Episode 26: Check on People 🎬👥

Episode 26: Check on People 🎬👥
🎙 Welcome back to Make Your Film—I’m Denis O’Brien, bringing you straight-up, real-world advice from over 550 productions. Today, we’re talking about something that doesn’t get mentioned enough in filmmaking: Checking on your people.

Filmmaking Is a Team Sport
Movies don’t get made alone. Your crew, cast, and collaborators are the backbone of your project. And while we all focus on budgets, schedules, and shots—we sometimes forget the human element.

✔️ Are your people okay?
✔️ Are they being heard?
✔️ Are they burning out?

A well-fed, well-rested, and respected crew will give you their best. A stressed, exhausted, or ignored crew? Not so much.

The Small Things Matter
You don’t need a huge budget to take care of people. A little effort goes a long way:
🎥 A quick check-in: “How are you holding up?”
🎥 Good food: Feed your team well. Crappy food = crappy morale.
🎥 Breaks: Long days are part of the game, but exhaustion leads to mistakes.

When people feel valued, they bring their A-game.

Check In Even When You're Not Working Together
It’s not just about the project you’re on right now. Freelancers and subcontractors are part of your extended film family—they’re the ones who will make or break your next production.

✔️ Shoot them a text.
✔️ See how their projects are going.
✔️ Keep those relationships alive.

If you expect them to shine for you when it counts, show them you care even when you’re not cutting checks.

Leadership Is About People
Being a director, producer, or department head isn’t just about calling shots—it’s about leading. Great leaders listen. They support. They make sure their team is running at full strength.

So today’s takeaway? Check on your people. A strong crew makes strong films.

💡 For more real-world filmmaking insights, head over to MakeYourFilm.net. My book is out this Friday—don’t miss it!

🎬 Now, take care of your team—and MAKE YOUR FILM.