Im a director who didnt graduate high school. Often these
academic questions are over my head - they dont seem based in
reality but in theory. I guess that studying is just about all
theory anyway, so Ill attempt to answer. But keep in mind I
direct from experience and dont ever think of the how and
why.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
How important is the atmosphere on set for your production?

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I dont understand this one. The over all atmosphere of any
working environment should be exactly the same, right? A
classroom, a restaurant, a law office, a set should all be places
of trust and respect. Not all are, but the atmosphere is important
in any working environment.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
Explain the importance of the first time you meet your actors, and what they make of you.

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The first time I meet my actors is usually at the audition. I
cant tell you what they make of me. But as in any situation the
first impression is important. I try to express my passion for
the project and my understanding of their audition process.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
Can it be difficult to trust your actors at times?

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It can be difficult to trust any human. Building trust between the
actor and the director is important - just as it is for any
working relationship. I dont believe there is any more or less
difficulty trusting actors than trusting anyone else.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
Is it important for your actors and crew to familiarise with each other?

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Too ambiguous for me to answer. What do you mean by familiarize?
Any group of people working together will begin to know each
other. And in any group, be it in a classroom, or a construction
site or a set, some people will be more outgoing and some more
withdrawn. I suspect Im missing the point of this question.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
If there is a disruption on set, how can this affect the actors performance?

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Each actor handles a disruption differently. Some are not affected
at all. It also depends on what kind of disruption.

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew Salamonczyk
What productions have you had a directing role in (link if possible)?

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I have directed music videos, theater, theme park shows and movies
for the video market.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

I think its more important to keep the production professional. Respect and leadership, not childbirth and parenting classes or dating (unless that is the goal...haha).

A production is a big and expensive business.

Serge Kozak
http://producerproducer.net

There is a phrase, "management cannot be taught", and it refers to the fact that leadership and management requires a working knowledge of the psychological and social factors that affect people. I've learned this time and again over the past decade, as I started my firm and learned the finer points of dealing with people.

As for the psychological factors, a producer, director, or any person working in an organization, must learn how to get along with people. He must also learn how to motivate people, know when to push them, when NOT to push them, and, in general, how to be a people person.

I'm not a psychologist, but I've learned through trial and error how to be a business owner, and I hope to use it one day to create a multi-media company.

One more thing. Many people want to be producers, but they forget the one important lesson - yes, they want to be the leader and give orders, but why should other people follow? That's the question all aspiring producers and moguls must answer.

Actually, you've asked an open-ended question, and there can be no quick answer to your question. You would be better to do research on the psychology of leadership or management, and then you will have a better idea of what you're looking for.

Your questions don't address "the difficult egotistical" actor. That can have a significant impact on one's state of mind. 🙂

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com