In the fast-paced and chaotic world of film and television production, efficiency can make all the difference. Ron Cohen, a seasoned producer with over 15 years of experience in handling production on GreenSlate projects such as Queen & Slim, The Verge, and Go for Grandma, offers invaluable insights into streamlining the production process. With a total of 20 years in the industry, including acting and running his own business, Cohen understands the importance of every detail.

We sat down with Ron to pick his brain to help you uncover efficiencies as you look to your next production.

Here's a breakdown of what we discussed.

Prep is gold

A fundamental aspect of successful production, according to Cohen, is meticulous preparation. He insists that "prep is gold," emphasizing the necessity of assembling a team that shares the project’s vision while working within the confines of the budget. "You’re not only hiring the right team but ensuring everyone is aligned with the film's vision," he explains. "It's crucial to hire team members who have experience that matches the project’s budget and scope. I'm meticulous about prep—asking numerous questions and planning for contingencies so that if something does go wrong, we're ready to handle it seamlessly."

Cohen recounts a particularly challenging experience while shooting overseas, where multiple logistical issues threatened the day's schedule. "We had kind of a limited day and somehow the local crew lost our wardrobe trailer, didn't know where it was, couldn’t get into the neighborhood. Our poor actress was stuck in a car, and her driver was lost," he recalls. Despite the chaos, Cohen and his team were able to adapt quickly. "We regrouped, sorted out the issues, and rescheduled the shoot for the day."

Set a positive tone

Conflict resolution is another critical skill in Cohen's repertoire. He believes in setting a positive tone from the outset and fostering an environment of collaboration and kindness. "The director does set the tone, right? Your director is your leader. Kindness is so important. We're not going to sit here, we’re not gonna blame people. We have a job to do and let's do it well," Cohen affirms. He further illustrates this with an instance of discord between two team members, explaining, "We brought them together to discuss the issue, and eventually, they became close colleagues. People need to feel heard."

Determining new film project viability

Evaluating the viability of new film projects, Cohen asserts, involves a keen focus on the script and a team’s alignment. "The script is paramount. You should passionately believe in the project because producing a film is like being in a long-term relationship," he says. Having a flexible approach is vital when budgetary constraints demand creative script adaptations. "Budget constraints require script alterations without losing the film's essence. Also, practicalities like where to shoot and potential tax incentives play a role in these decisions."

On overseas production

Discussing international production, Cohen acknowledges both opportunities and challenges. "The US has amazing and efficient crews for any budget range. Internationally, there are great crews, but emerging markets like Saudi Arabia present challenges in terms of crew availability, which can offset savings with additional logistical costs," he notes. However, he points out that subsidies in Europe, for example, can provide substantial support for independent films.

Choosing production payroll software

In the realm of production accounting and payroll software, Cohen values innovation and efficiency. "Are we making the job of the accountant easier? Are we making the job of paperwork collection easier? The seamlessness of those systems is really important," he emphasizes. Reliable customer support is also critical to handling unexpected issues swiftly.

And for all of those reasons, Ron prefers using GreenSlate for his productions.

Building a strong team

Ultimately, Cohen underscores the importance of building a strong team. "It's critical to employ department heads who excel beyond your capabilities," he remarks. "Trust between crew members ensures that when they say they need something, they truly do." This trust and collaboration lead to effective resource management and creative problem-solving.

'The things that happen ARE the film'

Reflecting on his career, Cohen shares a piece of wisdom from filmmaker Greta Gerwig that has guided his approach: "Filmmaking is not about achieving a perfect plan but about embracing the unexpected. The things that happen are the film." This perspective shift, he believes, has allowed him to navigate the unpredictable nature of production with calmness and creativity.

In the end, Ron Cohen demonstrates that while film production is complex and demanding, success is achievable with passion, determination, and the right team. His insights highlight the significance of preparation, flexibility, and fostering a collaborative spirit to bring outstanding films to life.

✅ Enjoy this interview? Check out our interviews with Olivia Kavanaugh, Line Producer on Anora, and our chat with Mara McCann, CEO of Zhive Media.