I’ve had a few subscribers ask me about the order of a Director’s Prep in episodic TV. The following is a basic breakdown of what to expect when you are directing an episode of a TV show.
Every show works a little differently, but here is a guide to follow. Hopefully, you have had the script for a few days before you start prep and you have seen some completed shows.
7 Day Episodic TV Show
Day 1
- find out where the closest Starbucks is!
- meeting with producers about the script (first tone meeting)
- meeting with the First AD
- tour of standing sets (stage)
- work on your script
- meet the production designer and the location manager
- location scouts?
Day 2
- work on your script
- location scouts
- meeting with casting director
Day 3
- work on your script/shot lists
- location scouts
- casting tapes
- meetings with Stunts, Costumes, Props etc. during next few days
Day 4
- work on your script/shot lists
- location scouts
- by Day 4, you want to have your locations and casting done. (This does not always happen!)
Day 5
- work on your script/shot lists
- lock in casting and locations
- visit the set and talk to DOP and actors
Day 6
- work on your script/shot lists
- key location survey with department heads
- production meeting with key departments heads
- finalize all casting, locations and script elements
Day 7
- last day to put out fires
- cast read through at lunch
- wait for script revisions
- work on your script/shot lists
- meeting with producers on the script (final tone meeting)
Here is a detailed list what Production (AD/PM/Producers) look for in location scouts and production meetings.
1) Location Surveys/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
- scouts: Director/Location Manager/1st AD/Producer/PM or UPM/Art Director/Transportation Co-ordinator or a Driver
2) Things to look for on a Scout
- location requirements (need to be wrapped out by what time?/cannot get into building until what time?)
- location accessibility for equipment (loading docks/elevators/stairs)
- noise factors (traffic/construction)
- lighting set-up time (pre-rig?/lights outside?)
- what else can be shot in this location or near by
- DFN possibilities (tenting/lots of windows could be problematic)
- unit parking
- crew parking (shuttle time to set)
- lunch facilities
3) First Scouts (lots of time)
- does it work for the Director
- does it work for the schedule
4) Last Scouts (no time left)
- does it work for the schedule
- does it work for the director
5) 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
- costume
- 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
- Director and 1st AD meeting
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