How Adolescence Nailed Teamwork Under Pressure - One Take, One Team

Written by Tacita Small

Image: Courtesy of Netflix

Making a TV show is so complex and far from a walk in the park, but imagine filming every episode in a single, continuous take. No cuts, no do-overs—just pure, unfiltered performance. The team behind Netflix’s Adolescence pulled off, and it wasn’t just about the cast knowing their lines. It took serious teamwork, relentless rehearsals, and a rock-solid production crew to make it happen.

The content was current, and covered the difficulty our young people face growing up today. It feels like everyone has watched it and it’s sparked a conversation we need to have within our families - nuclear and extended; and within our communities. I saw it as a large mirror that’s been held up - because we need to look at the world we live in.

So, how did they do it? I don’t have the answer as we didnt work on this, but it’s led me to think about what can other productions learn from their approach? Let’s break it down using the five stages of team development - a model that can turn any production team into a well-oiled machine.

Image: Courtesy of Netflix

1.Forming: Assembling the Dream Team

Every great production starts with getting the right people on board. For Adolescence, this meant bringing together a team willing to take on an intense, high-risk challenge. The casting process was no joke - Owen Cooper, just 15 years old and with no previous acting experience, was chosen from over 500 applicants to lead the show. At this stage, everyone’s excited, but it’s also when clear communication and goal-setting are essential. A strong foundation here sets the tone for the entire project.

2.Storming: Pushing Through the Tough Bits

Let’s be real—things don’t always go smoothly once work starts. In the case of Adolescence, filming each episode in a single take was a huge challenge. Every actor, camera operator, and crew member had to be perfectly in sync, or the whole scene fell apart.

This is where teams start to feel the pressure. Mistakes happen, tensions rise, and frustrations can build. The key? Open communication and problem-solving. Instead of letting conflicts fester, successful teams address them head-on, just like the Adolescence crew did with their intense rehearsal schedule.

3.Norming: Finding the Rhythm

After the initial struggles, great teams start to find their flow. For Adolescence, this meant 10 to 12 rehearsals per episode to get everything locked in before the cameras rolled. Rehearsals weren’t just about memorising lines—they were about building trust. Each team member needed to anticipate movements, adapt in real-time, and support each other to pull off the ambitious one take format. The same principle applies to any production: once roles are clear and teamwork is strong, things start running like clockwork.

4.Performing: Making the Magic Happen

When everything clicks, a team can operate at its absolute best. For Adolescence, this meant turning months of practice into flawless, high-stakes performances. By the time they filmed, they had built the trust and precision needed to execute every single take without a hitch.

At this stage, everyone knows their role, problem-solving happens on the fly, and the production runs at full efficiency. That’s the dream, right?

5.Adjourning: Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead

After a project wraps, it’s easy to move on without reflecting. But great teams, like the Adolescence crew, take the time to acknowledge their successes, learn from their challenges, and celebrate their achievements.

For other productions, this means post-project debriefs, honest feedback, and keeping strong professional relationships for future collaborations.

Image: Courtesy of Netflix

Applying the Model to Your Productions

The stages of team development observed in the making of Adolescence offer valuable lessons for other productions:

• Forming: Assemble a diverse team with clear goals and open communication channels.

• Storming: Anticipate challenges and address conflicts constructively.

• Norming: Establish clear roles, conduct thorough rehearsals, and build trust.

• Performing: Strive for seamless collaboration and maintain high morale.

• Adjourning: Reflect on achievements and lessons learned to inform future endeavors.

By consciously navigating these stages, production teams can enhance collaboration, overcome obstacles, and achieve excellence in their creative pursuits.

Director Philip Barantini and stars Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham on set. Image: Netflix / Ben Blackall

Want your production team to operate at its best?

The Adolescence team didn’t just make a gripping show—they proved that teamwork under pressure is everything. Their success wasn’t luck; it was built on clear communication, structured rehearsals, trust, and problem-solving—all things any production team can apply to their own projects.

So, whether you’re working on an indie film, a major TV production, or a theatre show, these five stages of teamwork can help turn chaos into cinematic gold. We work with production companies to build stronger, more cohesive teams—helping you overcome challenges, improve communication, and create seamless collaboration on set.

Let’s chat about how we can support your next project. Click this link and get in touch today!