We were a tiny, micro-budget production. I mean ten cast and crew small. Fortunately, we scored a free permit at the city park, firstly because of our micro-size, but secondly because we presented ourselves professionally, providing all the relevant details of our planned shoot day: how few of us there were; how long we’d be there; what part of the park we needed; how we’d not need to interrupt any of the public from enjoying the park or its paths and so on.
On the day, however, we received a call from the park officer who’d granted us the permit. Irate is the word that comes to mind. They were remarkably angry that we’d so badly abused the favour of a free permit. They’d had multiple complaints from the public within the first two hours of our day, complaining that we were blocking traffic, blocking footpaths, ordering public around like we’d owned the place… basically we were being exceedingly rude and entitled. I kept my cool and said how surprised and confused I was by the report because we hadn’t done any of those things. We were indeed only ten people, no park road or pathway was blocked and the only interaction we’d had with the public was to pause our rehearsal twice to allow foot traffic go by – we didn’t stop them at all. I gently asked if there happened to be a different film production in another part of the park at the same time as us.
They admitted that there was and then apologized quickly, thanking us for not in fact abusing the favour. The other production was a long running big budget production and they would give them a call next.
I did not envy the person on the receiving end of that next phone call.
From the experience, I learned a few things:
- If you’re asking for a favour, be straightforward and truthful, i.e. say what you’re actually going to do (or need); do not try to spin a story that you think will score you the favour.
- If you do receive a favour from someone, don’t abuse it.
- There is prejudice against micro-budget productions for being unprofessional and rude – not seeing beyond their own interests; however, that kind of behaviour can happen at any budget level. Act professional and respectful no matter how much money you have or don’t have, because…
- Every production – big or tiny – represents the entire film industry.
What you send out into the world comes back to you. Make it good.
Cheers & a good shoot to you,
Deb
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“Film Production Management 101” (now in its third edition) is updated for today’s respectful workplace and sustainable practices – available worldwide, including Amazon-USA, Indigo-Canada and many other bookstores or directly from the publisher (MWP).
