Ten Things Every Producer or Director Must Know
Having the Right Attitude and Strict Attention to Budget are Keys to Success
Jun 15, 2009
Making a feature film is one of the most difficult and demanding occupations imaginable. Here are some time-tested suggestions to help keep your head above the water.
How do you insure the success of your production? Creative considerations aside, most seasoned pros agree that having a common sense, goal-focused approach to production is mandatory. This means that strict attention to the budget and shooting schedule must be rule number one. Based on many years of production experience, here are ten suggestions to help you get it "in the can."
- Make a completely realistic budget - a budget you trust and can live with. It's even better if your estimates are based on previous, personal experience.
- Resist any budget change. Don’t allow anyone to say, "This is going to cost more than we said it would." Make them stick to their word or get someone else. If they say, "We must have this!" Ask what they're willing to give up in exchange for it.
- Make sure that every department knows what their budget limits are. They must accept the budget constraints you've defined before you begin production. The budget is a contract between you and them.
- Keep track of everything spent. When the prop department buys something for $50, check that item off the list and make sure they deliver exactly what they promised.
- Think of your shooting script as your bible. You'll lose track of where you are in the middle of production because the environment is just too crazy. Focus on the script page and scene you're currently doing and complete that task before trying anything else. Never leave a set without the scene completely in the can.
- Be flexible and receptive to any opportunity. Open your eyes and look around. Is there another scene or shot that could be done right where you are? Would a quick rewrite or other small change allow you grab a shot now rather than later? If you're ahead of schedule, don't rest! If the weather's good, maybe you should get those exterior shots now rather than be rained out next week when they've been scheduled.
- Don't trust anyone, especially talent agents. This may sound paranoid, but if you're producing and/or directing a little paranoia goes a long way. Have a backup for every cast and crew member, (all those people you auditioned or interviewed but didn't hire). Bad vibes from unhappy cast and crew members can quickly ruin a film and it shows on screen too.
- You don't have to be friends with everyone you work with. Human nature dictates that you’ll probably make some enemies along the way and there's little you can do about it. You can say you're sorry after the film's done. Remember that sign on Harry Truman's desk, "The buck stops here?" You are where the buck stops and the "buck" will walk right into your office or hotel room and ask for you by name.
- Know everyone's limitations. It's more important to know the extent of someone's abilities and their willingness to accept responsibility than to rely on the unknown. Know everybody's breaking point and push them to just short of their limit every day. Ultimately, this makes them stronger and breeds confidence and excellence.
- The truth is, making a film is one of the most difficult and demanding occupations in the world. If principal photography is six weeks long, remember that it's six weeks for the rest of your life. When you're angry, tired and want to give up, remember this: you've got to dedicate yourself right now or there won't be a next time. Never, ever, give up.
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