Red Flags on a Paid Test Day: Vetting Crew to Avoid Costly Mistakes

During a paid test day, key red flags to watch for include a lack of proactive communication, an inability to adapt to minor on-set changes, or exhibiting discomfort with collaboration. I once hired an AC who aced the interview, but during a test with an ALEXA 35 and Orbiter lights for a simple product shot, they struggled to anticipate lens changes, repeatedly misplaced their focus marks, and seemed unwilling to ask questions when unsure. This indecision and lack of clear communication, even on a low-pressure setup, quickly became apparent. It's not about perfection, but their deer-in-headlights reaction to a minor camera angle adjustment was telling, they weren't just new, they were resistant to direction. The BlockReel DAO guide on hiring emphasizes rigorous vetting with paid, low-stakes tests, and this experience really hammered home why. Had I pushed them onto a full commercial shoot, overlooking those signs, the delays and potential gear damage would have been far more expensive than that single test day. What are some specific technical missteps you've seen on a test day that signaled a bad fit?

For more context, check out this guide: https://blockreeldao.com/blog/the-definitive-guide-to-hiring-and-managing-film-crews