Here's the Secret to Mastering Group Dynamics in Filmmaking

The Four Stages of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing are what you need to learn if you want to successfully form a group.

Mike Rekola

Oct 28, 2024

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From the Farm. (After a Day of Raking Leafs.)

Monday, October 28th

Hey Filmmaker,

Filmmaking is as much about teamwork as it is about creativity and storytelling.

To make a vision come to life, everyone on set—from the director to the PA—needs to work together seamlessly.

When a team “clicks,” it can transform the filmmaking experience into something magical.

However, achieving this synergy doesn’t just happen by chance.

To build a cohesive, productive crew, it’s essential to understand group dynamics and the stages a team goes through.

Let’s dive into the Four Stages of Group Dynamics: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

These stages apply directly to filmmaking, and mastering them can be the difference between a smooth shoot and a chaotic one.

THE MODERN FILMMAKER

This Issue: Mastering Group Dynamics: The Four Stages of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

Last Issue: Here's A Hard Lesson: Some Investors Suck—Cut Them Loose.

On Sale Now: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary.

So There I Was… (Story)

So there I was, on the set of a new indie project, juggling my producer role with about a dozen other hats.

My crew was a mix of seasoned professionals and fresh faces, each bringing their own style and personality.

I had high hopes for our first day, but what started as a calm, organized morning quickly descended into chaos.

Disagreements erupted over set design, people stepped on each other’s roles, and I found myself managing conflicts instead of producing.

It was a humbling moment that taught me that no matter how good your project, script, or crew might be, group dynamics can make or break the experience.

Over time, I learned how to steer a team through the stages of group dynamics, bringing order to the chaos and turning a group of individuals into a cohesive crew.

Today, I want to share that process with you because it could save your next project—and maybe even your sanity.

From Forming to Performing: Tuckman's 5 Stages of Team Development Helps You Build a Stellar Team - School of the Wild

The Four Stages of Group Dynamics in Filmmaking

1. Forming: Building the Foundation

The “Forming” stage is when a team first comes together.

Everyone is excited, a bit reserved, and feeling each other out.

In filmmaking terms, this is the moment when the crew meets, reviews roles, and establishes the initial workflow.

People are on their best behavior and eager to prove themselves.

As the director, setting a positive tone in this stage is critical.

Think of the first production meeting of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Peter Jackson brought together a vast team with a massive goal, and establishing clear roles from day one was crucial to the project’s success.

When everyone understands their place and feels valued, the foundation for success is laid.

Lead with Clarity.

From the outset, be clear on roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Establishing a strong foundation here prevents future confusion and sets everyone up for success.

2. Storming: Navigating the Rough Patches

Once the honeymoon phase fades, the team enters the “Storming” phase, where conflicts and disagreements emerge.

In a high-stakes, time-sensitive environment like a film set, personalities can clash, and frustrations can run high.

Storming is a normal, healthy part of group development, but if mishandled, it can disrupt production.

On the set of Apocalypse Now, director Francis Ford Coppola faced countless conflicts, both personal and creative.

While tensions ran high, he learned to manage them effectively, resulting in a groundbreaking film.

Storming can bring out valuable ideas if everyone feels safe expressing opinions without fear of judgment.

Welcome Constructive Conflict.

Encourage open communication and create a space where the team can discuss differences respectfully.

In filmmaking, storming often leads to breakthroughs and better ideas when handled with respect.

3. Norming: Finding Your Rhythm

As the team adjusts and resolves conflicts, they enter the “Norming” stage.

In this phase, the crew finds its rhythm, and a sense of camaraderie starts to develop.

Roles are clear, workflows are established, and people understand each other’s quirks.

For a filmmaker, the Norming stage is where real productivity and harmony begin.

Consider the filming of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where an enormous crew needed to quickly adapt to working together.

By norming, the team found a rhythm that allowed them to manage everything from child actors to complex sets.

The result was a set that operated smoothly and efficiently.

Reinforce Team Culture.

At this point, acknowledge everyone’s contributions to maintain the positive atmosphere.

When people feel valued, morale stays high, and they’re motivated to give their best.

4. Performing: Reaching Peak Efficiency

In the “Performing” stage, the crew operates as a well-oiled machine.

Communication is almost instinctive, everyone knows their role and executes it confidently, and production flows smoothly.

At this stage, your team is focused on creating, innovating, and delivering their best work, as they are now fully aligned with each other and the project.

The crew of Mad Max: Fury Road operated like a finely-tuned machine during filming, handling complex stunts, challenging weather, and intricate set designs.

Achieving the performing stage allowed them to push creative boundaries and deliver a visually stunning, award-winning film.

Give Your Team the Space to Shine.

Trust your crew and step back from micromanaging. At this stage, let each team member take ownership of their role and contribute fully to the creative process.

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Why Mastering Group Dynamics Matters for Filmmakers

As a filmmaker, you’re working under tight timelines with a team of individuals who bring different skills, styles, and personalities to the set.

Understanding group dynamics helps you anticipate the challenges at each stage, enabling you to guide your team through them effectively.

Here’s why mastering group dynamics is essential:

Smooth Workflow: With a well-functioning team, you avoid common production delays and maximize time on set.
Stronger Collaboration: When a team moves smoothly through the stages, members develop a sense of trust and camaraderie, resulting in more creativity and better collaboration.
Enhanced Morale: By understanding these dynamics, you create a positive, motivated environment that boosts productivity and satisfaction.
Creative Freedom: When a team reaches the Performing stage, they’re able to innovate and solve problems independently, allowing for greater artistic expression.

Examples of Group Dynamics in Iconic Films

Some well-known films and their production experiences illustrate the importance of understanding group dynamics. Here are a few notable examples:

The Godfather: With a strong director and clear team roles, the production crew was able to navigate complex dynamics. Francis Ford Coppola’s leadership helped the team through the Storming phase, ultimately creating a masterpiece.
Star Wars: A New Hope: George Lucas faced numerous challenges, from budget constraints to on-set disagreements. By working through these issues and finding a rhythm with his crew, the team eventually produced one of the most iconic films in history.
The Revenant: Alejandro González Iñárritu’s intense vision demanded a strong, collaborative team that could adapt to grueling conditions. Mastering group dynamics on set allowed them to achieve incredible results, despite the high pressure and extreme locations.

Why Group Dynamics Matter in Filmmaking: Key Takeaways

To recap, here’s why understanding and mastering group dynamics is a game-changer for filmmakers:

Creates a Cohesive Team: Understanding each stage helps you guide your team from forming through to performing, making them more productive.
Increases Efficiency: Teams that operate well together are more efficient and able to handle unexpected changes on set.
Encourages Problem-Solving: Effective group dynamics foster collaboration, making it easier to overcome challenges as a team.
Builds Trust and Respect: When people feel understood and appreciated, they’re more willing to go the extra mile.
Enables Creative Expression: In the Performing stage, teams can innovate freely, leading to a more creative final product.

Final Thoughts

As a filmmaker, your team is one of your greatest assets.

By mastering the stages of group dynamics—Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing—you can create a supportive, efficient, and motivated crew that brings your vision to life.

The next time you’re on set, remember these stages and guide your team through them.

When your crew works as a single, cohesive unit, not only will production run more smoothly, but you’ll also create an environment where true creativity can thrive.

Until next time, filmmaker—keep pushing boundaries, supporting your team, and creating with passion.

Cheers,