How can you keep your film crew and cast safe and happy?

Decent work hours and getting a crew/cast properly fed on time are a given. Couple things are often overlooked: ? managing expectations: on crew/production-side, it should be clear “who calls the shots”. In a commercial setting, who is the decider in the client’s team? Sometimes, it can be perceived as not getting the expected decisional power while really it’s about internal brand alignment. On cast side, it’s about flagging the type of scenes and how intimate it can get, way before the talent on set says “I didn’t sign for this”. It can be a misunderstanding. ? Production process is a collaboration. Leaving space for questions allows to gain overlooked insights while empowering the crew/cast to be engaged and involved. It’s a win-win.

In my experience to make my crew Happy is to give appreciation on everything they do. Compensate them well and keep them exited on the process.

ASK ASK ASK... so I had a sensitive scene between an older person and a younger person. Before we filmed I asked both parties to review and give consent to the scene as well as give feedback. Also on set, I always try to go before to make sure physical safety is important. If we are doing any movement, stunts, fights- be COMPETENT not Careful... we practice, practice, discuss, and practice some more. But communication, open and honest communication is such a must. Respecting boundaries while challenging each other is a soft skill to learn.

One thing that is definite is communication. Everyone needs to feel like they have a stake in the outcome of the project. Be attentive and also listen to people's needs so the may successfully complete the task placed before them .

The safety of cast and crew is priority one. Without question. Too often lately we see the horrific results of not prioritising safety. By skirting the rules or guidelines in place to ensure the safety of workers, you risk lives. The loss of crew members like Halyna Hutchins and Sarah Jones is, in a word, unacceptable. One way to ensure safety is to hire the right Department Heads. Another is to encourage open lines of communication and to foster an environment in which your team - cast and crew alike - feel as though they have a voice and can use it when they have questions or concerns. Lastly, shorter days and proper turnarounds save lives. Give your team time to recover. Provide hotels if necessary. Beyond 12 hours is excessive.

I think it has never been harder to make a film today in the independant circuit. In consequence, budgets are tightened and the overall economic pressure of the filming weighs on the director and his crew. The producer's responsability is to secure the crew and cast, find solutions so that they don't feel that pressure. But it demands maturity, gentleness, if not kindness. As the business is now "stress driven", producers project the stress on the film, and the results often show.

Film making is one of the most collaborative work environments out there - no matter how important we are (or think we are), it's a team effort and everybody contributes because without any of these contributions the end result would be less than with their participation. Acknowledge people's ideas, their contribution, their input and be grounded. The higher you climb up the ladder the more important it becomes to lead by example - be respectful, be kind. Film crews know how to gossip, and no one likes a dick.

However, it should NOT include “wrap beers” at the end of a grueling day. Tired crewmembers, getting tipsy (and drowsy), are a hazard on the road and pose a financial liability to the production should an accident occur either on set or on their way home.

While we work hard to make sure that all of our sets are serious and extremely professional, we also make a conscience effort to create a positive and light-hearted environment that is enjoyable for everyone. I also like to involve everyone in the creative process while shooting a film. After all, being open to suggestions from the cast and crew helps to create a collaborative environment that will keep everyone engaged and hopefully contribute in enhancing the final product.

One thing I found to help focus is to improvise the scene from different angles which helps home in on the meaning of the scene

I truly agree diversity and inclusion is very important to any group, community or organization especially in production. My last production was really one of my favourite. It amplified voices of a variety of diverse people and personalities, race, sexual orientation, religion, culture and neurodiversity of all kinds and backgrounds. In one place, we all knew we were a team and that brought the best possible outcomes. Sharing, understanding and freedom it created was absolutely vital to the crew. Everyone felt welcomed, seen and respected and appreciated. The support from all involved was same all round. We had a great production and it was a success.

The majority of sets consider physical health of their cast and crew. Rarely do producers care about mental health, though working as a producer and director, I try to consider both physical and mental health. This is particularly true if the film is about a dark subject, which could trigger unspoken traumas. Be considerate of others and realize that it takes a team to make a film. The best way to be happy is to have everything planned out before stepping foot onto a set, no matter what department you are working in and plan for something to go wrong by having a backup plan (or several!). If everyone does their jobs, everyone will happy. Running over schedule and not being considerate of others seems to be what makes most people miserable.

I don't imagine this will be a popular opinion, but it's not Production's job to make you happy. It is their job to keep you safe, pay you promptly, and treat you with respect. Happiness is your own business. It's a tough business. Sometimes - and sometimes quite often - your job will suck. Be a professional. Do your best. And try not to make other people's jobs suck. The great thing about this business is that no matter how bad it sucks, it will be over soon. Many a great film has been created under awful circumstances and many a happy set has cranked out crap. If everyone would focus on the work, treat everyone with respect, and steer clear of the drama, you shouldn't need an ice cream party. Although those are nice.