How can you effectively contribute to other filmmakers' projects?

When you're joining a project, it important to have a clear idea of what your role entails. Assumptions can cause conflict and confusion, so it's best to clarify early on. With a clear role, you perform at your best for the production.

This is a two way street. Understanding where not only you fit into a project, but the expectations your collaborators have of you is key to dispelling ambiguity. Start from a place of trust and expertise and ensure you effectively communicate with your partners. Also be ready for your role to change. As a project evolves, you may need to wear different hats. So be prepared to not have the same position from start to finish.

In my experience, when hired on to a film production, it is wise to know the chain of command and never criticize. Often a film project has been developed over years and perhaps, even a decade. So, what you may have criticisms or feedback on, could be way off base. As a crew member, you are not privy to the enormous work that has gone into the moment of which you are becoming a part of. Remember, whatever the project, you are building a cathedral. You may simply be laying bricks, but always know something far greater in scope is happening. The creators have vision and needn't be questioned. Listen with your eyes, ears and heart. And rather than criticize, ALWAYS come from the perspective of how can I help, and how can I be of service.

I have a policy when assisting on a project of pushing back once, and only once. This means that if I have an idea, I will be sure to speak up and clearly communicate the "what" and "why" of my opinion. If the main creator doesn't agree, I will try to push back one more time by more effectively stating my reasoning. If after this, the creator still doesn't agree, I move on. Push back once, and only once!

Communication is key for any successful project. Having a clear communication channel early on in the project will help ensure effective and clear progress. Communication starts early with a definition of the roles, the tasks, and continues with progress updates, reporting challenges, asking feedback, etc.

The best way to learn about filmmaking is by rolling up your sleeves and doing the work. There is so much valuable insights you can learn from being an observer. From mistakes to avoid to attributes you hope to embody in your own project, be a sponge and use your time to become better at the process.