ROLL ,CAMERA, ACTION!
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN FILMMAKING
Film productions are incredibly complex operations. This is true whether you’re filming a short film, a web tv show or a movie. You’re not just working with the actors or technicians. You’re also directing dozens or hundreds of extras, lighting crews, production crew and support personnel.
All of these people may be splitting their time between other projects. That’s why communication on-set is essential. But how do you maintain communication in such a large and dynamic group?
Ever been on a set that was silent? No? That is because good communication on a film set keeps everyone informed and on their mark. When everyone knows their job and communicates effectively, the day’s filming moves faster, and there’s a festive atmosphere. When there’s been a rocky start with imperfect communication, more mistakes happen, and there’s an overall dispirited mood.
What is good communication? How is Crafter going to make that happen?
Good communication happens when everyone in the entire film crew is on the same page. If you are on a film set and everyone is communicating well, the filming goes smoothly, less time is wasted on mistakes, and time flies by. Good communication happens when each person on the film crew knows what their job will be that day. If you are prepared for the day, you can be a productive team member.
Communication is vitally important on a film set for several reasons. Time is money, literally. Effective communication is vital. Effective communication also creates a fun and engaging workplace.
Time is Money
In addition to location costs and equipment rental, the set of a film usually has a lot of people getting paid on the crew. From the director, producers, actors, lighting engineers, sound engineers, other production assistants, grips, and camera operators. Each production has a considerable staffing commitment. Communication errors waste time and can cost the production budget a significant amount of money.
Communication Makes a Fun, Engaging Workplace
Have you been with a film crew where there’s a positive tone, and everyone is having fun? Conversely, if there’s a negative tone, the day can drag on, and mistakes set in, making the day even longer. Positive, preemptive communication can make the difference between a positive and negative experience.
How can film crew members efficiently communicate with each other?
There are a few features that help people communicate effectively with each other.
OPEN CHANNELS
On a set, constant communication is vital. Open channels bring all the crew members and information together in one space. These channels are open for anyone at your company to join or find in search. Increase transparency while allowing everyone to benefit from the context of your conversations.
They can share updates, files, ideas, make decisions and move work forward with a common purpose and place.
Usually, every day can begin with an all-hands production update to go over the day’s scene list and the goals for that day. This is the most essential piece of communication that everyone needs to receive. This can happen instantly with this feature. It’s a great way to get an overview of the day’s run down and understand the goals for the day. If everyone begins the day with the end goal in mind, they can make sure that everything you do during the day supports that goal.
If someone has any questions, they can instantly check with their department head via a direct message. Time is money, so it’s much better to ask clarification questions before filming starts than risk making a mistake that would set the whole production back.
One can use open channels throughout the day. Make sure to keep updates short and clear, use terminology correctly, and can always check for confirmation that the recipient has read and understood you.
PRIVATE CHANNELS
Key crew members don’t always get to see a copy of the script and production notes. However, it is beneficial when they do. This gives them a clear idea of the overall direction of the filming. When they begin their day with the end product in mind, all the moving pieces make more sense. The call sheet, shot list or storyboards are also beneficial to review prior to each day. This will detail the schedule to show who is needed where on each day and what time to arrive by.
For sensitive or confidential conversations, they can use private channels on Crafter. Only those who are invited can view the channel or find its contents in search.
BE PRODUCTIVE AND BETTER ALIGNED
As crew members work in channels, conversations, announcements, updates and files become a searchable archive that gets more useful with time.Every one can find answers, get context and make better decisions without having to chase down people or information.
These channels will also provide all crew members with a shared view into the work being done. With access to the same information, everyone in the channel can work in sync, and new members have full context when they join. And whenever you want to communicate , simply use the respective channel on Crafter teams.
What is currently happening while filming on sets?
A lot of times communication breaks down. On a film set, there are so many different moving parts, and everything moves fast. When someone misunderstands a request, it is better to prevent them in advance and move forward. Spending countless hours in despair doesn’t help the crew achieve their goals. The head better make sure everyone understands the instructions, and carry out the mission via prior and effective communication
What are Some Barriers to Good Communication?
The best communication style on a set is moving digital with software like Crafter’s. There are a few traditional communication styles that make life on a film set challenging, but remember, time is finite, and the best communication style is digital because it is quick and effective. Traditional communication styles add confusion and slow things down.
Shyness is another problematic trait on set. When someone battles shyness, it’s helpful using these digital ways for being confident. You can keep them motivated with the end goal.
If someone is too talkative, you can also remind them of the day’s goals. No director or talent to see someone wasting time chatting. Since time is fleeting on a film set, keep all communications about work digital until after the filming is done for the day.
Final Words
On a film set, effective communication helps filming stay on schedule.It helps everyone Understand their role and duties for the day. The best method of communication is using the Crafter team communication app.It helps to be clear and concise. Crew members can ask for clarification as needed. They can all begin shoot day and perform each task with the end goal in mind. If a production house wants the day’s filming to be successful. When everyone on the film set is communicating effectively and professionally, it is like a well-oiled machine. Crafter will make that a reality.
Thanks
Navatej Kumar
Founder&CEO
Crafter,Inc.
Image credits : Chris Murray
