Tips for Ideal Crew Members

Hi guys,

Firstly a fond farewell to Karla for all she’s done and a warm welcome to Kelly who’s the new EO. Knowing those two there’ll be a seamless transfer.

This may not be on many people’s radar but I thought I’d let you know from a production perspective what makes an ideal crew member.

• Have an up-to-date CV so we can sell you - or use an IMDB page (if you want to edit get IMDB Pro), get a webpage or online showreel.
• Tell us your T&C before the job if they differ from the Blue Book.
• Complete any paperwork like NDA’s and contracts promptly so we don’t have to chase you.
• Check who’s insuring the job before you hire your gear out.
• Be flexible when there’s a good reason to. We are led by creative people who change their minds willy-nilly.
• If you have a first pencil and you’re offered a confirmed job over the same dates, please double-check before saying you’re not available. Producers will often forget they’ve pencilled independents.
• Let us know if you’re going into OT before it happens and why. Forewarned is forearmed.
• If you have a PC float, please be mindful that it often needs to be scanned.
• Balance your PC – the amount you receive less purchases equals the balance. Pay the correct balance.
• Invoices - include your hours, add it up correctly, get them in ASAP, keep to one page ideally. I know the idiosyncrasies of everyone’s invoices in Queenstown and there are some I dread receiving.
• Send in your IR330C even if you know it’s on file as the person collecting them might not. Ideally work out your own tax or at least note your rate.
• Send in your expense receipts with your invoice and remember they include GST.
• Pay your parking tickets on rentals.
• Keep the big picture in mind and don’t be petty with rules.
• And if you’re not a SIGANZ member and you find yourself quoting the Blue Book, perhaps you should be?

In return, I hope you’re respected, communicated with, fed well, and paid as soon as accounts can complete their process.

If you have any advice on what makes a good production department then I’d love to hear from you - annie@queenstown.co.nz