Tell me about a time when you had to deal with unexpected challenges during a production.

Sample answer to the question

During a production of a web series I was working on, we encountered a major technical issue. Our cameras malfunctioned, and we were unable to shoot the scenes as planned. It was a stressful situation, but we quickly gathered the team together to brainstorm a solution. We decided to use our backup cameras, which had slightly lower quality but were still usable. We adjusted our shooting schedule and worked extra hours to catch up. Despite the setback, we managed to complete the production on time and the final product turned out to be a success.

A more solid answer

During a production of a television show, we encountered unexpected challenges when a key actor suddenly fell ill and was unable to perform. This posed a significant problem as our shooting schedule was tight and we couldn't afford any delays. As the showrunner, I immediately gathered the production team and discussed potential solutions. I took charge of contacting the actor's agent and arranging for a medical professional to assess their condition. In the meantime, I worked with the writers to make adjustments to the script, allowing us to shoot scenes that didn't require the actor. I also assigned additional responsibilities to other actors to compensate for the missing cast member. Through effective communication and coordination, we successfully managed to work around the challenge and complete the production on schedule.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed description of a specific challenge the candidate faced during a production and how they resolved it. It demonstrates the candidate's skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving by showcasing their ability to gather the team, contact the actor's agent, coordinate with writers, and make adjustments to the script. However, it could benefit from providing more specific examples or measurable outcomes of the candidate's actions.

An exceptional answer

During the production of a web series, we faced unexpected challenges when one of our main shooting locations suddenly became unavailable due to a last-minute scheduling conflict. This was a major setback as the location played a crucial role in the storyline and replacing it would have required significant script revisions. As the showrunner, I took immediate action by contacting the location owner to understand the conflict and explore possible solutions. After several discussions, I managed to negotiate a compromise where we could shoot during specific hours when the location was available. This required meticulous planning and coordination with the entire production team. I organized additional rehearsals to optimize the limited shooting time and made sure everyone was well-prepared. Despite the challenge, we successfully captured the necessary scenes within the limited timeframe. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, quick thinking, and effective negotiation skills in overcoming unexpected obstacles during production.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed description of a specific challenge the candidate faced during a production and how they resolved it. It demonstrates the candidate's skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, quick thinking, and negotiation. The candidate showcases their ability to address last-minute schedule conflicts, negotiate a compromise, coordinate the team, optimize limited shooting time, and ensure successful completion of the production. The answer also reflects on the candidate's growth and learning from the experience. However, it could benefit from adding quantifiable outcomes or feedback from the production team to further strengthen the impact of the candidate's actions.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past production experiences and identify any unexpected challenges you encountered.
Consider the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Think about how you effectively addressed and resolved those challenges, and the impact of your actions on the production.
Prepare specific examples and anecdotes from your experience that highlight your ability to adapt, make decisions under pressure, and collaborate with a team.
Practice articulating your experiences and solutions in a concise yet detailed manner, focusing on the specific skills and qualities the interviewer is seeking.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication
Leadership
Problem-solving