How We Select Our Crew: Behind the Scenes of Our Process
When it comes to finding the right film crew, it’s not just about technical skills—it’s about finding people you trust, people who make those long days on set not just bearable but enjoyable. At Here Now Films, we’ve spent years building relationships with talented individuals who not only excel at their craft but also share our values: creativity, professionalism, and a good dose of adaptability.
In this blog, we’re peeling back the curtain on how we approach sourcing and selecting our crew. From producers to runners, and every role in between, we’ll walk you through the qualities we look for, the skills that matter, and why fostering long-term relationships with our crew is at the heart of everything we do.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
The qualities that set a great crew member apart.
The technical and personal skills required for key crew roles.
How we vet and onboard new talent.
Why teamwork and personality are non-negotiables.
Real stories from the set that highlight why this process matters.
What Do We Look for in a Crew Member?
First and foremost, we only hire people we’d want on our own sets. This isn’t just about professionalism or ticking boxes—it’s about creating a team that works together seamlessly, even in high-pressure situations.
We want hard-working people who roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. The best crew members don’t just “do their job”; they anticipate problems, find solutions, and look out for the production’s best interests.
Take one of our recent shoots for an international brand campaign. We had a tight schedule, multiple locations, and the inevitable curveballs that come with filming. It was the versatility of our crew—what we like to call “Swiss Army Penknife” professionals—that saved the day. A gaffer who doubled as a focus puller, a producer who jumped behind the second camera—it’s this level of commitment and adaptability that sets the best apart.
What Technical Skills Are Essential for Different Crew Roles?
Every role on a production has its own unique demands, but here’s what we prioritize for the key players:
1. Producers
A producer is the engine of any production. They’re the ones holding the logistics together—coordinating crew, managing contributors, securing licenses, and ensuring everyone’s fed and hydrated.
But it’s not just about organization; it’s about attitude. We love producers who stay calm under pressure and bring positive energy to the set. There’s nothing worse than a producer who thrives on creating drama. Instead, we look for those who approach problems with a cool head and creative solutions.
One of our favorite producers worked with us on a fast-paced shoot in central London. Not only did they keep the team running smoothly, but they spotted a stray competitor logo in the background of a critical scene and quietly fixed it before the camera rolled. That’s the level of detail we admire. This is one small example but is the type of role we look for, someone involved and someone that cares.
2. Director of Photography (DOP)
The DOP is the visual storyteller of the production, and we rely on them to bring the director’s vision to life. It’s not just about technical skills—although those are crucial—it’s about collaboration and problem-solving.
Luke Ogden, one of our go-to DOPs, is a perfect example. He’s worked with us on projects ranging from high-end corporate films to the Paris Olympics. Luke’s ability to light a scene beautifully while keeping things on schedule has made him indispensable. Plus, he’s one of those rare people who can gaff as well as he shoots—a true Swiss Army Penknife.
3. First Assistant Director (1st AD)
A great 1st AD is the director’s right hand and the set’s drill sergeant. They’re responsible for keeping the production on schedule and ensuring the crew works together like a well-oiled machine.
The best 1st ADs balance authority with approachability. They can bark out a call sheet update one minute and quietly troubleshoot a wardrobe issue the next. On one of our bigger shoots, the 1st AD’s quick thinking saved us hours when a location fell through last minute—they juggled the schedule, coordinated the team, and kept the shoot moving without missing a beat.
4. Camera Operators
While the DOP sets the visual tone, the camera operator is the person capturing the magic. A great operator knows how to move fluidly with the action, anticipate the next shot, and handle the technical complexities of modern equipment.
We look for operators who think like editors—people who understand pacing and can intuitively frame a shot that tells the story.
5. Sound Engineers
If visuals are half the story, sound is the other half. We work with sound engineers who don’t just capture clean audio but actively think ahead—anticipating acoustic challenges and adapting quickly.
One of our soundies recently turned a nightmare shoot into a success by cleverly rigging lav mics in a location with terrible echo. It’s that level of foresight and ingenuity that makes a great sound engineer invaluable.
6. Runners
Never underestimate the importance of a good runner. They might be entry-level, but they’re often the glue that holds a production together. A proactive runner can spot problems before anyone else and quietly solve them without fanfare.
We’ve had runners who’ve saved shoots by sprinting across town for last-minute gear or keeping morale high with a well-timed coffee run. For us, the best runners are the ones who take initiative and treat every task—no matter how small—as vital.
7. Hair and Makeup Artists (H&MU)
H&MU isn’t just about making people look good; it’s about enhancing the story. Whether it’s subtle makeup to create realism or elaborate styling for a period piece, we look for artists who understand the role their work plays in the narrative.
I always tell people that a good Hair and Make Up artist is one of the most important people on set! In my experience, they set the tone of the day as they are the first people the contributor will spend a solid amount of time with. So they need to be friendly, enthusiastic, upbeat and able to bring the best out of people.
8. Gaffers, Grips, and Beyond
Lighting, rigging, and set design can make or break a production. Our gaffers and grips are not only technically skilled but also problem-solvers who work seamlessly with the camera and art departments. We love working with people who bring a “let’s make it happen” energy to set.
How Do We Vet & Onboard New Talent?
Finding the right crew starts with a conversation. We always begin with a phone call to get a sense of a person’s experience, attitude, and work ethic. If we’re interested, we’ll invite them to work on one of our in-house productions as a trial run. This gives us a chance to see how they handle the pressures of a real shoot.
We also rely on references and past work. A solid portfolio is a must, but we place just as much value on word-of-mouth recommendations from our trusted network.
Why Teamwork and Personality Are Non-Negotiable
When you’re working 12-hour days, personality matters. The best crew members bring a mix of professionalism and good humor that keeps the team motivated even during tough patches.
We also need crew members who represent us well. Whether they’re interacting with a client or just setting up gear, they need to embody the professionalism and care that Here Now Films is known for.
Building Long-Term Relationships
At the end of the day, our approach is about relationships. By working with the same trusted crew members time and time again, we create a level of trust and collaboration that’s hard to replicate.
Take Luke Ogden, who’s been with us on countless projects, or the producer who spotted that stray logo in London. These are the people who make our work not just possible but exceptional.
Wrapping It Up
Selecting a film crew isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building a team you can rely on. At Here Now Films, we’ve honed our approach to ensure every production runs smoothly, delivering results that exceed expectations.
If you’re looking for a crew that brings creativity, professionalism, and a little bit of magic to the set, you’ve come to the right place.
