Here's how you can earn your boss's trust in the film production industry.

In film production, taking initiative is key to standing out. I actively seek opportunities to contribute by offering creative insights, preemptively solving challenges, or being the first on set. Demonstrating eagerness and capability not only catches the boss's attention but also underscores my value as a proactive team player. By anticipating needs and taking decisive action, I strive to enhance project efficiency and contribute meaningfully to the overall success of the production.

I feel showing initiative is probably one of the most powerful tools you can have for your success and the success of a production. Being willing to go that extra mile or taking on a task before anyone asks you to is the quickest way to move up the ranks on a set. And it also shows that you care and take pride in the work you do. I always say "How you do anything is how you do everything" If you have the opportunity to work on a film set be a valuable asset because you will show the production that you want to help and be useful for the success of the production.

Communicate proactively about your progress and any challenges you face, showing that you’re transparent and dependable. Take the initiative to solve problems and offer creative solutions, highlighting your commitment to the project’s success. Show respect for your boss’s vision and decisions, while also respectfully sharing your own ideas and insights. Be adaptable and willing to take on new responsibilities or help out where needed, demonstrating your dedication and team spirit. Maintain a positive and professional demeanor, even under pressure, to build a reputation as someone who can be relied upon in challenging situations.

Giving credit where it's due, taking initiative, embracing a "sharing is caring" mentality, and being open to others' ideas are essential for fostering a collaborative and successful environment. Acknowledging and valuing everyone's contributions encourages a positive team dynamic. Taking initiative involves not waiting for instructions but actively seeking opportunities to contribute creatively and solve problems proactively. When you're open to others' ideas, you enrich the creative process by incorporating diverse perspectives and fostering innovation. Sharing knowledge, resources, and credit with your team builds trust and strengthens collaboration. This enhances the overall quality and efficiency of film production.

Clear, concise, and consistent communication is vital in film production. I prioritize ensuring mutual understanding through effective email, phone, and face-to-face interactions. Keeping my boss informed about project progress and potential issues builds trust and demonstrates proactive management of responsibilities. This transparency fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is aligned, contributing to the smooth execution and success of the production.

Punctuality sets the tone for the entire day. As the saying goes, "If you're five minutes early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late." Being punctual is crucial because timing is everything in this industry. Your team depends on you to promptly respond to emails, calls, and requests, and to assist others if they fall behind. It's important to complain less and instead focus on finding solutions independently, minimizing the need for excessive questions. By consistently demonstrating punctuality, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving, you not only earn trust and respect but also contribute significantly to a smooth and efficient production process.

One of the main mantras I live by is "Always A Student" No matter what level or skill set you are in your career you can never stop learning. Every production is different and it has unique challenges. So I use those challenges as learning opportunities. I add that to my toolkit so I'm ready when a similar thing happens in the future. I also feel it's equally important to share the things you have learned with others. Knowledge and information are powerful and it should be shared. This way your team can all benefit from it and grow collectively.

I feel this can be such a hot topic but a necessary one. Respecting boundaries for yourself and others is a powerful thing. Because on the one hand, it respects others and protects you as well. Being aware of someone's boundaries should not be overlooked. You can quickly find yourself in an uncomfortable position if you're not self-aware of this. On the flip side, setting boundaries for yourself is just as important to prevent you from being taken advantage of on so many levels. This is a two-way street and you should always look both ways before crossing.

Being able to solve problems on set is crucial to its success. One of the key factors to problem-solving is to keep your cool, don't take the problem personally, and work toward the solution. If you're a director of a production, you're essentially the captain of the ship, so if the crew sees you get rattled, this will have a trickle-down effect, and before you know it the whole production has unraveled. There are always multiple ways to solve a problem, so you must consult with your team and find the solution. I always say you didn't get the opportunity to be on set by accident, you are there because of your talent and skill set. So if you trust in that you will find the solution to any obstacle you face.