Chapter 7: The Plan: Preproduction

Talent can apply to...

- A world-famous actor
- An on-camera news anchor
- A game show host
- Real-life subjects in a documentary who have never been on camera before
- A man on the street
- Children
- Animals
- Extras

Elements that contribute to the overall visual aesthetics...

- Lighting
- Camera lenses and angles
- Video or film stock
- Wardrobe
- Makeup
- Props, and set design all contribute to the overall visual aesthetics

Special production equipment needs to be arranged in advance of the shoot, and might include...

- Cameras and lenses, screens, tripods, batteries, video stock, etc.
- Sound, extra mics, mixers, booms, windscreens, lavs, wireless bodypacks, etc.
- Grip and electric with cables, extra power sources, generators, cords, gaffer’s tape, etc.
- Walkie-talkies
- A dolly and tracks
- Additional cranes and jibs for cameras
- Steadicam mounts
- Explosive devices
- HMI and other lights, gels, stands, and neutral-density gels
- Camera cars
- A video monitor for each camera
- Teleprompters

PA

Production Assistant

Production Book...

- The traditional production book is kept in a three-ring loose-leaf binder, with dividers for each section
- On a small project, the producer keeps their own book and updates it regularly
- On a larger production, usually, a production assistant (PA) or production coordinator is put in charge of making multiple copies of production books for the key production personnel, giving everyone the same updated information

Actors and Talent: Child actors...

- Union rules require that children have a shorter working schedule, and must have a tutor, parent, or social worker with them at all times, especially if the talent is missing regularly scheduled school time

Actors and Talent: Animals...

- Using an animal in a shoot requires a special trainer who can prompt it to do tricks and stunts, and who supervises the animal between takes
- Whenever any animal is on set, the American Humane Association (AHA) must be notified. This mandate even extends to cockroaches

Actors and Talent: Extras and crowds...

- The producer in charge of the extras will often audition them or find them through other means
- Then, they will schedule their call time on set, arrange a comfortable waiting area, give them the proper release forms to fill out, and decide who needs wardrobe, hair, and/or makeup
- While they wait for their scene, extras are provided with food, water, and bathroom facilities; they are usually rehearsed before the shoot

Actors and Talent: Stunts...

- The stunt category can include tripping on the stairs, a car chase, explosions, gunshots, falls from buildings, and fist fights
- An effective stunt requires careful design, test runs, and rehearsals, and is generally performed by professional stuntmen and women
- Stunt work requires rehearsal time as well as fees and additional insurance

Actors and Talent: Convenience vehicles...

- Some productions require mobile dressing rooms, portable bathrooms, and craft service trucks
- The transportation captain is in charge of locating the vehicles, negotiating fees, and arranging for their call times on the production
- If extra insurance is necessary, that information is given to the producer, line producer, or UPM

Actors and Talent: Meals and craft services...

- Provide healthy snacks, coffee, tea, and water, and make them available at all times, close to the set or location
- Give everyone a complete, healthy meal at least once a day, ideally every six hours

Actors and Talent: Security/crowd control...

- If local police are not available, hire a private security company or assign a strong-willed and muscle-bound production assistant (PA) to keep the crowd at a reasonable distance
- If any of the people milling around might be shot on camera, the person in charge posts a notice, stating that people may be on camera and they have a choice to stay and be photographed or to leave

The Timing of the Shoot: Hair/makeup...

- Some actors or shots need additional prep time

The Timing of the Shoot: Break down...

- Disassembling equipment and sets after the shoot are completed, and either taking much of it to the next location, disposing of it, or returning it

The Timing of the Shoot: Setup...

- Prelighting and camera blocking, loading in sets, equipment, and furnishings

The Timing of the Shoot: Transportation department...

- Vans or trucks for loading and transporting equipment, sets and set dressings, the crew, and the talent

The Timing of the Shoot: Art department...

- Building, painting, and delivering sets, furnishings, and props

Production Report includes...

- Call times
- Scene numbers
- Deleted shots
- Setups
- Video and audio reel numbers
- The crew members involved and the hours they worked
- The locations
- Meals served
- Equipment and vehicles
- Delays or accidents on the shoot

PR

Production Report

The production report is often (but not always) prepared by the same person who is responsible for...

The call sheet