entertainment industry coach question 697:What's a great method an A.D. can use to quiet a crew on set that gets to talking between takes of scenes?

I've never worked as an A.D. so maybe those of you who read this who are A.D.s can chime in (add to the comment section)

I have worked as a producer, and I've also worked on sets for A.D.s as talent. My personal feeling is you get better results by being a morale raiser than a ball buster.

Therefore, when you get the opportunity, call a quick meeting and tell everyone what a great job they're doing and how pleased you are to have such a great crew. Then tell them, one of the best ways to get more work is by creating strong relationships and the best way to do that is by making a good impression on people who can hire you again and refer you to other jobs.

Let them know that by talking in between shots, it could give the impression to the "higher-ups" that they're not focused, not taking the job seriously, or are just unprofessional. Suggest that they stay focused during the hours of the shoot and then, hang out and have fun with each other after the day is wrapped.

www.theGreenlightCoach.com FIND ME

www.twitter.com/GreenlightCoachFOLLOW ME

www.facebook.com/TheGreenlightCoachLIKE ME

www.TheGreenlightMentorProgram.comJOIN ME

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 603:When I do BG work I bond with the AD and 2nd AD but don't know how to send a a thank you card to them.

And by BG she is referring to background work. Anytime you create a relationship with someone, you can ask for their contact information. You can be cute and say, "at the risk of ruining the surprise, I'd like to send you a thank you note. How might I send that to you?" They may respond with their address, or give you an email, or their card with the info on it.

If they say, "you don't have to do that," listen very closely to HOW they are saying it. If they are a bit stand-offish, like "I don't want to give this person my contact information," then just drop it and look them up on Facebook a week later. Send them a friend request with a reminder of where you met. If you don't know their last name, try to get a call sheet (If they are a "green set" their call sheet may be on an iPad, and you'll have to use some detective work).

If they say it in a way that they are just being modest, say, "well, I've really enjoyed meeting you and would like to stay in contact. You never know when I may be able to help you connect with someone for another job you may be seeking, etc." Then ask for a card and if they don't have one ask if they'd like to write down their contact info or connect on Facebook.

www.theGreenlightCoach.com FIND ME

www.twitter.com/GreenlightCoach FOLLOW ME

www.TheGreenlightMentorProgram.com JOIN ME

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 325: How do you navigate egos on a movie set without alienating yourself?

I asked for more details on this one, and the gist is, a 2nd AD is doing a great job and getting high praise from the "higher ups." The 1st AD and one of the producers, is not liking the attention being paid to him.

First, let me say, that I really dislike the word ego. I think it's thrown around too much. In most cases when the person really does have an inflated ego, he/she isn't threatened by anyone, because by definition, Egomania: Excessive vanity, pride or arrogance. To be overly taken with ones own importance, doesn't allow them to care about you.

Usually what's going on is not egomania, but plain old simple insecurity. When someone doesn't feel completely confident about his/her abilities, job security, knowledge, etc, they feel easily threatened.

You can't control other people's insecurities, however you can do your best to put their minds at ease. If you pick up on the signals that they feel threatened, go out of your way to:

1. Ask them what you can do to help them.

2. Go the extra mile; see what they eat or drink from the craft service table and bring it to them when it looks like they can use a break.

3. Make it clear that you are there to support them and make them look good, and are ready to take their direction.

4. When you are given praise by the higher ups, acknowledge your fellow crew members and tell them what a great team they've put together.

It's not for you to make yourself small so that others can feel better about themselves. It's for you to be at your best so that others can shine along with you.

For more tips and advice by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com