What Paradise Can Teach Us About Managing Conflict on Set
Written by Tacita Small
The entertainment industry thrives on creativity, collaboration, and high-energy environments. But let’s be honest, put a group of passionate, strong-willed professionals under the pressure of deadlines, budget constraints, and creative differences, and sparks are bound to fly. Conflict on set or behind the scenes is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to derail your production.
Having binge watched Hulu’s new series Paradise, starring Sterling K. Brown, I wanted to take a quick dive into the realities of conflict in high-pressure environments and how production teams can turn tension into teamwork.
Paradise throws its characters into a tense, dystopian underground society, where secrecy, power struggles, and shifting alliances lead to explosive confrontations. Sound familiar? The themes of miscommunication, lack of trust, and leadership struggles are all too real in the entertainment industry.
So, how do you stop a simple disagreement from turning into a full-blown production meltdown? Let’s take some lessons from Paradise and apply them to real-world conflict resolution strategies. For those that haven’t watched it - Spoiler alert!; and for those of you that have watched it - well done, you’re my people!
1. Transparent Communication: Stop the Whisper Networks
As a Secret Service agent, Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) is thrown into a web of deceit and hidden agendas, forced to piece together the truth behind a presidential assassination. Throughout Paradise, we see how misinformation and secrecy make tensions escalate, leading to paranoia and chaos.
The same thing happens in production teams. If communication isn’t clear, rumours spread, confusion reigns, and trust erodes. Setting up open and direct communication channels—whether through regular team meetings, clear call sheets, or instant feedback—prevents unnecessary drama and ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal.
2. Defining Roles & Responsibilities: Avoid the "That’s Not My Job" Syndrome
President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) is supposed to be the leader, yet his authority is constantly challenged by rival factions in the bunker. Without clear leadership, disorder spreads, and his command is undermined.
On set, a lack of defined roles leads to similar chaos. If a director, producer, or crew member is unclear on their responsibilities, tasks overlap, key details are missed, and frustration builds. Ensuring that every team member knows their role, boundaries, and workflow prevents unnecessary power struggles and keeps the production running smoothly.
3. Empathy & Understanding: It’s Not Just About You
Dr. Gabriela Torabi (Sarah Shahi), the bunker’s psychotherapist, faces the monumental task of addressing the mental health challenges of the inhabitants. She often encounters ethical dilemmas, such as balancing individual therapy needs with the overall morale of the community. Her journey underscores the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and the collective well-being.
In productions, clashes often arise because team members focus solely on their own challenges without considering the bigger picture. A frustrated actor may not see the pressures of the lighting crew. A set designer under deadline may not realise the sound team is also struggling. Encouraging empathy—through open discussions, check-ins, and simply listening—helps de-escalate conflicts and fosters a more supportive team environment.
4. Strong Leadership: Who’s Really in Charge?
Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond (Julianne Nicholson), a tech billionaire and key decision-maker in the bunker, wields significant influence over the inhabitants. Her leadership style and decisions profoundly impact the community's dynamics, highlighting the critical role of strong and ethical leadership in maintaining order and morale.
The same is true for productions. When tensions rise, a strong leader needs to step in—not by micromanaging, but by fostering trust, maintaining fairness, and resolving issues before they spiral out of control. Whether it’s a producer, director, or department head, leadership sets the tone for a productive, drama-free work environment.
5. Conflict Resolution Strategies: Don’t Let Tensions Boil Over
Agent Nicole Robinson (Krys Marshall), a high-ranking Secret Service agent, grapples with internal conflicts and ethical decisions throughout the series. Her journey illustrates the consequences of unresolved tensions and the necessity for effective conflict resolution strategies within a team.
On set, small conflicts can turn into major disruptions if they aren’t dealt with quickly. Productions should have clear conflict resolution processes—whether it’s through mediation, structured discussions, or bringing in an HR partner (like us!)—to address disputes professionally and prevent issues from escalating.
We know that conflict is part of the job in the entertainment world, but managing it effectively is what separates a disastrous production from a productive one. That’s why we’re launching Conquering Conflict, a practical, industry-specific training programme designed to help production professionals tackle workplace challenges head-on.
This programme is perfect for:
Film, TV, and Theatre professionals dealing with high-stress work environments
Producers and directors looking to foster stronger team collaboration
Anyone who wants to build a positive, communicative, and drama-free production culture
Sign up here to join our waitlist and become one of the first to access this training programme for your teams or production. Whether you’re a group of HoD’s looking to improve your communication skills or a production company wanting to invest in overall team success, this is your chance to gain practical tools to handle conflict like a pro.