On the Right Track: Having enough crew for the job.

There's a saying that "Many hands make light work". If you're the one hiring, "many hands" can start to add up when it's time to mail checks. It's important to talk with your client and get a picture of the gig as a whole, in order to properly assess the needed manpower. A camera operator, a Grip or two, maybe a Production Assistant - oh, wait, who's running sound? Do we need a boom mic operator? What about a Gaffer? A camera assistant? Makeup and hair stylists maybe?

Stylists, Prop masters and Wardrobe are not uncommon on large shoots. Courtesy of www.styledbytatiana.com

All of the needed crew members will have to be figured out and added into your budget for submission. Some clients request a personell breakdown to avoid over paying, so be ready to define - and possibly defend - specific needs.

You may have a set of "usuals" you use most of the time, but it's also good to know who's out there. Local film groups with a socail media presence like Mid Ohio Filmmaker's Association (MOFA) is a great pool for crew for any sized production. If you're renting equipment, you can ask them if they know any good hands as well. Word of mouth goes a long way. You'll want to contact the person(s) as soon as possible to discuss rate and availability. Full day vs half day pay rate isn't something you want to discuss when it's time pay out.

For a large brand-name client, I'AMedia located a school track field and supplied all of the needed assets, including a wardrobe and stylist professional, Lighting and electrical personnel and more. The commercial was a huge success with happy clients and producers all around.

Gaffers set up lights and run cables. DIT sets up monitors and tracks data usage.

I'AMedia regularly works with local studios and independent contrators. We film small, in-house interviews, corporate events and commercials for broadcast. Whether it's a two man operation or a large enemble of audio, grips and gaffers, I'AMedia can fill the need and deliver a smooth production from start to finish. We'll see you at the craft table.

A "Video Village" can be set up and run by the right person to let clients see what the camera sees.

Crew get hungry, so it's best to have lots of snacks. The "craft table" is the best place on set.

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