Managing burnout and team morale in back-to-back film productions: Can you keep the creative spark alive?

The thing to remember when working with a team that is trying to produce high output is that not everyone will show fatigue in the same way or at the same time. When leading a large group of people the secret is to look for change in people as the days progress. Change in the way a person shows up in terms of energy, communication, and the way they respond will give you a good indication of how everyone is doing. Don't lose sight of these changes as it takes a lot for high performers to show changes and when they do you need to act fast, take each of them aside and see what their unique needs are to give them the recovery they need.

The greatest performers/athletes in the world know that the only way to maintain high performance is by taking time to rest. The simple fitness principle, Stress/Rest can be applied to everything that a human being can do. So if the intent is to get the best results and the best performance out of your people then you need to schedule rest in a way that is as important as the way you structure work time. Remember, high performers will always resist rest at first when they don't feel they need it, the secret is to make them understand why it is important to build in the routine now to keep them fresh over the long haul.

Managing burnout and team morale in back-to-back film productions is a critical challenge that requires a delicate balance between creative output and mental well-being. Insight from the global cinema market reveals that over 50% of film professionals report experiencing burnout due to relentless production schedules. A notable case is Marvel Studios, which, despite producing multiple blockbusters annually, maintains a robust support system by offering flexible schedules and wellness programs. This approach helped retain talent and foster a positive working environment. As seen with the success of films like "Avengers: Endgame," where the team's sustained energy and creativity were pivotal, and lead to box-office triumphs.

The greatest support you can give your crew is a strong understanding of why rest is as important as working hard. Even professional athletes struggle with this concept due to their incredible work ethic, but that is why they have a coach/leader that helps them manage their energy over the long haul. So, be that person that has a strong desire to educate your people and help them, and you, manage your energy over the long haul.