Clive, your comments are excellent! Right on the money!
I also have a suggestion or two that I have found to be helpful on my projects. Regarding the cast, it may be cliche', but treat your cast like gold. I am an actor, writer, and getting more into direction and producing. And there is one thing actors are, sensitive. Every single one. I've never met, or worked with an actor, who didn't have this sensitivity. They have this sensitivity, because I find especially with my acting training, it's a part of the job. You're dealing with a person who is trained at "feeling". They can't just turn this off. Well, most can't. It's a part of who we are as actors.
With that, do what you can to have a car pick them up for the shoot, and take them home afterwards. it's sounds funny, but believe me, it ensures two things. First and foremost, they will be there. Second, it makes them FEEL really special. I know it sounds funny, but believe me, it works like a charm. Just that simple convenience. Put it into the budget of the film, and if you can't afford it, get a friend to do it for you. But this is one simple, reasonably inexpensive luxury that actors LOVE!
Get to know what makes people happy in each role. And if you're not sure, ask. Ask the actor what would make them "FEEL" comfortable. Same with the crew. Make sure you communicate with them on what it would take to meet their minimal needs. Again supporting what Clive was saying.
Second I would suggest, is the food. Whatever you do, make sure the food is good. To donate your time, this is the least you can do is provide REALLY good food. Again, it's a bare minimum that if done right, leaves a lasting impression. And it's a basic instinctual minimum with people. Meaning, good food, promotes happy people. Not a big cost, and it shows you care. Like Clive was saying, you have to compensate for the donation of their time. Putting good food in one's belly, is definitely a way of communicating you care. And you better care, as these people have the fate of your film, in their hands. Again, specifically when your dealing with people that are working for free. Also, make sure you have food that supports any dietary concerns with the cast and crew (lactose intolerant, non-meat eaters, etc.). Try not to provide any heavy foods that would zap people's energy (heavy pasta's, cheesy foods, etc.). Base drinks water, seltzer water, no soda, no alcohol. I say no soda as soda has high sugar content, and you don't want your cast or crew "crashing" during the shoot. There are really tasty flavored seltzer waters, juices, that you can provide that are really tasty.
Bare minimum, definitely pick up the actor before the shoot, and take them home after. Aside from how it makes them "feel", it ensures they will be at the shoot (most of all), and that they will be there on time. Then good food and drink!
-Richard
www.oneclickfilms.com