Learn from this successful producer and film executive about how to better hire your productions Below the Line team!

Get an exclusive package of sample agreements used in all areas like crew, cast, music, and more!

Hiring key departments for a film or TV project is crucial to its success. Each department, from camera to catering, plays a vital role in bringing your production to life. As a producer or filmmaker, you need to ensure that the people you hire are not only skilled but also able to work seamlessly together. This can significantly impact the quality of your project and the efficiency of your film or TV production process.

You can make costly mistakes when you hire key roles that wind up not being a good fit. Learning to avoid common mistakes such as hiring based on reputation alone without considering team dynamics, underestimating the importance of specific skills, or failing to properly communicate expectations. But with this online webinar, you will learn to avoid these mistakes before they lead to delays, budget overruns, and a final product that falls short of its potential.

Chris Debiec knows a thing or two about how to hire key department heads. He was the VP of Production at Entertainment One Television (eOne) and was the CEO of Oscar-winning Director James Cameron's company, Earthship Productions. He's worked on studio-level projects such as OSCAR, THE CROW, THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE, and DINOSAUR, as well as the hit A24 film THE GREEN KNIGHT. With over three decades in production, Chris is exceptionally qualified to guide you through the intricacies of hiring and managing key departments.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of every main department involved in film and TV production. You'll learn about effective communication and negotiation within departments, understanding their specific needs versus wants, and how to guide and make informed decisions. You will cover key departments such as locations, vanities (hair, makeup, and wardrobe), camera, production management, accounting, and catering. For each department, you'll explore critical hiring considerations, essential skills, and the tools and vendors necessary for success. You'll also learn about special skills and job hours, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of each department. You will walk away feeling confident that you can hire the best talent and manage them effectively, ultimately enhancing the quality and efficiency of your film or TV production.

PLUS! Get an exclusive handout package of sample agreements for:

• crew agreements
• cast agreements
• music agreements
• and more!

A Producer’s Guide to Understanding Every Main Department

• Communication and negotiation within the departments

• Understanding the needs vs. the wants of each department

• Knowing enough to guide and make decisions

Locations Department

• Hiring Considerations

• How to scout experience and local knowledge. 

• The skills of negotiating and communicating terms of hiring

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• The essential tools and software

• The key contacts and vendors for managing location logistics

• Special Skills and Job Hours

• The critical organizational and communication skills

• The balance of hours, problem-solving and adaptability 

Vanities (Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe)

• Hiring Considerations

• Access the experience that is truly valuable to your film 

• How to evaluate a candidate's portfolio and industry references

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• The essential tools and products

• The best vendors for sourcing and maintaining wardrobe

• Special Skills and Job Hours

• The skills you might not anticipate that are crucial 

• The hours and turnaround you must consider 

Camera Department

• Hiring Considerations

• How to access the expertise in camera operation and cinematography that is best for your film

• Gauge a candidate's familiarity with different camera models and lenses when you aren’t the expert

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• The key pieces of camera equipment and accessories

• The top rental vendors that provide high-quality gear

• Special Skills and Job Hours

• The skills of  technical proficiency and an eye for detail are crucial

• How to manage long and physically demanding hours

Production Management

• Hiring Considerations

• The essential  leadership and organizational skills 

• How to  assess a candidate's experience in budgeting and scheduling

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• The most effective production management software and tools 

•  Vendors for production logistics (e.g., catering, transportation)

• Special Skills and Job Hours

• The crucial  multitasking and decision-making skills 

• How to balance long hours and high-stress situations

Accounting

• Hiring Considerations

• The  basic bookkeeping and financial management skills necessary for small productions

• How to gauge a candidate's ability to manage a tight budget and track expenses

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• Reliable local contacts or vendors for financial advice and services

Catering

• Hiring Considerations

• How to balance the dietary needs of cast and crew

• Why experience in preparing meals for diverse dietary needs on a budget is valuable

• How to  assess a company’s ability to organize and manage a small or large production efficiently

• Understanding Key Equipment/Vendors

• How to find local vendors or markets that provide fresh, affordable ingredients and food

• Special Skills and Job Hours

• How to manage irregular hours, meal timing, and last-minute changes on set

Producers of all levels who want to learn how to effectively communicate with each department.

Members of Below the Line departments who want to learn how to communicate your department's wants and needs more effectively to your producer.