Run a music video with a crew of four
You do not need twelve people. Four skilled humans cover every essential role.
The essential four
Director slash camera operator, lighting and grip, production assistant, and BTS slash social. Everyone does two jobs, nobody does zero.
Hire for attitude and reliability over credits. A hungry PA beats a bored veteran.
Feed them well
Good crafty buys more goodwill than a bigger day rate. Feed people on time, keep water cold, and wrap when you say you will.
Respect builds the crew that comes back for the next one.
Communicate the plan
Send the shot list and schedule the night before. A crew that knows the plan moves twice as fast.
Next step: build your go to four person call sheet template and keep it ready.
Cross train everyone
Teach your PA basic camera and your BTS shooter basic lighting. Redundancy saves shoots when someone is sick.
Document your workflows. A shared doc means new crew members ramp up in hours, not days.
Your Monday action plan
Write your ideal four person call sheet with names and backup contacts. Keep it updated.
Create a shared folder with your shot list template, schedule template, and release forms.
Sources and further reading
Sources were checked for this article. Tool features, prices and availability can change. Product claims are attributed to their publishers.
