“What Skills from Stage Management Can Be Helpful in Film Production?”
Becoming a stage manager can be a hard road, so it’s always smart to consider alternatives and to know what other options your skills are suitable for. Interestingly enough, many qualities that make you a great stage manager can also set you up for success as a film producer.
While there’s no direct leap from stage management to producing Hollywood blockbusters, you can start building a portfolio. Making your own short film exposes you to different aspects of film production and allows you to see if a career shift is something you’d enjoy.
Sharpen Your Directing Skills
Creating a short film lets you flex your directing muscles. You get to call the shots and convey the story your unique way.
Your first film doesn’t have to be an epic saga. Maybe focus on a simple yet compelling narrative with one or two characters. This way, you can concentrate on developing your characters and understanding how to manage actors.
Getting Hands-On with Filming
As a stage manager, you already have a command of theater elements like lighting, set design, and sound. However, using a camera to document your vision, instead of presenting it live, could be a learning curve.
If you’re at a loss on how to start, reach out to local camera crews to learn and foster your own style and technique. This collaboration could also help you create a piece that adds value to your portfolio.
Flex Your Design Chops
Design plays a key role in both theater and film. However, film can sometimes be easier as you can choose any location for the shoot, unlike theater where everything needs to be brought onto the stage.
Using your home as a filming location could be an easy starting point as it offers various settings – a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom. But remember to consider the camera’s perspective and how you want to portray the scene before rearranging your furniture. Beware of mirrors or reflective surfaces that might unintentionally catch the camera’s reflection.