Culture

FOUNDING PRINCIPLES

In competition with
what's possible.

Stage Five Films was conceptualised – and takes its name – from Dave Logan’s 'Tribal Leadership', a 10-year study with 24,000 participants across two dozen organisations worldwide. Logan found that a company's success ultimately depends on its tribal culture. A thriving, high-performance culture – the fifth stage – can only be established by effective tribal leaders.

We don’t define ourselves in relation to our competitors, but in terms of what’s possible.

Every project is founded on the principle of limitless potential.

Leadership isn’t dictatorship or celebrity – it’s upgrading, excelling, and supporting in order to inspire and benefit the tribe (the industry).

We're open to working with anyone, provided they're committed to the same values, with the same degree of intensity.

We focus on transcendent, universal values that reach beyond individuals or our organisation.

THE FIVE STAGES OF TRIBAL CULTURE

Birds flock; fish school. People “tribe”.

Stage 1/5

ALIENATED

Most people are socially alienated, and the theme of their words is that life has given them a bad deal, so it’s okay to do whatever it takes to survive.

Stage 2/5

SEPARATED

Most people do the minimum to get by, show almost no initiative or passion, and engage in passive-aggressive behaviour.

Stage 3/5

PERSONAL DOMINATION

Knowledge is power, so people hoard it. They have to win, and winning is personal. The mood is one of wanting help and support, yet being continually disappointed that others don’t have their ambition or skill.

Stage 4/5

STABLE PARTNERSHIP

People are fully themselves, and everyone seems happy, inspired, and genuine. The culture emphasises shared core values and independent strategies. A ‘we’re great’ tribe always has an adversary, and the bigger the foe, the more powerful the tribe.

Stage 5/5

WONDERMENT

The language evolves around infinite potential and how the tribe is going to make history – not to beat a competitor, but because doing so will make a global impact. This group is in competition with what’s possible, and not with another tribe.

WHAT DRIVES US

Our values are our code of ethics. They inform every facet of our work.

Quality

Excellence is the best business plan. We believe that a commitment to excellence speaks for itself. With a keen focus on craft and precision, the work speaks for itself.

Honesty

Truth-telling is non-negotiable, even if it's uncomfortable or risky.

Courage

Our bravery makes us bolder, wiser, more resilient. We take smart risks and move fast.

Transparency

Forthrightness, candour and clarity benefit everyone: partners, investors, employees. We do what we say, and we say what we do.

Integrity

Integrity fosters authenticity and trust in our relationships and deeds. We treat others with respect and understand the responsibility that comes with leadership. We keep our promises.

Passion

The energy that fuels the dedication, grit, and tenacity that translates from set to screen.

Consistency

We're committed to persistently raising our standards because what we repeatedly deliver becomes our legacy.

Collaboration

Critical engagement and constant interaction with those who share our values inspire us to innovate.

Inclusivity

We discriminate against mediocrity, not people based on race, nationality, age, class, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We welcome diverse viewpoints and believe in shaping structures that support opportunity for all.