The camera package is ready. The locations are locked. The shot list is solid. And then comes the question that separates a good producer from a great one: who else needs to be on this set?
Crewing a shoot isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about building a team that elevates the work, protects the schedule, and makes the client feel like they’re in good hands. Here’s how I approach it.
Start with the Production Needs, Not the Budget
The first question is: what does this shoot actually require? A one-camera interview in a controlled environment is very different from a multi-location documentary day with talent and a run-and-gun schedule. Map out the actual tasks — camera, audio, lighting, G&A, talent management, client liaison — and then figure out how to cover them.
Often you’ll find that one experienced crew member can handle two roles efficiently. Sometimes you’ll find that trying to cut crew in a specific area will cost you twice as much in time and reshoots.
“The most expensive crew member on any shoot is the one you should have hired but didn’t.”
Build Your Network Before You Need It
The worst time to find a gaffer is the day before the shoot when your original one falls through. Build your production network continuously — attend industry events, connect with other producers and crew members, maintain relationships even when you don’t have an immediate project.
My go-to crew members — the people I call first — are people I’ve worked with before and trust completely. That trust was built on past projects, not on a resume review.
Hire for Attitude as Much as Skill
Technical skills can be verified. Attitude is harder to assess but more important on a long production day with a client present. Someone who is technically brilliant but difficult with clients, dismissive of colleagues, or rigid under pressure will cost you a client relationship.
I look for people who stay calm when things change — because things always change — and who make everyone around them feel like the production is in good hands.
Brief Your Crew Before the Day
A pre-production call or a detailed crew brief sent the night before eliminates dozens of on-set questions. Everyone should arrive knowing the schedule, the client, the deliverables, and their specific responsibilities. The less time you spend managing logistics on set, the more time you have for the creative work.
Pay Fairly and On Time
This should be obvious, but it bears saying: the best crew members have options. They work with producers who treat them professionally. Pay the rate, pay on time, and say thank you. The relationships you build this way will carry your production company further than any piece of gear you own.
Ready to work together?
“Building something that needs the right team behind it? Let’s talk about what your production requires.”
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