Filmmaking / Directing : Politic talk on set by Bryce Gardner

Before cameras roll, set the expectations: safety first (if you see something, say something), no political talk, no cellphones (or limited as they're used for many jobs), no drugs or booze permitted on set (arrive sober), no talking, moving around during takes, at the end of the take stay where you are (many want to rush to video village to see the replay)... the list goes on, and it's repeated regularly.

Bryce Gardner This is a thing that happens mostly on amateur or very indie sets, and it happens because people do not have a professional attitude about their work or the workplace. On a professional set (note budget is not relevant to a professionally run set), you as a producer are an employer and that means that in many if not most jurisdictions you are required by law to provide a safe workspace and that includes, also by law, zero tolerance over harassment and intimidation, etc. You have real liability here, including personal criminal sanctions, for not enforcing this. Political discussions and similar topics are generally forbidden therefore if not explicitly then by implication. You stop this from the beginning in your "start paperwork" which should include zero tolerance clauses on drug abuse, harassment, etc. and you would reinforce that from the top down with a professional respectful attitude and immediate action on hearing or hearing of such behavior.

don't hire fascists or fascist apologists

I've honestly not been on a set that it has been a problem. If your crew and cast are professional, they are there to do the job hired, the talk is generally about the work at hand. Just keep the focus on the wonderful movie you're creating.

Like most situations, set expectations, limits, and boundaries up front. Be direct and clear.

This is a vital conversation, Bryce. As someone coming from a background in international diplomacy and journalism, I’ve found that the 'set' is very much like a mission. My approach is to establish a shared 'Mission Statement' during pre-production.

We aren't there as political individuals; we are there as a collective to tell a specific story. If the story itself is political (like my current project, CURFEW), we keep the focus strictly on the narrative and the craft. When the work is the priority, personal politics usually take a back seat to professional excellence.

I appreciate the experiences and thoughtful replies. Thank you!

And yes, it is a micro budget film as many guessed. I am just starting out, so your comments and knowledge are invaluable to me.

In my experience, this usually isn’t been an issue on the sets I worked on. Professional crews and cast are there to do their jobs, and most of the chatter is about the work! And just keeping the vibes centered around the project at hand! Just keep your eyes on the amazing film you’re creating! If anything comes up, kindly set a clear boundary :)

Hi, Bryce Gardner. The sets I've been on have also been for small, microbudget films. Some of them were run by other people; for some of them I was a Producer or Director.

Fortunately, there just wasn't any such controversy on those sets. The cast and crew were professionals who were there to do their respective jobs for the production.

There are never any guarantees about anything. But, I believe it matters how you initially find your cast and crew members. As a Producer, post each of your open roles on respected job boards; vet your candidates; make sure each candidate has some prior experience (check their IMDb profile) and is actively working to build a careers in the film industry. But also check with their references (at least two if not more).

You can also find cast and crew through any reliable contacts you directly know and trust. That helps, but you should still vet their experience and verify that they were professional and easy enough to work with.

Do your part, too. Through all phases of the entire journey, operate your production professionally. Make sure each candidate you select signs an official contract for their respective position. That helps clarify the work details of the role itself, of course. But it also reinforces that you're running a production professionally.

My feeling is that a person who has worked on some projects and intends to grow or maintain their career in the industry cares about their professional reputation and is unlikely to do or say anything that may compromise that reputation. To that end they are likely to avoid (or at least not linger in) exchanges that may cause a rift among their coworkers—who, ironically, they may wind up working with again in future projects.

Also, if they see the people who are running the set are professional, they will act the same.

Good luck with your film.