Final answer:
The size of a production's crew is influenced by the scale and complexity of the project, specialized needs such as special effects and costume changes, and the vision of the director and producers. Smaller productions can get by with fewer crew members due to fewer technical requirements and a focus on performance or story over technical elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scale and complexity of productions often dictate the size of the crew required. Large-scale productions, such as big-budget movies or Broadway shows, involve numerous specialized departments because of the diverse tasks that need to be managed. These can include various locations, special effects, costume changes, and the non-linear shooting schedule that requires detailed pre-planning and sophisticated post-production processes.
In contrast, smaller productions, such as independent films or off-Broadway plays, may have more limited requirements and fewer moving parts, allowing them to be managed with a smaller team. These productions often require fewer technical elements and may rely more heavily on the actors' performances or the story itself, rather than elaborate technical enhancements. Factors such as the speed of the production process, the need for specialized crew members such as make-up artists or stunt coordinators, and the decision-making process involved with casting can also influence crew size.
Ultimately, the vision of the directors and producers, the nature of the story being told, and budget constraints are central in determining whether a production requires a large crew or can be executed with just a couple of people.