Building the Dream Team: How to Assemble the Perfect Crew as a DP

Oct 12 (edited) in 💬 | General Discussion

Someone recently asked me about how I go about determining the size and composition of my crew for a television series. It's a great question, and one that deserves an in-depth answer, as the crew truly means everything to me as a director of photography.

Assembling the perfect crew is one of the most critical responsibilities I have on any film or television project. The team I work with directly impacts the quality of the visuals we capture, the overall efficiency of the production, and ultimately, the success of the project itself.

When it comes to building my crew, I follow a few key principles:

1. Surround yourself with experience: I make it a point to work with individuals who are more experienced than me in their respective roles. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise is invaluable, and I can learn so much from them.

2. Hire for attitude, not just skills: While technical skills are important, I prioritize hiring crew members who are great people with positive attitudes and a genuine passion for the work. I want a team that is truly invested in the project, not just there for a paycheck.

3. Get to know your crew: Before assembling the crew, I take the time to get to know each potential member on a personal level. I'm curious about their backgrounds, their strengths, and their areas for growth. This helps me understand how they'll fit into the team dynamic.

4. Be transparent about your own weaknesses: I'm not afraid to share my own weaknesses and areas where I need support. This openness fosters a collaborative environment where we can all learn and grow together.

5. Ask about their growth areas: During the hiring process, I make sure to ask each candidate about the areas they'd like to improve or the skills they want to develop further. This allows me to provide opportunities for growth and mentorship throughout the project.

By following these principles, I'm able to assemble a crew that is not only highly skilled but also deeply invested in the success of the project. We become a cohesive unit, a well-oiled machine that operates in perfect synchronicity.

From the gaffer and the key grip to the electricians and the grips, every crew member plays a vital role in translating my vision onto the screen. Their contributions are invaluable, and their dedication the vision is what sets them apart.

4 comments