How Do You Get Them To Care?

In a collaborative medium like film or theatre, the producer needs to get everyone to care deeply about the final result. And when you’re working in small theatre or independent film, you’re asking people to work for lower pay and on lower budgets. So, how do you get them to care?

First, you must have empathy. Remember, everyone’s busy, everyone’s got problems, everyone’s got a lot on their plate. Your priorities are not their priorities.

Second, start and lead with passion. If you’re not making this art because you absolutely love it, then why are you doing it? And why would you expect anyone else to care? You as the producer first, must be all-in.

Third, communicate to everyone, early and often, your passion and love for this project. How it came to be. Everyone loves a good origin story. Your enthusiasm will be infectious! (Including for the audience you want to come see it.)

Fourth, demonstrate your love with your actions. Be the hardest working person around. Have no ego. Over communicate. Strive for excellence and generosity at all times. Design a work plan and set realistic deadlines. Give your artists creative freedom. If someone makes a mistake (including you), then be understanding yet also constructive.

Lastly, choose well from the get go. Find people with similar work ethics and generous spirits. Who are also in it because they love it. This might mean taking much longer to search for and cast your actors, designers and stage crew. But that extra time is worth it.

You can’t make anyone care. 

But YOU, producer, must care deeply. 

And because you care every step of the way, they will care too.