5 Things To Look For In A Film & TV Collaborator

Finding the right creative collaborator for your film & TV idea can be game-changing.

It can streamline problem solving, generate better ideas, and help you feel supported.

But it can also do the opposite.

Finding a good flow with someone isn't always easy, especially when your project doesn't go according to plan. 

I'm going to share with you how I find good collaborators and pinpoint ones to avoid. 

The following lists are based on my 10+ years of experience in the branded, commercial, film & TV industry.

Red Flags To Avoid 

1. Control

Creating and producing film & TV often requires people to make concessions and meet others halfway.

Working with people who want to control everything will make everyone's job harder down the line.

2. Money

I try to work with people who are just as motivated by the mission of the project as much as they are by the money. 

Money is necessary, but too much focus on money can sacrifice relationships, meaningful work, and the outcome of your project.

3. Ego 

An unchecked ego can lead to dismissing the value and viewpoints of other people.

A non-toxic work environment is crucial to the morale of your team and the long-term success of your project.

5 Things I Look For In Collaborators 

Now, I'm going to share 5 things I love to see in a film & TV collaboration. 

1. Creative & collaborative working style

I choose to collaborate with people who have a respectable work ethic and unique creative vision. 

It's also important to align on expectations and communication process as early as possible before beginning to work with someone.

2. Hard skills and soft skills

I look for a combination of both hard skills and soft skills in any collaboration.

The hard skills that allow me create and sell films & TV shows include: 

• Pitch deck and creative treatment building
• Storytelling
• Shooting
• Editing
• Networking

While soft skills are less defined, they are equally as important:

• Communication
• Reading rooms
• Emotional intelligence
• Adaptability
• Conflict management

3. Complementary areas of experience

I like to work with collaborators who bring something different from what I bring to the table.

It's not likely going to work if you both want to do the exact same thing and have the exact same role.

Having the ability to take initiative in different roles can lead to a great working relationship and end result for your project.

4. Comfortability with uncomfortable conversations

How does your potential collaborator handle conflict?

This is possibly the most important question to ask yourself before committing to a collaboration. 

If you or your collaborator cannot have tough conversations, your relationship can suffer when things go wrong.

And things will definitely go off course. 

That's the nature of the film & TV industry!

5. Mission & value alignment

I always try to work with collaborators who are aligned with my vision and share similar values from the start.

If you are on the same page here, your project can blossom into the best version of itself down the line.

Action Steps & Summary

 Here's the 5 things I look for in a potential film & TV collaboration:

1. Creative and collaborative working style

2. Hard skills and soft skills

3. Complementary areas of expertise

4. Comfortability with uncomfortable conversations

5. Mission & value alignment