Leadership in a Film Crew: Experience of Psychological Research

Background. The theoretical significance of the work is determined by the lack of research on small project groups. The practical significance is determined by the need to identify factors of effective interaction in conditions of intense creative activity in the context of the modern film production system. Studying the specifics of intra-group relations in a film crew can contribute to more effective interaction between team members, reduce conflicts and increase overall productivity on the set.

Objective. The goal is to study the peculiarities of intragroup relations in film crews, as well as to identify personal qualities characteristic of leaders in these groups.

Study Participants. 60 members of creative film crews from five different projects took part in the study.

Methods. To study intragroup relations, we used the technique "Sociometry", which included 12 questions concerning professional cooperation, interpersonal relations, and organizational abilities. The Kettell 16 PF questionnaire was used to diagnose personality traits.

Results. The specifics of the choice of leaders and outsiders in film groups, as well as the main personal characteristics of group members who are referred to these categories, are revealed. It is shown that in the sphere of professional relations and organizational abilities the leaders were the actual group leaders, while the outsiders were the representatives of different status and professional workshops. The personal profile of leaders is characterized by marked emotional sensitivity. The main difference between leaders and outsiders is related to the level of empathy development. The situations in which one and the same participant became both a leader and an outsider in different projects are considered with the instability of sociometric status in the conditions of temporary teams being outlined.

Conclusions. The findings emphasize the importance of personality factors in maintaining a productive climate in the film crew and can be used when forming teams and selecting key personnel in similar project teams.

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