Planning your film is an exciting time, and you probably can’t wait to get started. There’s a lot to consider, from coming up with a story to shooting each scene and bringing it all together in the editing suite.
Your chosen crew is one essential – but often overlooked – factor in any successful production. Many people work with local crews because it allows them to save time and money while also benefiting from specialist knowledge of the area.
However, working with local crews can be challenging, especially if there are certain barriers to effective communication.
If you want to know how to build effective relationships with local crews and ensure a smooth production process, stay tuned. We’ll reveal everything you need to know in this post.
Working with a crew you don’t know might not sound like a good idea, but it has numerous advantages.
They include:
So, now you know the main benefits of working with a local crew, it’s time to reveal how to ensure a smooth production.
Think about how a local crew can help you
Before you start considering hiring a local crew, weighing the pros and cons is crucial. If you have an unlimited budget and prefer working with a crew you know, then you could pay the extra money and bring them out to the location.
However, most people don’t have a dream budget and need to make decisions based on what’s most important to them.
If you want to create something unique and don’t have a limited budget, hiring a local crew could save you a lot of money.
Getting in the right mindset about working with a local crew will ensure you approach the project with enthusiasm.
Hiring a local crew isn’t just about finding skilled professionals – it’s also about engaging with your chosen area. Finding a crew is just one piece of the puzzle because while they know of great spots to shoot, the local community will also be invaluable.
For example, if one of your crew members has a family member with a restaurant, they might let you film there for free, saving you money.
It’s important to get to know the community and take an interest in the crew because the local connections you form could open new doors for your production.
English is one of the world’s most popular languages – but that doesn’t mean you can guarantee the crew will speak it. If you want to get the most out of your production, you should plan for any language barriers.
Effective communication is integral to a smooth production, whether that’s using translation tools or taking someone who speaks the language with you.
Even a tiny miscommunication could be devastating to your film, so make sure you’re prepared for any language barriers.
Respect should never be a luxury but always a necessity.
Every country has its own culture and customs that you should respect. An obvious example would be religious holidays – it might not be possible to shoot on certain days – so always check with your crew and respect their needs.
Some people go into the production process thinking they don’t have to worry about their crew, but that’s not true.
If you make a bad impression on the local crew, you might find it harder to find experienced professionals for future productions.
You probably won’t be able to take equipment with you – unless you’re willing to pay the transportation fees. Local crews usually have access to equipment and can get you lower rental prices if they have relationships with providers.
If you know what you’ll need, it will be much easier to source equipment when you’re there. Your crew will also tell you if you’ll need to bring anything, which ensures you don’t have to worry.
If you’re worried about dealing with the planning elements, you might find it easier to use a team of film fixers because they’ll handle the things you don’t want to. There are many benefits of using fixers, including their ability to ensure a smooth process across all stages of the production.
Unsure about working with fixers? Here’s how we can help you.
The benefits of hiring a local crew far outweigh the cons, but you do need to consider how to communicate and collaborate with your crew to ensure a smooth production process. When you have the right team behind you, anything is possible.
If you need any support with your production, our international fixers are just a phone call away. We offer a professional service that’s fully bespoke to your needs.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you create something memorable.
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