Chapter 7: The Plan: Preproduction

• 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

• Lighting

• Camera lenses and angles

• Video or film stock

• Wardrobe

• Makeup

• Props, and set design all contribute to the overall visual aesthetics

• 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

Production Assistant

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Some actors or shots need additional prep time

• 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

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

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

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

• 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

Production Report

The call sheet