When you go into film production, you plan everything out for your movie months in advance. You get the locations, picture vehicles, actors, crew, stunt professionals…
And then for some reason, two days before you begin production some crazy series of events take hold and everything falls apart. Your picture vehicles disappear, actors quit the project, crew members take on another job that pays more and the stunt people. . .
Wait, you hired stunt people? What kind of indie film are you making?
At this point in film production, you start to cry. (I would.) Then your girlfriend sees you crying and she stops talking to you. You start smoking cigarettes and drinking heavily… Probably cheap stuff, straight from a (plastic) bottle. Next thing you know, you're naked and alone looking over the ruins of your film production. How did this happen? (And why are you naked?)
Planning For The Unexpected Saves Film Production Headaches
The thing is, if you can maintain a good attitude and roll with these kinds of setbacks, you're gonna find out that each day in film production is just another day in paradise. That said, you can eliminate a lot of frustration if you prepare for these unexpected events in advance – just in case.
Film Production: 3 Tips To Avoid Crying On Set
Most filmmakers with a budget hire an experienced line producer as well as an experienced first assistant director. These are the two professionals who keep the set running smoothly.
If you don't have a budget for film production, you will need to manage your own shoot. So keep in mind that whatever could go wrong, will go wrong! That's just the nature of indie film production. Heck, at times it's the nature of the universe. It is your job to plan for this sort of stuff.
And while it's impossible to plan for all contingencies, here are three tips to avoid crying on set.
- How is your budget looking? Do you have enough money to pay for your movie and also account for the unexpected? If not, you'll run out of money. I promise.
- Create backup locations… Seriously. You need to do this. Just in case.
- One more thing, talk with some insurance professionals about insurance for both your workers and equipment. While you're at it, make sure you talk with a qualified attorney regarding legal protection.
You just never know! And If you're interested in taking your film career to the next level, I invite you to own a copy of my filmmaker action pack!
