The Director’s Prep (Episodic TV)
(c) Peter D. Marshall
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, of course, 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-ord 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
Copyright (c) 2001 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved
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