You're facing conflicts with the director during filming. How do you keep the production on track?

To manage conflicts with a director during filming, prioritize open communication by scheduling one-on-one discussions to express concerns respectfully. Focus on common goals and come prepared with solutions, keeping the conversation professional and solution-oriented. Practice active listening and clarify expectations to minimize misunderstandings. Regular check-ins can address issues before they escalate, while fostering team support and celebrating small wins boosts morale. Use humor to lighten the mood and, if necessary, step back to allow emotions to cool. Ultimately, keep the audience in mind to refocus on the project's purpose and maintain a productive atmosphere on set.

As a producer and director, I'm usually director on my own projects. However, I've experienced similar conflicts with DP and 1AD. First, I’d have an open conversation and try to resolve the conflict. If it's based on personal dynamics, it's usually something that can be worked through. But if the issue is professional, I’d focus on resolving it in a way that ensures the production continues smoothly. If the discussion doesn’t resolve the conflict, I'd assess the options: Can the director or team member be replaced without negatively impacting the project? Ultimately, as a producer, my priority is to keep the production on track and ensure conflicts don’t derail it. I believe almost any conflict can be resolved with honest communication.

Je m'efforce de maintenir mon calme et mon professionnalisme, même lorsque les tensions augmentent. Il est essentiel de ne pas laisser les sentiments prendre le dessus et de maintenir sa concentration sur l'objectif principal : la réussite du projet. D'après ma pratique, si le conflit persiste et ne peut pas être résolu rapidement, il est souvent avantageux de solliciter un producteur ou un membre clé de l'équipe afin de faciliter la communication et de trouver une solution qui satisfasse toutes les parties.

When conflicts with the director arise, I focus on keeping the production on track through open communication and problem-solving. I prioritize a calm, private discussion with the director to address the issue without disrupting the crew. For example, on a recent shoot, a disagreement over a scene’s pacing caused tension, so I suggested a compromise: shooting both versions and reviewing them later. This allowed us to maintain momentum while respecting both creative visions. I also involve key crew members to offer input, ensuring the team stays aligned. By fostering collaboration and finding middle ground, I keep the project moving smoothly.