've learned that having a well-defined understanding of the entire project from the outset is paramount. This means not only comprehending the creative vision but also foreseeing potential challenges and devising contingency plans. When pressure mounts or unexpected issues arise, this foresight enables me to react swiftly and decisively. It's like having a mental roadmap that guides quick problem-solving, as I can draw upon my pre-established strategies and adapt them as needed. This proactive approach not only saves time but also ensures that the production stays on track, even in the face of adversity.

Bring all decision makers to the table and hear everyone out; in a good brainstorm, there are not bad ideas. You continue to work the problem until the solution presents itself, usually after a lot of listening and plus-ing (yes, we could try that, and also).

All of the above yes.My take if you havent read " The 1 minute Manager "1980s leader classic read it.On going praise real time 1 min and deal with situations that are challenging real time 1min as they occur dont wait.Dont sweep anything under the carpet or next time you look there will be a mountain of stuff hiding under there and will keep in growing into mayhem.So give it a go it made my leadership role so much more rewarding and my team new how we worked together .Some of the text might be a tad outdated now but the message is the same.!

It’s important to read the script at least once. Preferably more than once, throughout prep, shoot and post. Knowing and understanding and asking questions about the script is primary to the collaboration inherent in the filmmaking process, and gets everyone on the same page.

Do whatever is necessary to show up to the project everyday at your best, whether that means early morning workouts, vats of caffeine, or alone time with you and your playlist. The fuller your cup, the more you can pour into all of your collaborators.

Learn how and practice effective listening skills. If hire proven professionals, then pay close attention to what they say. Use your whole face and body to express appreciation and respect for there opinions. Hire experienced people, then listen to them. After that, ask them what they recommend. Then give them permission to take care of it.

Nothing beats a thorough pre-production work. That way when you get to the set, each department is ready. No surprises. Communication is also key. Never hide any production problems. The earlier you detect it, the sooner you can solve it.