1.2 - Identify Time Management Skills

Why is time management important in the film industry?

Time management is an essential skill in working in the film industry as mentioned in my previous blog as deadlines are so important. Many people are relying on you to do your job and very often another aspect of the production will not be able to start without your task being finished. This can get particularly complicated if people are working in multiple jobs. If the film goes over the time schedule the costs rise dramatically putting more pressure on the film to make money. The weather and light conditionsare also  factors as it can considerable delay production if the conditions cannot be matched on a regular basis or if filming has to be re-shot and the weather and or light conditions have changed.

The key skills which need to be developed are:

·         Self discipline – time management is 99% self-discipline.

·         Punctuality – everyone needs to be on time

·         Schedules and call sheets – without them being kept up to date things will fall behind

·         Using to do lists – these need to be used but in a flexible manner so that they become a positive tool for all members of the cast and crew on the film, making them rigid and unobtainable can be negative a s a team building tool so care needs to be taken daily when drawing them up.

·         Prior preparation and planning- again effective planning means making sure that preparations are discussed with all members of the team before anything actually stars and then regularly updating these as circumstances and staff change and the production moves forward. Flexibility is the key whilst still keeping the timeline in mind at all times