08/20/2026
🎬 Note to Producers and Directors...
You’ve invested your time, energy, resources, creativity, and probably a few sleepless nights into bringing your project to life.
From the script to pre-production, production meetings, casting and finally getting everyone on set — protect what you’re building.
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Take care of your cast and crew.
Every independent production may not have a Hollywood budget, but professionalism doesn’t require one. Create a welcoming, organized and respectful environment.
If your production is unpaid, be transparent about that from the beginning and, when possible, provide value through IMDb credit, craft services, usable reel footage, networking and a quality experience.
2. Lead by example.
If you expect people to be on time, be on time. If you expect preparation, be prepared. Communicate schedules and changes early.
Get updated scripts out. Plan realistic production dates. Respecting people's time is part of respecting their talent.
3. Preparation can save your production.
Table reads matter. Rehearsals matter. Character development matters.
If an actor is struggling, communicate and give them an opportunity to get on track. Having an acting coach available when needed can make a tremendous difference. Recast as needed!
4. Get yourself a STRONG Production Manager!
That person becomes one of your right hands. You need someone organized, detailed and paying attention to the moving pieces while you concentrate on creating.
Good production management can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
5. Know your numbers... and put it in writing.
Understand the FULL cost of your production before you begin. Talent agreements. Crew agreements. Director agreements. Cinematographer agreements. Location costs. Equipment. Food. Post-production. Distribution.
Know what you’re committing to, and make sure everyone understands what they have committed to as well.
6. ALIGN WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE.
Everybody who wants to be around a production isn't necessarily prepared to help build one.
Surround yourself with people who understand the work, responsibility and sacrifice required to bring a project from an idea to a finished product.
And finally…
FINISH WHAT YOU START.
After investing everything it takes to create your project, see it through. Sometimes you need to slow down and take another look. Sometimes you need to ask for help. Sometimes you need to change direction.
But don't allow avoidable challenges to keep your work from ever reaching the audience you created it for.
Protect the production.
Respect the people.
Learn as you go.
And keep creating. 🎥
One Love. Here’s to more creating. ❤️🎬
~Malkia
Producer, Business Management, Production Management, Actress
www.malkiarelations.com
