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

Question 2: What is the purpose of doing a set visit?

There are many reasons to visit a movie, television, or commercial set.  To name a few:

1. As a professional, who could be called to work on that set one day, you want to assess the atmosphere so when you show up to work, you fit right into the mix.  It will make it a smoother transition for everyone when you already have a sense of the workplace.

2. There is an energy about being on set that can be very inspirational.  Stay for a while to soak up that energy that comes from creative people doing what they do best.

3. It's a great place to meet new like-minded people because you've been invited by someone who will introduce you to the people they know you'll connect with.

4. If your union has an "available list," it's your job to let other members know who you are so when they call for the list they see a familiar name.  It makes their job easier when they recognize the names on that list.

5. Ever heard the expression: Being in the right place at the right time?  Put yourself in the right place, and it will become the right time.  If someone working on set gets a call for work and they're already at work, they may turn to you and ask if you'd like the job.  (This has happened to quite a few of my clients.)

For more tips and articles by The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachblog.com