Sign up now and get a free Tip Sheet for Videographers!

Director's Chair: Who's in Charge Here? (page 2)

Maintain Good Will

Aside from showing courtesy and really, really listening, there are other ways to exercise power without alienating colleagues. First, remember the management adage, "praise in public; blame in private." When someone contributes something positive, make sure everybody knows about it and shares in the applause. But when someone messes up, take him or her aside and quietly set things straight without public embarrassment.

The same trick works with suggestions. If you have a good idea about lighting, communicate it privately and let the gaffer make it public and take credit for it. In fact, generous credit is the soundest capital you have, especially if your colleagues are volunteers. (And don't forget to provide something for lunch, either...)

Writers and Clients

Writers sometimes think they own the show because they feel they invented it and you're just implementing their vision. They get very defensive about suggested rewrites. Clients also often believe they own the show because they're paying for it so they can do whatever they please.

To placate writers, get agreement on the script changes you want before actual production, where possible. With re-writes on the fly (they do come up), obtain the writer's advice and consent, when practical.

As for clients... (sigh). They really need a column to themselves.

Good show!

Contributing Editor Jim Stinson's book Video: Digital Communication and Production is coming out in a 2nd revised edition.

Page: 1 2
  • Sponsors

Rate This Article

Rating: 1 (Poor) - 5 (Excellent)

1 2 3 4 5
How would you rate the author of this article?
How Would you rate the overall value of this article?
How would you rate the graphics?
How would you rate this article's method (i.e interview, tutorial, narrative) for explaining this topic?
How would you rate the depth and length of the article

Related Information

  • Wild Things: Shooting in the WildWild Things: Shooting in the Wild Shooting in the wild changes how videographers would normally capture events. You have to slow down, take your time... and wait... and wait some more... and wait even more. But the video is well worth the time.
  • Video Communication & Production TextbookVideo Communication & Production Textbook UPDATED! Video Communication & Production is the first comprehensive textbook designed as a complete introductory course in video - the 21st Century hybrid of television and film techniques that is the future of all media production. By Jim Stinson
  • Videomaker Book of FormsVideomaker Book of Forms BIG time Saver! Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to help you plan, get organized, stay legal, and ask the right questions. These include: Release Forms Production Planning Forms Production Cost Forms Storyboard –Scripting Forms Location Surveys/Scouting Reports Production Scheduling Forms Field Equipment Checklist Maintenance Forms Administrative Reports and many more!
  • Video Communication & Production Student WorkbookVideo Communication & Production Student Workbook UPDATED! Designed to help students review and apply content taught in the text, Video Communication & Production, this workbook includes a wide variety of activities for various learning styles.
    By Jim Stinson
  • Book of Forms - Maintenance FormsBook of Forms - Maintenance Forms Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    Maintenance Forms include: A/V Maintenance Log, Editing Computer Maintenance Log, Maintenance Service Time, Maintenance or Inspection Record, Maintenance and Project Report, Service Notes, Equipment Trouble Reports, A/V Hardware Monthly Utilization Report.
  • Book of Forms - Administrative ReportsBook of Forms - Administrative Reports Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    Administrative Reports include: Project Worksheet, Program Request Progress Chart, Weekly Work Progress Report, Project Time Report, A/V Report of Personnel Hours, Incident Report, Equipment Needs Assessment, Storyboard Rundown Sheet, Video Services Closeout Summary, Videotape Production Information, Video Production Job Report.
  • Book of Forms - Request FormsBook of Forms - Request Forms Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    Request forms include: Production Request Form, Facilities Request, Facilities Sheet, Production Personnel Form, Facilities and Personnel Request, Equipment Request Forms, Equipment Loan List, Rental Agreement
  • Book of Forms - Production Cost FormsBook of Forms - Production Cost Forms Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    Production Cost Forms include: Estimate Form, Quote Form-Video Services, Program Budget, Notice of Revised Job Estimate, Television Production Cost, Job Summary - Bill Record, Project Charge Record
  • Book of Forms - ScriptsBook of Forms - Scripts Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    Script forms include: Script Cover, Script, Videotape Script Cover Sheet, Instructional Media Script, Videotape Script Example
  • Book of Forms - StoryboardBook of Forms - Storyboard Videomaker's Complete Book of Forms contains 91 essential forms to make shooting and producing video easier. The following is one section of the Complete Book of Forms.

    This section includes a Storyboard Form.
  • Sponsors