Behind the Scenes: Why You Should Run Your Office Like a Film Set

Making a movie is no small feat. Those working behind-the-scenes must be meticulous in their work to make movie magic happen. Whether it’s dealing with high profile, demanding actors, lighting a scene, or balancing a multi-million dollar budget, no box can be left unchecked.  

Organization and flexibility are key  

The average film set employees between 500-1,000 people all with different roles and responsibilities. Just to name a few… 

• The assistant director oversees every crew member 
• The costume designer handles every piece of clothing 
• The production designer ensures all props are ready to be used 

At any given moment a director can formulate new idea to be executed or decide to pivot when a plan isn’t coming together. Having a well-organized set makes everyone’s job easier and facilitates flexibility. 

The same can be said about working in an office. Without proper organization and flexibility, projects can fall apart before they can even get off the ground. Managers need to maintain an organized workplace in order to ensure every employee can be flexible and find success.  

Teamwork is essential 

A film set is one of the most collaborative work environments. The director may be top dog, but it is definitely not a one-person show. Standing behind every great filmmaker is an entire crew of dedicated people who help make their vision come to life. Likewise, standing behind every successful CEO is a team of dedicated employees. 

Film Directors and CEOs need to be clear in their vision, while also listening to the ideas of the creative minds around them. A film set can’t exist without camera operators and craft services just like an office can’t exist without HR, payroll system, and other departments. 

Whether it be sales, marketing, onboarding, or any task in between, each member of a film set or an office need to feel as though their work is valuable and integral to the success of the group.  

Time is money  

With filmmaking, everything hinges on a strict timeline. Equipment can often only be rented for so many days, and it often takes many hours for a short scene to be set up and shot. If anyone is running late or unprepared, production can stall, which means even more time and money are wasted. 

Timeliness is the of the most valuable assets to have in any work environment. One person in an office can change the entire trajectory of a project if they aren’t on top of their time management. Managers and employees need clear, reasonable deadlines to ensure maximum success when working on projects, as well as the tools and ability to meet these deadlines. 

The devil is in the details 

Have you ever watched a movie and noticed a boom mike slipping into the frame? Or maybe you spotted a Starbucks cup in your favorite episode of Game of Thrones? Attention to detail is crucial to the success of a film. 

Since films are largely shot out of order, it is important that every detail is treated with the utmost importance—from the positions the actors are standing to the light being let into a scene. Script and continuity supervisors are constantly on-hand making sure the actors hit every word and mark perfectly. 

No detail can be left overlooked, just as none can be in an office. Attention to details can make or break a project’s success. Employees can’t be so focused on the big picture they forget to perfect every step along the way. Having a sharp eye and a love of the little things are all crucial for a successful office. 

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