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Always go through the director. Talking directly to talent would be like an AE telling a CW how to write, or a PM leaning over an AD’s shoulder pointing out what changes need to be made in the design. Oh. Wait.
All of which happen at my agency now 😡
I’ve never heard that. I could see not wanting agency people to give direction to the talent, leaving it to the director, but I’ve been on plenty of shoots where I’ve chatted with the talent on break.
It all depends on the situation. If they are a celebrity, it’s sometimes in their contract that they only interact with the director and agency lead. Sometimes talent can get confused getting input from too many people so the director and/or agency lead will want to limit their contact. I’ve definitely interacted with the talent even when I wasn’t the agency lead but again, depends on the situation. Could also be that someone on set saw you (or someone else) seemingly inappropriately usurping the talent’s time and made a blanket statement to all. I have no idea obviously but the point is, it really depends.
I’ve experience this before. Sometimes cause of sag or contracts they want all the direction to talent go through the director. Just communicate with your director.
You want creative direction coming from one voice. You speak to the director. They direct the talent.
Celebrities can be hot to handle. And you can’t have everyone on set going after them. Even if you don’t know who they are, it can open a floodgate.
Also, sometimes there are very attractive people hired to act. So far out of your league, they seem like an alien. Badly hitting on talent happens. You don’t want to get in a situation where sexual harassment occurs. They are being paid to be there to work. Not to get hit on.
Yup. You’re not the primary lead of the production. You should go through your producer first if you want something done/give direction but in most productions, directors/photographers will work directly w agency creatives directly.
I heard that years ago from a CD. He characterized talent as if they’re “cattle,” but ended up going out on a date with one of the talent later on. To this day, I’ve stayed in touch with some of the talent from spots I’ve shot, including a couple from more than 20 years ago. I’d say avoid mingling with them except for during lunch break or after you’ve wrapped. Or if the CD who told you to avoid them is on set so he or she doesn’t think you’re insubordinate. And always be thinking about how you can get the best footage for your spot and extras you might be able to shoot. Being efficient sometimes provides opportunities to shoot extras that can even become another spot.
How are you supposed to direct the talent? Giving feedback through your producer or directly to the director/photographer?
Creatives shouldn’t be directing talent. Making friendly, non work related conversation during lunch should be fine.
Although I have personally requested a specific take so bad that the director invited me to tell talent myself, so that he wouldn’t have to be embarrassed by saying it.
I was told that on a celebrity shoot - I had to communicate through the Director
Could be many reasons depending on situation (celeb contract stipulation, underage actors’ safety, talent complaining) but the one biggie is to simply ensure proper communication channels through the AD/Director. I have personally experienced talent fishing for info so they can try to be upgraded. Or just asking me totally legit questions about what shot is next, what’s going on with the story…seemingly no big deal but if it contradicts the AD/Director in anyway it can impact the shoot. If the production team said it, there is likely a decent reason. They could be issuing a blanket statement to all agency / clients when they’re actually worried about a particular person overstepping. It happens. Your producer should be able to find out. I’ve also had sets where it is totally fine talking to talent and we’ve talked for hours. Every shoot is so different so it can be hard to say but it is helpful to know why so you have that understanding for future productions.