Keep the Drama in Front of the Camera! is the definitive DIY guide to solving problems on set, in the production office, or in the boardroom. For anyone in any aspect of the film and television industry (or wanting to be), this valuable handbook contains step-by-step instructions for resolving creative and other differences effectively. It includes worksheets and other resources to keep your production flowing smoothly. Don't let disagreements kill your show! Mishandled, conflict can easily escalate -- but managed well, it can be a powerful force for creativity. You'll learn concrete, essential conflict resolution skills including: -how to recognize and interpret four warning signs of conflict -how to evaluate a conflict situation to know when to get help -how to interpret feelings, needs and strategies in conflict situations -how to prevent and resolve conflict by applying two Guiding Principles -how to follow a guided, step-by-step path to successful conflict resolution ...and much, much more. "A very insightful and useful read for anyone working in the entertainment industry, with the added bonus of being able to apply these tools to our everyday lives and relationships. "A 'nuts and bolts' book on how to work effectively with others, especially in the creative space. Ken and Helene just might be responsible for saving some film and TV gems from falling victims to crushing conflict. "The very thing that makes the entertainment industry so alluring and exciting (the unpredictable nature of things) is exactly why this book is a "must read". The easy to grasp concepts regarding conflict resolution are life savers, particularly in an environment where there is no right or wrong and things aren't ever black and white." - Maira Suro, Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated series The 4400; former Senior Vice President of Development and Current Series at NBC-Universal Cable Productions; former President at American Zoetrope Television; former Director of Drama Development at CBS. * * * "I have worked in the film and TV industry for over 40 years, primarily as a Director and 1st Assistant Director, and I have seen my share of 'behind the scenes drama'! "For anyone who works in the film business, we know that inspiration, imagination and vulnerability are the cornerstones of the creative process. Add massive egos and huge amounts of cash into that mix and you have a potential for conflict in any meeting room or on any movie set. "Ken and Helene's book is a well researched, step-by-step guide on conflict resolution - from how to recognize conflict warning signs to dealing with conflict effectively on the set. To help 'keep the drama in front of the camera', this book is essential reading for ANYONE who works in the film and TV business." - Peter D. Marshall, Filmmaker & Film Directing Coach * * * "Keep the Drama in Front of the Camera! delivers everything you need to know for a successful film production. A must read for all students and industry professionals." - Cari Green, Film Producer/Educator
Fifth House Group President Ken Ashdown is a lapsed musician and former music journalist, indie label entrepreneur, and major label executive. Over his career Ken has worked with some of the music industry's biggest stars, including Shania Twain, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp, Dire Straits, New Order, David Bowie, the Pixies, and U2. He served as Vice President at PolyGram Group Canada (Mercury/Polydor division) and later at QDesign Corporation. An award-winning, certified adult educator, Ken spent several years as Head of Department at Vancouver Film School's ground-breaking Entertainment Business Management transmedia program and has been hailed as a "master teacher," serving as a special consultant on dozens of films. He earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Music Business Management (with Distinction) from the University of Westminster in London, England, and is a Belbin(R) Team Role Accredited facilitator. Among other associations, he is a proud member of the Cultural Human Resources Council and the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association. Helene Arts, CEO of Fifth House Group, started off thinking that she was going to become a lawyer, but by 1995 she realized that the gods had other plans for her, and thus began her career as a professional mediator. Since then she has been a full-time consultant in the field of conflict resolution within criminal, family, and civil court systems, and in not-for-profit and corporate workplace settings. Along the way she became fascinated with group dynamics, and in 2004 completed a Masters in Human Systems Intervention at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, becoming a specialist in group intervention. For over ten years Helene has also taught university courses in subjects such as mediation, inter-personal communication, group dynamics, conflict resolution, organizational conflict, and group facilitation. She holds a special place in her heart for creative people of all kinds.
