The Crew

How few people can I shoot with?

Well, there will be about 2 to 5 cast members at any point in time...

Director - Me
Line Producer/AD/Production Manager
Art Department/Costumes/Props
Make Up/Hair... hm... that might not be enough for one job all the time.
DP
Grip/Electric/Swing
AC/Swing
Sound/Boom (doubling his job.)
Production Assistant/Catering

Totally crazy thought... I wonder if my make-up or Art person could hold a boom. :)

No, I'm not kidding.

I think people like having things to do. I want everyone there to be a part of the team and I'd rather pay one person more than pay for two people if it comes down to that.

The PA (who I'll give a better credit) is the person who can leave the set. You always need someone who can leave. And him or her handling catering will be enough of a job. I imagine that my Line Producer will also be able to leave the set if necessary.

Nine people. It costs to have people on the set. In addition to paying them, you have to feed them. You have to have a place for them to park. Now... pay... this will be interesting to figure out. It's going to have to be the lowest possible or it will rock the balance.

One thing I know for sure. I will know these people before the first day of shooting. Even one person can totally throw off the vibe of a production. And the vibe is very important.

Behind the scenes there will be prop makers and other specialists. A lighting crew for the first couple days. A strike crew. Set Dressers and Art Department for a couple days in the start (especially for on location... about five people on that).