* beside my personal favorites
Collections
Guides
To Make a DocumentaryTo Leave a CompanyTo Do Meetings WellTo Organize a Road TripTo Shoot on SetTo Enjoy UWaterloo *
Utils
Project Logs
Times
Ongoing
To Shoot on Set
Through my lens
2-3 Weeks Out
- Lock shooting script
- Finalize budget
- List out everything. Timeline, IP rights, budget, locations, permits, crew, equipment, costume items, set enhancements, tech stack.
- Create rough production schedule
- Scout and secure permits for locations, if applicable
- Scout out key production heads. Mainly director and DP, maybe some production support
- Cast talent
1 Week Out
- Visit out all location thoroughly. Confirm lighting during time of day and shoot demo shots
- Storyboard with audio notes
- Check in with crew to confirm availability and responsibilities
- Book equipment for shoot days, confirm rentals
- Note down everyone's favorite snacks
3 Days Out
- Create time sheet for when crew and talent should arrive. Stagger if appropriate to avoid crowded set
- Pick up props, costumes, and set enhancements
1 Day Out
- Buy snacks and refreshments for team
- Confirm rides with crew members
- Charge all batteries
- Pick up rental equipment. Take inventory of all items and respective damages.
- Print scripts, storyboards, logistical plans. Get a nice clipboard if you haven't
- Pack camera, lenses, tripod, lights, boom poles, mic, multiple batteries, SD card with proper storage, hard drive, adapters, printed materials, props, costumes, and set enhancements
Day Of
- Check, double check, triple check audio quality. You will not be fixing that in post
- Refer to your lists. There should be no surprises
- Review thumbnails to make sure there's enough variety of content. Remember to get variety of aesthetic, texture/tone, and ambiance/pace
Day After
- Thank you notes!! So many thank you notes
- Copy all footage to hard drive. Label and sort
- Get material, appearance, and location permissions slips signed if you haven't already
- Send out invoice template, pay people as soon as possible