COMMUNICATION IS KEY! (a.k.a. Manners Matter)

Yes, this is a basic idea, but it's amazing how many people can flub this.

As a producer, I need to know that anyone I contact receives my communication and understands my request (if I'm asking for something). This makes my job easier.

At the moment, I'm working with someone who is an excellent communicator, and life is grand! And throughout filming, for the most part, my crew was always great about responding to emails and texts. But those who don't respond...gah!

It literally takes 2 seconds to send off a text or email that says "Got it." If you're a crew (or cast) member and can respond to your producer's emails this way, you will get hired again.

Now, granted, there are producers who don't want you to respond to emails/text, but their reasoning is different. They just assume you got their message and if you don't follow the instructions on the missive, well, you're fired. As I wasn't paying most of my cast or crew, this wasn't really a threat I could follow through on (plus I'm not a threatening kind of guy).

Heck, even outside of work, if someone sends you an email or text, send a reply - even an emoji or stupid gif is acceptable. It keeps connections going.

Two of the people I ended up casting sent me emails after I auditioned them, and it DID make a difference! I mean, I had already lumped them in the "talented" pile, but those emails made me want to call them back in. It told me that they were thoughtful, considerate, enthusiastic, and responsible. I know that's a lot to suppose from a simple message, but time proved me right on this assumption.

Go check your In Box right now. Did someone send you a "just checking in" email? Send them a message back. Tell them thanks and wish them a happy 2021. You'll be glad you did!