Pre-Production Activities
Peter D. Marshall
Here is a quick reference pre-production
activity list for directors.
PRE-PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
1) Location Scouts
- the location manager has a concept meeting
with the producers and the director after
reading the script
- the location manager finds as many choices as possible for the
Director
- (always try and group as many locations together as possible)
- scouts: Director/Location Manager/1st AD/Producer/PM or UPM/Art
Director/Transportation Co-ord or a Driver
First Scouts (when their is lots of time!)
- does it work for the Director
- does it work for the schedule
Last Scouts (when their is no time left!)
- does it work for the schedule
- does it work for the director
2) Department Head Meetings
The director should have the following
meetings:
- concept meeting with producers/location manager/art director
- script meeting with producers and writer (if available)
- casting meeting with producers and casting director
- costumes
- props
- set dec
- special FX
- stunts
- extra casting
- transportation
- other (animals,optical FX)
- visit the set and talk to - DOP/hair & make up/sound/actors
3) Director/1st AD Meeting
- go through the script scene-by-scene
- give the AD a list of all special equipment needed
(crane, steadicam, circle track, special lenses, insert car etc.)
- find out what he thinks/what he says/what he wants
4) Production Co-Ordinator
- consult them regarding your travel, hotel arrangements, family travel
etc.
5) Production Manager
- go over all concerns with PM (budget etc)
- prep is the time to organize (make mistakes on paper)
- go in prepared and speak your mind ("CYA"!)
- let them know if you foresee a problem early (overtime etc.)
6) Extra Casting Meeting/Budget
- 1AD, 2AD, Extra Casting, Costume Designer go over the extra's for the
show
7) Stunts and Special FX
- get to know the Stunt Co-ordinator and SPFX
Co-ordinator
- (the 1AD is the on-set Safety Supervisor-Safety Meetings)
- go over all details of a stunt or special FX so you know the
potential dangers, length of time for shooting and other details
8) Animals
- talk to the trainers about the animals and
the script
- take time to watch them rehearse the animals
- find out the animal's specific feeding times, work times habits
9) Children
- scheduling is more difficult with children
under age 16
- get to know the parents, guardians and tutors
- always be honest with parents and tutors. Let them know what is
really going on regarding time etc.
10) Day-Out-Of-Days(DOD)
- this shows you the work, travel, hold days
for all actors
11) One Liner
- sets the schedule out on a "one line" basis for quick reference
(usually on Movie Magic)
12) Key Location Survey
- Director, 1AD, 2AD, PM, LM, ALM, Producer, Set Dec, Art Director,
DOP, Grip, Gaffer,
Transportation Captain, Construction Co-ord, Sound
13) Production Meeting
- review of all production arrangements and the
director's concepts
- the AD reads through the script scene-by-scene (no dialogue) and not
by the one-liner
- every department discusses with the director their specific
requirements
- it is an open discussion about the show
- it is usually the last time anything can be asked for by the director
(re: budget)
14) The Shooting Schedule (1AD)
- the show information (individual elements) is put into breakdown
pages for distribution to crew
15) Stock Shots, Second Unit, Video Playback,
Photographs, Inserts
- these items have a tendency to be forgotten. Make sure the AD has
noted them
| If you are a Film or
Television professional and would like to contribute your
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email me at: pdm@actioncutprint.com |
Copyright (c) 2000-2008
Peter D. Marshall/www.actioncutprint.com
pdm@actioncutprint.com
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