THE SHOOT - A few Guidelines

Hello Class,

Well, here I am in England.

I wanted to wish a great shoot to Mekway Productions and De Men Productions. Here are some guidelines towards the smooth and efficient running of your shoot.

Pre-shoot Meeting
Once cast and crew are assembled, have a quick production meeting with everyone,
-for introductions (Just say your name, and your role), so everyone knows who is doing what, and
- for the Director to set the vision for the day.
- Go through the Schedule for the day so everyone knows what is to be accomplished in how much time.
- Housekeeping issues should also be adressed ie what time is lunch, where are the toilets etc.
- Leave time for a few questions.
- This is also the time to get any outstanding contracts signed by cast and crew (essential everyone signs BEFORE they start working)
This meeting should be short and sweet but is essential for everyone to start the day on the same page.

The Shoot
Shoots are hierarchical, because it is hard work, involving coordination of alot of people, and it needs to happen smoothly.
- The most important person on the set is the Director, from whom all vision and direction flows.
- The 2nd most important voice on the set is that of the 1st Assistant Director, who runs the set on behalf of the Director, and whose responsibility it is to make sure that the shoot starts and ends on time, and the day is accomplished as planned.
- The DP and his team (Lighting, Electrics, Grip) come next - as they are responsible for achieving the vision of the director.
- Don't forget your sound recordist because without good sound you're in trouble.
- The PA/Continuity person is essential to log the shots, and ensure continuity.

Set Protocol
For each set up:
1st Assistant Director tells the crew what the shot it, and asks the DP how long he needs to light. The 1st then informs the crew "We will be going for a rehearsal in X mins. The DP and Lighting team begin their work. The 1st AD calls order and quiet to the set. The 1st AD calls the rehearsal ("Stand by for a rehearsal, please." ) then when it is time, he calls the scene. (1stAD: "Camera Ready" DP:"Rolling" 1st AD "Sound Ready" Recordist "Rolling") and the director or the 1st AD says "Action". (If it is large noisy set eg a busy street, then the first will say action. Some directors don't like to raise their voice so they may give the 1st AD a sign and the DP will say Action on behalf of the director). The Director says "CUT".
Make sure that there is time for Audio to get wild tracks for each location. That is at least 30 secs or room atmosphere. The AD calls for quiet and times it.
The PA must keep careful notes of each set up and take, noting which takes were n/g (no good) which were good and which the director liked best.

Try to follow these guidelines faithfully. Have a good shoot!

Love FA

PS: A friend of mine found this definition of a producer which I think says it all:

"A real producer holds the vision of the project. They're the first person to turn on the lights in the morning, and the last person to turn out the lights at night. They are the leader, the go-to person, the solution-provider, the conflict resolver. They are consistent, passionate, fair and fierce. They know how to pick their battles. They know how to inspire others, even and especially when they are taking hits and bleeding profusely from their own battles to keep the ship afloat. They are everyone's confidante, keep everyone's counsel, but beat to their own drum. Their number one client: the Director. Their number one loyalty: the project - which brings us back around to vision."