How to Hire a Film Crew in Cleveland

Learning how to hire a film crew in Cleveland can be quite difficult, but it’s a necessary undertaking to ensure that you create quality videos! There is plenty to take into consideration when you are hiring a film staff: budget, expertise, reliability, and so much more! Team Beverly Boy has listed some resources to help you approach the hiring process with clarity and confidence!

We also service the following zip codes: 44094, 44221, 44001, and 44273. 

Film Crew Positions

The first step is to understand the different roles that play a part in the film production process. By hiring certain positions in a specific order, your professional Cleveland crew can make the hiring process run quickly and easily for you because they can give you strong recommendations.

We offer full service Cleveland film production services. From location scouting to Cleveland film permits, we’ve got the tools for taking on every step of the process, so when you need a 3 man film crew at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or you are shooting an independent film on East 4th Street we are here to help. 

Here’s the Cleveland film crew hierarchy:

• Director – The main force behind the production. Hiring them first is a huge help because they can recommend other people for you to hire for your production, especially those that they work well with.
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• Script Writer – This person is necessary to hire first, before a director, if you don’t have a script because directors want to see a script before accepting a project.
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• Line Producer – Ensures that your production stays on time and budget.
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• Unit Production Manager – Responsible for the logistics of a production. In conjunction with the line producer, they can offer insight on hiring other crew members.
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• Production Coordinator – This person helps with the paperwork and other administrative tasks that a production requires.
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• Locations Manager – They scout locations for film sets that you need outside of a studio.
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• Cinematographer – One of the most important roles- they film the project!
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• Production Manager – The person in charge of expenses and negotiating the various contracts. Cinematographers often have recommendations for this role.
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• Production Designer – Responsible for the creative side of the project. They can be recommended through production managers.
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• Sound Engineer – The one who makes the audio sound amazing- a very important role!
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• Sound Crew – Sound engineers may seem like they can do magic, but poor quality audio limits what they are able to accomplish! A sound crew gives them exactly what they need to make it come together.

How to Find a Film Crew in Cleveland

The best way to find a film crew in Cleveland is to hire an experienced film production company, such as Beverly Boy Productions. You need to do your homework, of course, to choose the team that is best suited for your project, but our knowledge can help you make the hard decisions you may be facing!

If you would rather handle the hiring process by yourself, here is some insight and info on where to find film crew professionals in Cleveland:

• Cleveland’s Film Commission – the local commission is a great resource for filming in your area. They often have a production directory that lets you find and connect with qualified crews local to you.
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• Cleveland Film crew websites & forums – this is a good way of finding crew members to fill specific roles on your production.

Hiring a Film Crew in Cleveland

Assume that you have a few candidates in mind for your film crew. In this case, what should you look for to ensure that your film production in Cleveland runs smoothly? The size of your film crew in Cleveland is specific to your project and needs—it doesn’t have to be big to be the right fit!

We also service Lake, Summit, Lorain, Medina, and Portage counties.

Discuss film crew Pay Rates

Discussing film crew Pay can be an awkward headache, but this conversation is necessary when you are hiring for any position. Be open about the pay and your expectations of the film crew member at the start. Just because someone comes cheap doesn’t mean the produce quality work in the way you want or need! When deciding on budget, expect to pay a fair price for top quality film crew members.  

Demos & Resumes

A demo reel is a video resume that showcases someone’s video production work, and when paired with a resume, this gives you a clear picture of their style and work ethic to see if it aligns with your own.

With a position that doesn’t need a demo reel, checking the person’s references definitely helps. Resumes are a basic method of gauging experience, but it’s a good idea to reach out to those who’ve worked with the person you are thinking of hiring to understand their skills- or what they may lack.

Dos and Don’ts

• DO get a second opinion on any candidates you’re considering hiring.
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• DON’T promise anyone a position on your crew because you might find someone you like better before production starts!
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• DO get recommendations from people you trust if you’re having a hard time filling a position.
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• DON’T hire someone that is skilled, but doesn’t work well with the rest of the crew or with you.

Ready to Hire a Film Crew in Cleveland?

Now that you have the tools to hire a film crew in Cleveland, it is time to put this information to use! If you have any worries about this process, contact Team Beverly Boy. We’re a full-service film production company with award winning film crews in Cleveland ready to get to work with you. 

We can help with your film project from concept to completion, regardless if you need interviews, documentaries, event coverage, or feature films– we can help! When hiring a film crew in Cleveland we are the go to guys! We also service Lakewood, Brooklyn, Parma, Seven Hills, and Garfield Heights.