How To Hire A Good Crew

When I first started producing videos, one of the most stressful parts of the process was finding and hiring a solid crew. Now that I’ve been doing it for a few years, it’s the easiest part of the process. So what changed? I slowly built my network with people I could trust. 

Working with a freelancer on set for the first time is always a small risk. There have been dozens of freelancers I’ve hired that I would never work with again. Some of them simply couldn’t keep up with the pace. Some were stressed on set. Some simply didn’t fit with the culture. If you’re still building your network, I don’t recommend hiring a crew you’re completely unfamiliar with. Work with new vendors one or two at a time, and be sure to ask for recommendations from your current network. You need to feel like you have people on your side if anything goes wrong. It’s better to ask your current network to step into a new role than to have no friends on set. 

In my experience, about one in every three freelancers you’ll work with will be a good fit. Add these people to your network. Pay them what they deserve. Treat them right. Grab a bite with them off the clock, and ask about what they enjoy. Creating a culture of trust is invaluable when you need to bark orders on set for a last-minute creative change. 

I’m producing a shoot tomorrow and another one next week. I’ve been able to get a few of my favorite freelancers on board. Calling them to jump on my productions is always fun, and I know the shoot will go well because of them. 

Onward!