ABSTRACT
This chapter is titled “developing a production crew” rather than “choosing” because even when experienced technicians are available, you must know their work and do some trial shooting before production begins. Especially with a small unit, crew members’ temperaments affect your actors, so cast your crew for personal maturity as well as technical capabilities. In film school and beyond, filmmaking is an extended village, so check a potential crew member’s reputation with key figures in their prior workplaces. Everyone enjoys recommending good people, and when someone’s work was problematical you may either be told so outright or can guess from the diplomatic silence.
