Misc Muses

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  • Dani Lyman

Influential Women in Film
Influential Women in Film 500 324 Dani Lyman

Women have always played an integral role in the film and video industry. French director Alice Guy directed her first film in 1896 and is credited with creating techniques like the close-up and synced sound. Margaret Booth started editing in 1915 and is widely considered one of the top-10 editors of all time. In front of and behind the camera, women have always left their mark on this powerful medium.

In honor of Women’s History Month here are three women who are dominating the industry and forging the path for future women.

Thelma Schoonmaker – Editor

Thelma Schoonmaker is a Hollywood legend, a three time Best Editing Academy Award winner and, after 50 years of working in the industry, is still making history.

I didn’t know it when I first enrolled in film school, but Schoonmaker had already been a major inspiration. I always thought of myself as a die-hard Scorsese fan, but I soon came to learn that I was also a die-hard Thelma Schoonmaker fan. She has been the editor behind every Scorcese film since Raging Bull. The story goes that while Schoonmaker was taking a filmmaking course in NYC a professor asked that she edit one of Scorcese’s projects to see if she could salvage the “badly mangled negative”. They have been working together ever since!

So, it was really Schoonmaker’s talent in the editing room and her ability to partner so well with a director that inspired me (and so many other film kids) so greatly as a young film nerd mesmerized by the blows in Raging Bull or the cuts that managed to make a joke out of violence in Goodfellas, .

Schoonmaker’s career is far from over. She recently edited Scorcese’s The Irishman, set for release through Netflix this year, and just received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship for her “outstanding and exceptional contribution” to film.

“I’m not a person who believes in the great difference between women and men as editors. But I do think that quality is key. We’re very good at organizing and discipline and patience, and patience is 50 per cent of editing. You have to keep banging away at something until you get it to work. I think women are maybe better at that.” – Thelma Schoonmaker

 

 

Director – Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow first showed us what she was made of when she directed the cult classic Point Break (the amazing 1990 version, of course). Coming onto the scene as an action director with films like Blue Steel and Strange Days proves there is no room for gender stereotypes in filmmaking. Her career continued with a steady flow of work, but in 2008 Bigelow made history when she became the first woman to win a Best Director Academy Award for The Hurt Locker.

Bigelow’s work continues to leave an impression as she tackles issues of race, violence, government corruption and morality in films like Zero Dark Thirty and Detroit. Her ability to cover complicated, offensive and relevant subject matter proves storytelling knows no gender and, most importantly, that it shouldn’t.

“If there’s specific resistance to women making movies, I just choose to ignore that as an obstacle for two reasons: I can’t change my gender and I refuse to stop making movies.” – Kathryn Bigelow

Rachel Morrison – Cinematographer 

Rachel Morrison started her camera career working on reality TV shows like The Hills and short documentaries. She climbed the ranks in television and movies until eventually becoming the cinematographer for films like Fruitvale Station and Dope. In 2017 she earned a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for her work on Mudbound, which made her the very first woman to be nominated in the category.

Most recently she joined forces with Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler again to become the DP for Black Panther. A female as the Director of Photography on such a big-budget, high-concept film is unheard of. In fact, in 2015 the American Society of Cinematographers had only 14 active female members out of 360 members (less than 4%). So, to say that her nomination and success is groundbreaking would be an understatement.

“When people ask me why there are so few female DPs it makes no sense to me. Everything about what we do actually speaks to women’s strengths like empathy and visualizing emotion.” – Rachel Morrison

One of Our Own

Another pioneer in the production world is our President and Founder, Heidi McLean. This month Crew Connection celebrates 30 years of successfully connecting the best talent in the industry with the right jobs and clients. From movies and TV to commercials and corporate videos, Heidi has also left her mark on this male-dominated industry and we are proud to be a part of her journey.

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  • Dani Lyman

Social Media Stirs Controversy Over Super Bowl Ads
Social Media Stirs Controversy Over Super Bowl Ads 499 333 Dani Lyman

You just created your Super Bowl commercial and paid $5.2 million for your spot, what are you going to do now? If you’re like the most talked about brands of the year, a lot.

In our social media driven world, agencies are creating an immersive experience beyond the Super Bowl ad itself. Today, brands are spending a minimum of $175,000 per second of air time and launching marketing campaigns that begin before the game and fuel conversations long after it ends. They engage viewers in content, conversation and a little controversy.

Among many Super Bowl ads people are calling “safe” this year, these 3 surprising trouble-makers emerged to steal the spotlight.

Battle of the Brews: Bud Light vs. Miller Lite & Coors Light

In a bold move, Bud Light decided to pit themselves against their light beer competitors by pointing out the use of a popular ingredient: corn syrup.  In a surprise twist, Americans care very little about corn syrup in their beers. They are, however, very passionate about corn, corn farmers, and not acting like a jerk.

Before Bud Light knew what was happening, social media was blowing up with posts from the National Corn Growers Association, tweets from farmers and videos of Bud Light being poured down the sink and dumped in the trash. A clear line had been drawn in the sand. In a move meant to poke fun, Bud Light lost sight of their target audience and sparked a major #corntroversy in the process.

Our Marketing Manager at Crew Connection, Alexis Gabel, made an excellent point that if you’re going to spend millions of dollars on a Super Bowl commercial you have to “anticipate the conversation that will ensue and if it could have a negative impact on your brand. The conversation surrounding Bud Light very well may have negated that not so inexpensive 60 second spot.” And with no clear follow-up strategy from Bud, Miller Lite was unintentionally presented with an amazing marketing opportunity without having to spend a dollar in advertising and Tweeters loved it!

Meanwhile, Bud Light looks like your jerk friend trying to start an insult fight after too many beers. The consumer has more influence to make or break your brand than ever before. Don’t let your competitors “Miller Lite” you by being unprepared for the conversation.

Devour Commits to their Racy Addiction

The brand most unapologetically committed to their campaign was Devour Foods – by a long shot. The brand took the term “Food Porn” to an entirely new level, a level that was too high for some. However, their marketing strategy is unwavering.  Their ads started with teasing posts about the censored Super Bowl ad itself, continued with the promise of more risqué content being released on social media and then flooded their Twitter feed with a series of live tweets and videos packed with enough “That’s what she said” innuendos that Michael Scott would be jealous.

The ongoing videos, racy tweets and flirtatious comments have fans continuously engaging with the brand, even 3 days after the Super Bowl. The highly amped uncensored version of the commercial now has nearly 16 million views on YouTube alone. Accompanied by the decision to promote themselves on adult-themed websites, Devour has carved out its brand and is sure to be remembered.  While many got a kick out of the innuendo-packed ad, a lot of parents were beyond upset that such adult geared content was played in front of their children.

Devour’s creative use of Twitter during and after the Super Bowl ad aired is worth checking out. Just remember, it’s not everyone’s taste.

That’s Not Right

One of the more controversial Super Bowl ads came from a brand with an unfamiliar name and a knack for making people angry. As part of their “That’s Not Right” series, Mint Mobile revealed their Chunky Milk Super Bowl commercial and viewers were not at all happy. Aired during a time when most American’s are stuffed to the brim with pizza and cheese dips, watching a tv family drink a chunky dairy product was just not right. The outrage from viewers was intense and unfortunately relatable.

The Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative for Mint Mobile, Aron North, told Time, “We expected a reaction. I think this strong of a reaction maybe not. …If it took something as obtuse as chunky-style milk to wake everybody up, I would run it again.”

While they definitely stood out and North adamantly stands by the decision to run the ad, you have to wonder if the reaction of the posters on social media will influence decisions when it comes to purchasing new mobile plans. The other videos in the series are just as uncomfortable to watch, proving there was a clear attention-grabbing strategy at play, but will it provide the desired results? We know your name now, Mint Mobile. But, do we like you?

The Take-Away

After seeing the aftermath of three very bold approaches to advertising, a few questions come to mind. How will social media affect your campaign? Are you prepared for the backlash? Do you have enough video content to keep your audience engaged? Are you giving customers the opportunity to join the conversation? Do you have something to say and the social media strategy in place to say it?

“Story without strategy is art. Story with strategy is marketing.” – Dave Sutton

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  • Dani Lyman

Little Known Facts About Your Fave Holiday Films
Little Known Facts About Your Fave Holiday Films 1001 667 Dani Lyman

If you’re a movie buff, you love your behind the scenes facts. When it comes to the top holiday films you probably already know: Jim Carrey was a total Grinch on the set of How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Christmas Vacation was one of Johnny Galecki’s first movies; and Elf was filled with in-camera tricks to make Will Ferrell look like a giant among Santa’s tiny helpers. However, here a few lesser-known stories from behind the scenes of your favorite holiday classics.

When Harry Met Sally

Containing one of the most memorable confessions of love and definitely the best New Year’s Eve scene ever, When Harry Met Sally is a classic film that proves relationships (and life) don’t always go as planned. Part of what made the film feel so authentic were the real-life love stories sewn through the narrative. Those cute little interviews with elderly couples that popped up throughout the film were actually inspired by real love stories.

It is said Director Rob Reiner and his good friend and Screenwriter Nora Ephron interviewed various couples about their experiences falling for their soulmate. They then cast lovely actors like Connie Sawyer and Charles Dugan to retell the stories on screen. Easily the most endearing part of the film, the stories made us laugh a little, cry a little, and most importantly, believe in true love.

Die Hard

Die Hard is arguably one of the best Christmas films of all time (literally, people argue about it all the time). Perhaps one of the reasons fans engage with the movie more than other action films is their deep connection to John McClane and the familiarity of his flaws. The extra layer of emotion Bruce Willis brings to the character was likely missing from the script before screenwriter, Jeb Stuart, had a close call with a refrigerator box.

During a recent interview on Jeff Goldsmith’s podcast, Stuart recalled the moment that changed the direction of the script and redefined McClane’s character. After a fight with his wife, Stuart “stormed out of the house” and started his drive back to Burbank on the 134 freeway. While changing lanes he was shocked by a large refrigerator box in front of him. With no time and nowhere to go, he was forced to drive straight into the box. Luckily, it was empty, but the brush with death led to an epiphany. This story wasn’t just an action movie, “It’s about a 30-year-old guy who should have said sorry to his wife.”

McClane’s reluctance to admit his wrongdoing follows him throughout the story and culminates in the film’s most human scene; his apology to his wife. This monologue reveals who McClane really is and why we love this movie so much.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Growing up, we all sat in front of the bright lights of the Christmas tree, watched as George Bailey found his purpose and we dreamt about a lovely little place called Bedford Falls. With all its charms and kindness, Bedford seemed like the perfect little Christmas town that was too quaint to exist in the real world. However, there is a small town in Upstate New York, Seneca Falls, that claims it is the real-life Bedford Falls and you can discover all its magic by visiting during the Christmas season.

Seneca Falls’ holiday website claims that this idyllic town is likely Frank Capra’s inspiration for the film’s set design. Similarities between the Victorian-style homes, the old bridge, and globe street lamps all add to the case that Seneca Falls is the original Bedford Falls.

Of course, what would a claim like this mean if the people didn’t take the opportunity to turn their town into a movie lover’s haven during the holiday season. Every December they host an “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival where one can catch special guests, Christmas light replicas and a screening of the film. So, if you find yourself nostalgic for simpler times during the holiday season, you may want to head to Seneca Falls to experience some Christmas magic.

Bridget Jones’ Diary

For “tragic spinsters” everywhere Bridget Jones’ Diary is a New Year’s classic, packed with impossible resolutions, cringe-worthy awkwardness and clumsy attempts at love. While Jones is usually taking the brunt of the embarrassment, in one chaotic scene, her two love interests prove to be a bit clumsy themselves.

In a recent interview with GQ, Colin Firth explained that the dramatic fight between him and his co-star Hugh Grant was originally scripted to be a serious duel. However, when the actors recognized they hadn’t been in a fight since their youth and a scuffle between these two characters might be more slapstick and sloppy than tough and polished, they reworked the scene and left us with this comedic gem:

Now, get to binge-watching!

Happy New Year!!

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  • Dani Lyman

Top 3 Thanksgiving Commercials
Top 3 Thanksgiving Commercials 5409 3358 Dani Lyman

The holidays are officially upon us! When the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, we know it’s time for America’s most gluttonous holiday; Thanksgiving! There is nothing quite like family and friends gathering over delicious food and football to remind us we have so much to be grateful for. Sure, pushy in-laws, awkward family tension, and holiday perfectionism can sometimes dampen the vibe, but a little bit of drama is part of the fun, isn’t it?

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the commercials. Businesses tend to up their game and hit you in the feels a little harder this time of year. It is a great opportunity for companies to demonstrate their heart, personality, and the effectiveness of video marketing.

With DVR and streaming services, you might have missed some of the great holiday content released the last several years. So, here are 3 Thanksgiving themed commercials from around the web that made us laugh, tugged on our heartstrings, and reminded us to be thankful for the little moments.

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  • Dani Lyman

Spooky Creatures Come To Life With Antonina
Spooky Creatures Come To Life With Antonina 640 414 Dani Lyman

Special Makeup Artist Antonina Henderson is making a name for herself in the industry by creating elaborate creatures and transforming talent for film, TV and live events. The one-time U.S. Army firefighter turned artist found her calling in college and has since turned her passion into a blossoming career.

While Antonina’s resume ranges from weddings to Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No, we really wanted to get in the Halloween spirit and showcase some of her creepier work. Be sure to check out the eerie time-lapse of her ghoulish creation, Fluffy the Demon, for Six Flags’ Frightfest at the end of this interview.

CC: Let’s dive right in to the good stuff. What’s your favorite horror movie?

AH: I have to say, the best horror movie that really gave me the shivers was The Exorcist (1973)!

How about your favorite makeup effect you’ve seen in a movie?

My favorite makeup effects that I have seen in a movie are the transformation scene from An American Werewolf in London (1983), hands down!

What was your first professional makeup project and how did it affect the course of your career?

My first professional makeup project was on the film Cotton in 2012. I was hired to assist the Makeup Department head. I told her that I was a makeup enthusiast who did a lot of theater makeup in high school; and moulage (injury simulation makeup) for the local fire department and EMTs. Under her mentorship, I learned set etiquette, sanitation, and HD makeup. In exchange, I taught her how to make camera-ready vomit and realistic bruises.

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What are your career goals?

My career goals are to be a department head on a studio feature with lots of fantasy or alien creatures.

Can you tell us more about your process to create your characters?

A lot of planning and a lot of love goes into creating my characters. It starts with a design concept, finding a model who fits my vision, maybe even a costume designer. Next, I have to determine if I am going to create my pieces or buy them. This decision usually comes down to my time and cost-effectiveness. When it comes to a production, I am usually pressed for time and have to find the quickest and most cost-effective method to match the producer’s/director’s vision.

How is CGI currently changing or affecting the makeup effects world?

Overall, I think audiences are tired of straight CGI. We are witnessing a resurgence of practical effects in the film world. Directors are finding that sweet spot between CGI and practical makeup. Too much CGI tends to look fake; not enough CGI limits a director’s creativity. I think Special Makeup Effects Editor and Creature Designer Rick Baker made a good point about CGI when he said, “CGI is an amazing tool, and it’s only as good as the artist behind it… If you have a crappy director and give him good tools, he’ll still make a crappy movie.”

How you do you prepare differently when working on a project with CGI?

The preparation includes meeting with the visual effects artist and the director to collaborate one cohesive look, similar to any other creature design.

Can you speak a little about the projects you work on that don’t require effects makeup?

Other projects that I have worked on that don’t require effects makeup have been what we makeup artists call the “no-makeup” look. Which means I use makeup to blend away any perceived flaws, like uneven skin tone, acne, eye bags, tattoos, etc. to give the illusion of a fresh face or natural beauty.

How would you describe your signature look?

I don’t really think I have a signature look. I do like to see real skin instead of layers of foundation and contouring. I try to stay away from trends and be inspired by nature. I minored in biology, the study of life! I like to study the facial anatomy of the person in my chair. For example, do they have amazing cheekbones, juicy lips, or longer than average eyelashes? What’s unique and special about them that I can enhance?

What is it that sets you apart from other makeup artists?

I believe what sets me apart from other makeup artists is that I am forever a student of the arts, always looking for new opportunities to grow my craft or learn a new skill. I love collaborating with other artists because I get to see what’s in their kits, see how they may use products differently than I do. Or see what out of the box application techniques they are using.

Demon Makeup from Antonina Henderson on Vimeo.

Check out more about Antonina here www.makeupbyantonina.com
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  • Dani Lyman

Light up your holiday with our fave 4th of July Movies
Light up your holiday with our fave 4th of July Movies 5616 3744 Dani Lyman

With July 4th quickly approaching, we wanted to take a moment to reminisce about our favorite Fourth of July movies that capture the essence of Independence Day in America. With characters fighting for a cause, uniting humanity, and celebrating wholesome values these films remind us what it means to be an American… but mostly that we are really really awesome.

 

JAWS

The stakes have never been higher than on Amity Island where a lurking predator seeks to threaten our lives… and our right to party. This scene from Jaws demonstrates true American priorities: banding together as a community to swim, drink, and throw a memorable bash. The threat of bloodshed and sharks on a murderous mission will not keep us from having good times!

 

THE SANDLOT

There is nothing more American than baseball, best friends, and good-hearted neighbors gathering to celebrate our Nation’s birth. The Sandlot draws on the nostalgia of a simpler America; a feeling we try endlessly to recapture in our adult lives. It’s a time where adventure lies just beyond our backyard, friendships are formed over summer games and fireworks are so mesmerizing we can’t help but stop and stare. No film captures the childlike joy of the 4th quite as this one does.

 

Independence Day

In a world where superbly-intelligent evil beings with weapons of mass destruction are invading our planet, one voice echoes through the chaos to give us the best presidential speech of all time (…in a movie, at least). If Bill Pullman as President Whitmore rallying a ragtag team of American stereotypes doesn’t move you to tears and make you fist pump “Murcia!”, then I question your patriotism and your cold dead heart.

 

May your 4th be filled with fun, adventure, and fireworks!

 

  • Dani Lyman

A great demo reel wins the job every time
A great demo reel wins the job every time 150 150 Dani Lyman

As filmmakers and video professionals, we are designed to tell stories. We are driven to capture images that convey a message, a philosophy, or an emotion and sway the viewer into sharing our perspective.

A demo reel is a chance to tell your story and persuade clients to believe your perspective is the best fit for their project. Consider your demo reel your 1-minute visual sales pitch. Make it bold. Make it creative. Make it you.

Here are a few tips to make an eye-catching reel to help you close the deal with new clients.

 

Don’t Be Humble

Mohammad Ali famously said, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” Are you the BEST drone operator? A sick animator? The next Scorsese? Prove it by opening your reel with clips that really pack a punch. Get the viewer intrigued by showcasing your most stellar work immediately. Then keep them hooked by choosing music that compliments your vision, editing to the beat, and intercutting various styles of work that display your diversity as a video expert.

Be sure to make yourself the star of your reel. Boldly announce yourself. Your introduction says a lot about who you are, so be proud to advertise your name creatively on your work. Choose animated fonts or motion graphics that represent your brand and vibe. And, don’t use clips where someone else’s talents can outshine your own work. Be so bold that a client can’t help but remember your name.

 

 

Kill Your Darlings

Does it serve the story or is it self-indulgent? Filmmakers need to ask this question all the time, but especially when “pitching” to new prospects. Clients need to be able to trust you to edit wisely and put the project first – not your own ego or agenda. If you’re attached to a shot you think is impressive, but it disrupts the flow of the piece or generally feels out of place – cut it, kill it, let it go.

 

 

FOCUS

Focus on ONE skill per reel. No one wants to see a Motion Graphics/ drone/ broadcast reel smashed into one. A client needs to be confident that you can be creative and capable, but also skilled and focused on the one job they are hiring you to do.

Focus on your audience. Not all clients are going to want you to be the Picasso of the video world. Sometimes they just need you to point and shoot. Consider having a cinematography reel that highlights your brilliant, artistic masterpieces and then another reel for straight-laced, clean-cut corporate videos.

Artistic but also practical = hirable.

 

 

Most importantly, don’t try to be anyone other than yourself. Slice your best work together in a way that tells the story you want your work to tell. An artful, thoughtful piece that demonstrates who you are as a professional will always have the most impact on the viewer.

 

 

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Lessons from Moore, Oklahoma
Lessons from Moore, Oklahoma 150 150 Crew Connection

As a native of Oklahoma City, I’ve been profoundly moved by the tragic events my hometown has endured over the past two decades. The 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building and the devastation caused by the three Moore tornadoes have surely tested Oklahoma’s mettle. And I’m proud to say the people of the Sooner state are still standing. Standing tall and straight at that.

Adversity calls on each of us from time to time. In that regard, I believe there are some valuable lessons coming out of Moore. Too many to try mentioning them all here, but as I watched the coverage on CNN it became obvious to me that:

  • We’re all heroes-in-waiting. No capes, no superpowers, just people refusing to allow someone else to suffer. Funny how mundane differences of gender, race, and politics faded under the dust and debris of a natural disaster.
  • There may come a day when I’ll have to depend on the kindness of strangers. When that day comes, I won’t let pride stand in the way. And, therefore, I’m going to do a better job of paying it forward. I’m going to stop assuming someone else will be the Good Samaritan.
  • I didn’t see anybody frantically searching for their flat-screen televisions or their jet skis. Our lives, ultimately, are defined by the people with whom we share them. The panic and tears I saw were for missing loved ones, not for missing things.

Dear reader, I sincerely hope the worst thing life brings you is the occasional bad blog. Otherwise, I hope you find inspiration in the courage and perseverance being displayed right now by the people of Oklahoma.

 

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The Affordable Care Act: Will it put your business in the penalty box?
The Affordable Care Act: Will it put your business in the penalty box? 150 150 Crew Connection

If you haven’t heard about the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to uphold the individual mandate provision of “ObamaCare”, you’ll likely be pleased to know that “Gone with the Wind” won the Oscar for best picture.

Volumes are being written about how this law will affect individuals, yet those of us who depend on the flexibility of contract workers may not have a clear picture of how the PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) might affect our businesses. The degree to which we’ll get pulled into the “Play or Pay” decision hinges on whether our contract workers if they’re classified as W-2 employees, are deemed full or part-time.

You see, beginning in 2014, employers having more than 50 full-time employees must offer them health coverage or pay a $2,000/employee penalty. Play or Pay. So what constitutes a full-time employee? That’s a key question. The language used in the PPACA states that an employee who works 30 hours or more per week is considered full-time. But what if this employee is part of your variable workforce and doesn’t work for your company every week? Does it still make sense to consider them full-time? In its current form, PPACA’s answer to that question would be “yes.” Those of us running businesses on ever-thinning margins might wish to disagree. But there is a proposed solution out there …

Here’s Looking Back At You, Kid:

The American Staffing Association has been lobbying the Feds to add a 12-month “look back” regulation to the law. This would exempt (at least temporarily) employers from paying the penalty until they are able to calculate a 12-month average of hours worked per week for the employee. If it’s under 30, the employee is deemed part-time and no penalty is assessed. (This is a hugely simplified explanation, but I’m sure I’d lose you if I went into any more detail.)

How about we forget all this complicated look-back averaging, et cetera, et cetera? Let’s just repeal the law! Well, don’t hold your breath on that happening. To repeal PPACA you’d need a Republican president and 60% GOP control of both houses of Congress. You never know, but I think that’s a long shot in the short term.

Instead, let’s focus our attention on regulating this law to ensure it works for the burgeoning contingent workforce upon which our economy now depends.

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Safe Bet: Workers’ Compensation Rates on the Rise
Safe Bet: Workers’ Compensation Rates on the Rise 150 150 Crew Connection

I never imagined I could actually feel sorry for any insurance company. By that I mean, feel sorry for its corporate balance sheet. I’ve got close friends working for behemoths in the industry and I could never feel ambivalent about their misfortune. But since learning about the underlying causes behind the trend in workers’ comp insurance rates, I’ve actually experienced a few moments of sympathy for these businesses.

Most Workers’ Comp carriers are faced with significantly declining profits related to escalating claims costs and operating expenses. Industry data shows the “combined ratio” for 2010 at 128%; meaning for every dollar a carrier takes in, they are spending $1.28 in claims and expenses. Ouch!

And since these guys’ investment portfolios aren’t doing any better than mine, it is not surprising to see rates on the rise. Many employers have already experienced increases in their workers’ compensation rates as high as 20% and in some instances, much higher. If your business happens to be located in California, you already know what I mean.

Actually, my heart stopped bleeding for our own carrier when I found out how much our Workers’ Comp premiums have increased in 2012. Let’s just say that managing this part of our business now has my full attention. So what strings can you pull to get your carrier’s size twelve back on the floor where it belongs?

  1. Safety … safety … safety. The best W/C claim is the one that never happens. And that means maintaining a work environment where doing jobs safely becomes second nature. Think regular safety meetings, on-going education, even performance metrics for managers.
  2. Tighten up your claims management process. Make sure that reserves are accurate and your adjuster knows you’re engaged and motivated to get a speedy resolution.
  3. Finally, implement a return to work program for injured workers who have been cleared for modified duty. I’ve seen how remarkably effective this tool can be.

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