Some people make films to bring their creative vision to life, while others love collaborating and reaching a shared destination together. Filmmaking is a livelihood, and it’s poor for morale when the atmosphere gets bleak between takes.
As a moviemaker, you should also focus on what’s happening off-camera. The environment you foster can influence the outcome of these shootings and your relationships within the industry. Plus, having a lively film set makes work more enjoyable.
So, where should you start?
1. Express Enthusiasm
Your cast and crew’s energy levels will vary throughout the shooting period. However, one underrated truth is that their feelings about the project reflect your emotions. If you want people to feel enthusiasm, project the same energy around them.
Independent movie production dropped from 863 releases in 2019 to 278 in 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the film industry is still adjusting. However, the numbers are climbing up, and improving morale on set can inspire more creatives to return.
2. Treat People Well
Aside from being enthusiastic, filmmakers should also practice kindness on the set. A positive work environment is much more motivating than a space where everybody is uptight. Here are ways you can treat people well.
Bring Food
The simplest way to boost morale is to keep the crew full. Surprise meals and snacks are a great way to prevent people from being irritable on set, and happy workers are 13% more productive than those who are not. Think of it as an investment and a treat.
Try to keep an eye out for favorites. Almost everyone loves tacos, so you could create an area where people can assemble a tasty lunch or dinner. Or, you might hire a taco truck to visit your set between shooting periods.
Get to Know People
Having zero interaction with your crewmembers outside production-related instructions can contribute to a low-energy set. Try to initiate conversation and get to know people behind the scenes by asking questions and listening.
You may share a common interest or have a favorite movie inspiration. When you have an emotional foundation with people, you start to share more energy with them. It also builds trust for collaboration.
Keep Things Light
Whether you’re shooting a period drama or action adventure, you must learn to keep things light on set. Try to show a sense of humor by cracking a few jokes. Be appropriate and respectful while throwing these around. You’d also be surprised how a compliment can brighten someone’s day.
3. Address Problems
The best way to tackle low-energy sets is to get to the root of the problem and face it head-on. Things can get heated before, during or after production. Here’s how to mitigate common problems on your set and bring morale back on track.
Technical Issues
You can’t predict when technical issues will arise during production, but you can invest more time and effort in preparation, like keeping devices charged, running tests and storing everything in safe locations.
If inclement weather occurs, protect the gear and wait it out. Allow cameras to acclimate to the temperature for around 30 minutes before use. By demonstrating patience, you can inspire other people to do the same.
Work Disagreements
If a conflict affects work, it’s best to air out the skirmish and settle things. Directors and producers can mediate the conversation. Listen to each person’s experience and decide how best to proceed.
Scheduling Differences
Filmmakers experience delays due to scheduling conflicts among the cast and crew, among other reasons. Avoid pushing the limit and leave some wiggle room. Films like “The Other Side of the Wind” took 48 years of production delays before release. Your movie will get out, too, probably in much less time.
4. Learn to Apologize
It’s one thing to witness conflicts, but it’s another to cause them. Sometimes, you slip up and your production team may feel too nervous to say anything, walking on eggshells instead. Give them the apology they deserve to push past things.
You need to be specific when apologizing to take ownership of the incident, so describe why the mistake was in poor character. From there, you can promise to do better.
5. Celebrate Together
Another way to boost morale while making a movie is to celebrate together. If someone completes a shot on the first take or remembers to bring a piece of equipment, applaud them. Recognizing small wins can improve confidence and mood in the long run. A quick “Good job!” will also inspire others to work harder.
Keep up the Energy
Build an enthusiastic film set to ignite everyone’s optimism. It takes effort to improve morale on set, but it’s worth it when everyone works together with the same creativity and drive. Embrace the humanity behind your crew and have an unforgettable experience together.
