Producing : To hire or not to hire by Mark Glamack

I hire the best people I can afford. People "just" looking for a job are motivated, dedicated and professional. I prefer people who are motivated to do a great job over people inspired by the novel. Frankly I don't care if the key grip or the first AD is inspired by the novel - I want them inspired by the work at hand.

I agree and for the most part have done the same D. Marcus. However, and hopefully the motivation from the director, writers, art director, music composer, costume designer, and other creatives find their inspiration and motivation from the original work and vision. Being a collaborative business, we all need to be on the same page, surrounding ourselves with people who go that extra mile in creating a work that will last the test of time and not just a work for hire. If the novel is unique, I for one, as a director would read it before I even considered doing the film.

I didn't realize you were specifically asking about the director. I think the director should be passionate about the project. As should the writer adapting the novel. I misunderstood your question. I thought you are asking from the producers point of view - not the directors. There is nothing wrong with "just" a work for hire. At least in my opinion. Lasting the test of time has never been my (personal) motivation. Mine is providing for my family. I go that extra mile working for hire. I've been fortunate in my career as a producer to find that most people working for hire also go that extra mile - not to last the test of time but to earn a living doing what they love. I apologize for misreading your question.

with a narrow exception for a few interns some exec wants to get — I never even bother with anyone who «was just applying for a job»

I'd give passion for the material huge bonus points. Somebody who is passionate about the material is obviously going to give it that extra effort and thought. That is just human nature. You think I'm going to put the same effort into performing in an industrial for a medical company that only employees will see as I would if I was playing in hmm Heat 2 - Al Pacino has to stop a new gang of armed robbers, led by a red-haired Irish expat gangster? No I will not, even if I was getting five times the money doing the industrial. Real talk.

And give me a DP who's done only short films but is passionate over a guy whose done 20 features and is indifferent about the material. Same for editor, costumes,etc. But I kind of agree with D Marcus in that the boom operator just needs to be good at pointing the boom, that's a less creative position obviously so they don't even need to know what the story is about.

That's too bad, Dave. I feel you should put exactly the same about of passion into every project you do. A good work ethic is an important thing. An excellent one is rare. It's sad to me to hear that there are people who see work the way you do. But I think you're right - that's just human nature. I have always fought human nature and give my best no matter what I'm doing or how much I'm getting paid. It also makes the answers to Mark's question fascinating; You wouldn't put 100% into every project you do so it's logical that most people won't. I put 100% into everything I do so I think most people will.

lol, are you criticizing my work ethic from your lofty pedestal? sorry D but I honestly don't believe you give the same effort to all projects but if you do then you must be some kind of superhuman or something, maybe you can start your own religion.

Not a lofty pedestal. And no criticism of your work ethic, Dave. I understand that you don't believe I give the same effort to all projects because you don't. That, too, is human nature. But it's not "superhuman" or religious - it's my, personal, work ethic. Different than yours - not better. I see I upset you. I apologize.

It's cool D I'm not upset, it's just I have a very different experience from you - everyone I meet is out for themselves and will drop a project for a better one if they can get out of it, but New York is the world capital for that kind of behavior so maybe it's a bit skewed here!

I'm glad. You seemed to be getting personal with your “superhuman” and religion comment. As I said in my first comment to you I agree that it's human nature and personal experience. No offense was intended. My only intent is to express my own, personal, opinion. I'm sorry you honestly don't believe I'm telling the truth. I, too, am from New York. I guess I surround myself with people who believe giving that extra effort all the time is essential. We each make our own choices. I'm not putting you down or criticizing your work ethic when I say it's too bad that you won't give that extra effort to every project you are involved in. Just my opinion based on what you wrote. I suspect you are in the majority. I consider myself fortunate that those I work with give that extra effort.