"Your set was so professional."

This was a statement that told to me recently by an actress who was on-set for my feature film Gatling. I've actually heard that quite a few times from various people since we wrapped production. This comment generated two thoughts in my mind: gratitude & condemnation. Let me expound.

BTS of the set of Gatling

Hearing that comment definitely is a stroke to the ego, no doubt. Just like every great organization, it starts from the top down. The leader sets the tone. Although this was my first time directing a feature film, I did have a bit of confidence. Owning a business, being a leader of every sports team I was ever on, and also working as an instructor & professor, I pride myself on being able to successfully communicate a vision and help motivate to ensure the execution of said vision. That vision and creation of culture was communicated since day one. Make people feel heard and appreciated too, and they will go to battle for you. All that being said, I can't take all the credit though. This is why you hire a team that is full of people you can trust and have integrity. Everyone that worked on the crew of Gatling were high-character people that either 1. I worked directly with on a previous set and/or 2. they came highly recommended by people I do vehemently trust. This vetting process helps ensure that you have the right people in the right seats. Also, shoutout to our AD & Producer Zach Shildwachter for being a boss on set and helping set the high level of professionalism. Zach was instrumental in the success of our project, especially because I was also acting in the film as well. When I was in front of camera, Zach was helping steer the ship through stormy waters. And the rest of the phenomenal crew: Mick Kunz, Brandon Jester, Chad Critelli, Matt Barnhart, Zack Meadows, Moses Rivera, Jake Cole, Andrew Chapman, Ben Garton, Shannon Ahlstrand, Chad Knauer, and the list goes on & on. Bottom line: set the tone yourself, and surround yourself good human beings. As Denis Villeneuve said, they should be people that are "in love with cinema, not in love with themselves."

Alright, thought number two: condemnation. "Your set was so professional" implies that there are many other sets are not. This isn't to say "wow look at our set, it's so professional, you suck because yours is not." There are still many great independent filmmakers in Ohio and elsewhere that run great sets. BUT, I have been on so many sets where that was not the case. I have stories galore, as I'm sure of lot of you film professionals reading this will agree with. But, this isn't the platform to out people (although I will tell you in person and expose all the cockroaches.) It reminds me of a what Abraham Lincoln said, "I've never met a man that I didn't learn something from, most of the time it was what not to do." Every time I was on a movie set I learned something. Most of the time it was me noting to myself "I will never do this or that", the craziness that I was witnessing. The term "unprofessional" can mean so many things. Lack of clear communication, laziness, sloppiness, gross behavior, exploitation of cast & crew, horrible conditions, etc, etc. I think one reason that sets can be a bit chaotic and disorganized stems from the brains of those in charge. Actors, writers and directors I believe tend to be right-brain oriented. In her book The Film Director's Intuition, Judith Weston discusses this theory. Right-brain is great for creativity & intuition. The left brain, however, is more for focus & concentration. This is an area I have noticed some filmmakers/directors lack. I think what makes a great filmmaker is being balanced in both right and left brain. If you're not, make sure to get a producer who has good left-brain qualities. Outsource your weaknesses, so to speak.

Film is a very demanding and vulnerable art form and craft. The nature of film sets can be very tough and emotionally and physically taxing. We expect a lot from our cast & crew. We put them through long, tough days. It is the duty of those in charge to mitigate the dangers on set and to create a healthy, inclusive, and positive work environment. Everyone should feel valued, respected, and appreciated. Remember, at the end of the day we are dressing up and playing in front of the camera. And although it should be taken seriously, we are just making a movie. Make sure the people that are on your set have a positive experience. "Your set was so professional", shouldn't be the exception, it has to be the rule.

The best cast & crew a guy could ask for.