Working on a film set is an exciting and challenging experience. While many people think that filmmaking is all about cameras, lighting, and editing, the reality is that some of the most valuable lessons I learned had nothing to do with technical skills. Instead, they were about teamwork, time management, and the importance of adaptability. Here are six important lessons I learned on set that apply to life and work beyond filmmaking.
Number 1: In the beginning, deadlines are brutal in practice but flexible in theory.
One of the first things I learned on set is that deadlines may seem flexible at first, but in reality, they are unforgiving. Schedules are tight, and any delays can cost a lot of time and money. If you miss a deadline, it can affect everyone on the project, from the actors to the crew.
To stay on track, I learned the importance of proper planning and prioritization. You have to be ready to adapt, work efficiently, and always keep an eye on the clock. Meeting deadlines isn’t just about working fast; it’s about working smart and anticipating challenges before they happen.
Number 2: You Can’t Control Everything (And That’s Okay)
No matter how well you plan, unexpected problems will always arise. Weather changes, technical difficulties, or scheduling conflicts can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Initially, I found this frustrating, but I soon realized that stressing over things beyond my control was a waste of energy.
Instead of panicking, I learned to focus on what I could control: my attitude, my work, and how I responded to challenges. Flexibility and quick thinking are essential on set, and learning to embrace unpredictability made me a better team member and problem solver.
Number 3: Perfection is the Enemy of Progress (And Final Cuts)
As a perfectionist, I struggled with this lesson first. I wanted every shot to be flawless, every scene to be perfectly executed. However, I quickly realized that perfection is impossible. No matter how much time you spend on a scene, there will always be something that could be improved.
Instead of obsessing over every tiny detail, I learned to focus on progress. A film set operates on tight deadlines, and sometimes “good enough” is actually great. Accepting that perfection isn’t always achievable allowed me to move forward and get things done instead of getting stuck on small flaws.
Number 4: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (And Keeps You From Losing Your Mind)
Filmmaking is a collaborative effort. No single person can handle everything alone. The best productions happen when people work together, communicate effectively, and support each other.
I learned that respecting and trusting my team was crucial. Whether it was helping a fellow crew member set up a scene or relying on someone to handle a task I wasn’t familiar with, teamwork made everything smoother and less stressful. When people cooperate, the entire production benefits.
Number 5: There’s No Such Thing as “Free Time.”
On a film set, every minute counts. While it may seem like there are breaks or downtime, there’s always something that needs to be done. Whether it’s preparing for the next scene, reviewing scripts, or double-checking equipment, staying proactive is key.
This lesson taught me the value of using time wisely. Instead of waiting around, I learned to anticipate needs, stay engaged, and find ways to be helpful. This mindset has helped me in many areas of life, where staying productive and prepared is always an advantage.
Number 6: The Magic Happens When You Just Start
The hardest part of any creative process is taking the first step. It’s easy to get stuck in the planning phase, overthinking every detail. However, I learned that the real magic happens when you take action. Once you start working on a project, momentum builds, and creativity flows naturally.
This lesson applies to everything, not just filmmaking. Whether it’s writing, starting a new job, or pursuing a passion, the key is to stop overanalyzing and take action. The more you do, the more you learn, and the better you become.
Conclusion
Working on set taught me valuable lessons that go far beyond filmmaking. Deadlines require discipline, adaptability is essential, teamwork is powerful, and taking action leads to results. These lessons have helped me in both my professional and personal life, shaping me into a more efficient, creative, and confident person. Whether you’re in the film industry or another field, these principles can help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. The most important lesson of all? Just start, keep learning, and never stop growing.
