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Being a great Director, Writer, or Producer is like being a great coach. You can’t lead without first playing a few key positions yourself. From my experience producing and directing my first feature film, 13 Miles, and producing several other features and shorts, I’ve learned that understanding how different roles on set work is crucial to being effective in any leadership position. It’s the difference between a smooth day on set and chaos.

Learning Through Experience

Before I directed my first feature, I spent over 15 years as an Assistant Director, working alongside every department to make sure each day ran like clockwork. I also spent 6 years as a Script Coordinator, learning the intricacies of how a script can affect every stage of production—from pre-production planning to the final cut. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for how critical script consistency and formatting are to the crew. When the script is clear, well-formatted, and consistent, the entire crew works more efficiently.

I began, though, as a P.A. on a short film. Because they were under-crewed, I wound up transitioning to the grip department and even helped out the lighting dept. That actually led to someone thinking I was qualified to work lighting on a feature. After I agreed, the Gaffer wound up quitting. I became the senior member on set, and was assigned the Gaffer role... So, from P.A. to feature Gaffer!

Now, I would not say I'm nearly as qualified as a professional Gaffer. But I know how they work. And I know why, when they ask for something, it's worth spending the money on (or, in some cases, why it's not).

Experiencing how each department’s work feeds into the bigger picture is essential, and can't be taught in books or a YouTube video.

Having worked on sets at various levels, I understand the challenges that come with each role—from Gaffers to PAs to Hair and Makeup—and that knowledge is what helps me communicate more effectively.

A Director who understands the physical demands on their crew, or a producer who knows how much time and effort set changes require, can solve problems in real-time and earn the respect of their team.

Writers: Why Set Experience is Critical

Writers, this is especially important for you too. As a Script Coordinator, I learned the power of proper formatting—consistency in the script can make or break the flow on set. The more time you spend on set, the more you’ll see what parts of your writing translate well and what might need tweaking. There’s no better teacher than the set itself for understanding how your words manifest into actual scenes and dialogue.

Seeing how the crew interacts with your writing and how actors bring it to life can change your approach entirely. Being on set is where a writer evolves, becoming attuned to the realities of filmmaking, and learning how the “donuts” get made before creating their “recipes.”

Earning a Living on Set

Here’s the practical side of the filmmaking journey: making a living as a producer or director doesn’t happen right away. Producing—especially when you’re just starting out—rarely pays the bills. That’s why I always tell filmmakers to work in a variety of positions on set. It’s not only a way to build your skillset, but also a crucial way to support yourself financially while pursuing your bigger filmmaking aspirations.

Working as an Assistant Director, Script Coordinator, PA, or in other crew roles allows you to keep your foot in the industry and generate income. Every gig you take on is an opportunity to earn while learning the ropes. And the more you work across different roles, the more valuable you become. You’ll develop a network, a reputation, and the trust of the people you work with—all of which lead to bigger and better opportunities.

Building Relationships

The relationships you build on set are invaluable. When you work in various crew positions, you get to know people organically, without the pressure of pitching them your next big idea. You’re in the trenches together, solving problems, making magic happen, and those experiences forge real bonds.

Many of the friends and collaborators I work with today are people I met on set years ago. These connections don’t just happen—they’re cultivated through mutual respect and hard work. And while it’s tempting to think every set is an opportunity to pitch, it’s more valuable to focus on building strong, genuine relationships. Those relationships will serve you far better in the long run than any elevator pitch ever could.

So, consider working in a few other positions first. Play those roles, and you’ll be a better leader, a better storyteller, and ultimately, a better filmmaker.

Best,

Anthony (He/Him)

​Scratch to Screen is a year-long program designed to help you get your first feature made. Imagine this day, 52 weeks from now, and you premiering your movie!

Need some help moving your project, script or career forward? Book a coaching call with me today.​
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"13 Miles" a Telefilm grant recipient, is now available to watch!

"The Quiet Canadians", a feature movie about skilled Canadian operatives who are trained in the elimination of local and foreign targets, is in development. Click here for more information​

"Xing'er: Origins", a feature film about a family's fight for survival against a deadly sect of assassins, is in development. Click here to join the mailing list for updates.​

Unfrayed, A Western Short Film -A bloodied Mei stumbles into Betty's campfire and discovers not only sanctuary but also, an ally. Click here to find out more.​

Pickled Rabbit Short Film - Sharon makes a desperate attempt to earn her dying mom's love. There's a cult, a foreign god... and maybe a monster transformation. Click here to find out more.​

Habethy Film Productions Ltd.
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​Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish, BC) and Tsleil-Waututh (Vancouver, BC) territories.​
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