How can you determine the right crew size for your video production project?

The distribution platform also plays a significant role in determining the production scale. If your video is destined for a cinema screen, the high production value will definitely take precedence. In contrast, content for online platforms/social media may prioritize quick turnaround times and adaptability to different screen sizes. Considering the platform not only influences the technical aspects but also impacts the overall storytelling approach.

Most of the big crews are going out of business or they hire out people individually for their specific role. We do corporate videos for small mom and pop shops all the way up to some of the biggest companies in the US. We run an efficient 3-4 man crew. Everyone can do everything and we switch out who is doing what from shoot to shoot. Works really well and it creates a lot of flexibility in what you can do and who you can work with.

Learning about the deliverables and scope of work first will allow you to reverse engineer and determine the level of production that will be required for the shoot. Is this production possible as a one man band or do you need to bring in a gaffer and audio? Get as much information as possible on the front end.

é sempre uma quest?o de or?amento e cronograma. Essas duas coisas s?o cruciais para que você entenda quais processos terá ou n?o que abrir m?o. é importante também levar em considera??o o tipo do projeto e o perfil do cliente e estar atento para n?o simplificar demandas complexas e n?o complexar demandas simples.

I would also say don't be afraid of your budget and/or schedule limitations. Remember that constraints often breed innovation. While a generous budget and timeline offer expanded possibilities, navigating limitations can lead to inventive solutions and a unique creative perspective for your project. For example, a constrained budget might lead to resourceful DIY solutions or collaborative partnerships that bring unexpected richness to your project. Lastly, constraints force you to reevaluate your priorities. What elements are absolutely essential for your story? By distilling your focus, you can highlight the core components that make your project impactful so every creative choice serves a purpose.

This goes back to learning as much information as possible on a discovery call with your client. Learning about the deliverables and scope of work will allow you to reverse engineer and determine what will be required to complete the project. Always try and get your client to say their budget first by asking the necessary questions on a call.

Location and logistics significantly influence crew size selection. Budget and schedule constraints can be detrimental, yet location presents its own unique considerations. How many crew members can comfortably fit in the location? Is the location safe and accessible for everyone? Transportation matters, especially for on-location shoots. How many crew members can easily come in and out of the location each day? Catering availability is crucial for the entire crew, along with shelter in case of adverse weather. From personal experience when determining the ideal crew size, on top of budget, schedule, and creative concerns, the decision must also align with evaluating these location factors.

Consider reaching out to professionals in the industry for advice. Networking with experienced filmmakers, producers, and crew members can provide some valuable insights and help determine the right crew size for your project. It’s always a good idea to chat things through with your crew as they can often offer guidance based on their previous experiences, as well as help you optimize resources, overcome challenges, and make strategic decisions tailored to your specific project.

We staff everyone as a W2 employee so we don't hire per job. I do agree that you want quality or quantity but you can also build and teach quality. We took young hungry team members and still to this day are teaching them how to get better and better. It's night and day from when they started.

These AI generated topics are pretty bad. The question alone is enough to elicit a detailed response by any professional. All these bullet points don’t really help because the professional finds him/herself trying to break down the answer over 6 bullet points, when all we need to answer the question is one space.

You don't have to operate the same as everyone else does. We don't have day rates, we don't rent gear, we don't hire out specific roles. Sure for some projects you need to do it the typical way but if your in business there are no rules as long as your being legal and to me ethical. We got successful because we broke the mold of typical production companies to do something different and offer better solutions and videos to our clients.