directing How to keep Cast/Crew Engaged during Low Budget Shoot?

ShortFilmSensei

ShortFilmSensei

So I have a filming strategy to go about completing my short film in three phases or chunks. Each phase is planned to be shot complete in 1 or 2 days. Spread out over the course of three months.

So far, phase 1 is looking good to go and everyone is prepping quickly.

My question is, other than providing a great first day... What are other ways I can keep my cast and crew interested in coming back each month for more?

Pay is deferred, so there is no promise of money. I'm launching a crowdfunding campaign next month that I hope my be good motivation if it does well. Outside of that, I've got no ideas.

Anyone care to help?
 
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Desperately trying to not derail @onebaldman's thread, one of my "most prized possessions" is a potato brooch, given to me by a young lady from Idaho, whose path I crossed in the back end of nowhere, France. She was one member of a country dance troupe performing that evening, and I was there to see the show. We had an exciting conversation about potatoes, during which she argued that she was more passionate about them than I, seeing as she'd brought a symbolic potato with her on tour. When I conceded the point, she removed her brooch and pinned it to my hat where it has remained ever since.

The moral of the story: that bit of plastic and metal probably has an intrinsic value of less than 10cts, but is worth far, far more to me because of the circumstances in which I received it. You could think of making up some small goodie-bags to be given to each member of your crew, that contained something whimsical but relevant to what/where you were shooting that weekend.
 
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CelticRambler said:
Desperately trying to not derail @onebaldman's thread,
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Ah, no worries. I am just appreciative of people giving their recommendations and stories.

I never thought about goodie bags. The last project, I got the cast and crew posters with our signatures on it. I always liked that, and have mine framed on my wall.

I know some people keep the last marked slate from each project on their wall. I'll think about what trinkets I could possibly give.
 
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onebaldman said:
I keep their minds on the ultimate prize, which is potential awards/nominations from festivals and crowdfunding success
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For me personally, nominations, awards, crowdfunding success etc doesn't bother me too much. It does in some capacity - it's nice, but ultimately if I'm working for free, I need to be working with good people first and foremost, and secondly I need to be working on a project I have faith and belief in. By faith and belief, I don't necessarily mean in monetary or award terms. I mean I'm much more likely to be satisfied working for a really fantastic Director, or on a project that has a lot of worth, or a script that I think is absolutely fantastic than I am to work on something that gets funded on Kickstarter but was a pain to work on, or that I didn't believe in the project.

Keep in mind that everyone has their own set of reasons for working for free on your project - everyone has weighed up the benefit to them that working on this brings them. It may be as simple as helping a friend out on a fun project, or it may be hoping for a bit of cash reimbursement when it gets funded on crowdfunding. Assessing everyone's 'reason' for being there will probably make it a bit easier to keep everyone engaged.
 
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And here's a tip for you. Pizza is ALWAYS a bad idea. ALWAYS! Pizza is cheap and easy and always seen as a cop out. The mac n cheese bar sounds awesome! If you are doing an early shoot you could do an omelet bar. Stay creative and best of luck!
 
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jax_rox said:
Keep in mind that everyone has their own set of reasons for working for free on your project - everyone has weighed up the benefit to them that working on this brings them. It may be as simple as helping a friend out on a fun project, or it may be hoping for a bit of cash reimbursement when it gets funded on crowdfunding. Assessing everyone's 'reason' for being there will probably make it a bit easier to keep everyone engaged.
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Good points. Thank you! I'm thinking its a combo of the script and practical FX that is drawing people in. I'd say my personality probably needs work, but that will take a few more "foot in mouth" experiences.
 
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