Since the beginning of the motion picture industry, film crews have been creating behind-the-scenes movie magic in addition to a wide variety of thankless tasks. A film crew is typically comprised of dedicated, experienced professionals and some new workers who are trying to figure out where they belong in show business. You need to manage a variety of personalities, inevitable conflicts, scheduling, and so much more.  Some mistakes will happen as part of the filmmaking process. However, do your best to avoid these common mistakes when managing your film crew.

Mistake #1: Not Utilizing the Best Technology to Make Your Job Easier

Film crew management software was created specifically to make your life easier. If you try to manage your film crew by utilizing a notebook or even simple Word documents alone, you'll waste a lot of time and energy. A film crew scheduling app can simplify the way you create and distribute the schedule. With the app, you can share and collaborate on scheduling with other members of your production team, so you're not shouldering the burden all by yourself.

Mistake #2: Not Getting to Know Your Crew

From the script supervisor to the boom operator, each crew members plays a very important role in the filmmaking process. Get to know the job that each crew member does. Also, take the time to get to know each crew member as an individual. Not all film crews will become like a family. Nevertheless, getting to know the members of your team provides you with the chance to best accommodate their needs and encourage their best work.

Mistake #3: Trying to Do a Crew Member's Job for Them

Although you are managing your film crew, you shouldn't assume that you know what it takes to get a certain result. For example, the process of a script supervisor may be different for each individual, but it's much more complex than simply reading a script and looking for mistakes. Never try to step into a role and assume you can do it as well as someone with a great deal of experience in that specialty. Doing so is a quick way to make enemies on your crew.

Mistake #4: Not Being Flexible

Filmmaking is a demanding field. Crew members work extremely long days without the cushiony perks that lead actors and directors enjoy. They may miss holidays and school events for their kids. If a crew member makes a request and it wouldn't harm the production to accommodate it, do it. If you're not flexible when possible, you are not being fair to the crew.

Finally, filmmaking is ultimately about creating meaningful art for audiences. Most people who are in the field are there because of a deep love of cinema. When you keep in mind that this labor of love also needs to be rewarded with an organized work schedule that shows a respect for your crew's time and talents, you'll be well on your way to success with the film.