Chapter 8: The Shoot: Production

Match visually

Have continuity

• The script has been finalized

• The actors are rehearsed, made up, and costumed

• Releases have been signed

• The sets have been built

• The crew has been hired

• The equipment is up to speed

• All locations are secured

• Other producers

• The production manager

• Designers

• Editors

• Decision-making

• Factoring in suggestions from the production team

• Client’s notes and requirements

The actual production

• Keeps everyone focused on their job

• Knows who is doing what job

• Stays on top of what needs to get done

• Clearly communicates everyone’s area of responsibility

• Explaining your ideas and the vision of the project

• Agreeing on the vision and the creative directions it’s taking

• Communicating frequently and openly with your team

• Listening to ideas and suggestions from your team

• Nourishing your team with praise, food, and enthusiasm

• Providing a model of collaboration and mutual respect

All the lights, cameras, audio equipment, and whatever else is not needed for the next day’s shoot is packed away

All tarps, protective coverings, garbage, equipment, and whatever else remains, and puts items back in their original positions, thoroughly clearing out the location

• Television programs

• Feature films

• High-end commercials

• News broadcasts

• Sports events

• Video games

• A futuristic building

• A vast country landscape dotted with sheep

• An ancient battleground with thousands of charging warriors

Computer-generated imagery

Blue screen, a green screen background or, more recently, a silver screen

Built entirely on the computer, and don’t require the shooting of any footage

The shooter

• Choices of formats on which to store the footage and audio

• Lenses

• In-camera settings

• Varying shutter and shooting speeds

• Built-in optical illusions

Three separate red, green, and blue negatives

Red, green, and blue

Charge-coupled devices

Complementary metal oxide semiconductor