Secure each filming location by completing a Location Agreement and Shooting Plan. Make sure the location owner is clear about the nature of the production, and provide them with a Location Pamphlet.
Organize the Tech Scout of the location with the ATL. Establish where the restrooms, parking, staging, base camp and set will be. Complete a Location Hazard Assessment Checklist. If any location hazards, then also complete a Hazard Notification Report.
Break down the script and create the Production Schedule in Scenechronize.
Create a Setup Schedule with the Director and DP (based on the shot list put together by the Director and DP).
Prepare all scheduling information and other materials required for Directors Prep.
Attend Directors Prep and takes notes for the Director.
Assist the Director with any and all logistical needs to prepare for principal photography.
Run the Production Meeting by reading the action of the script. Answer crew members’ questions. Have each crew member sign a Crew Deal Memo.
Prepare all the paperwork needed on set.
Check the weather periodically to monitor adverse conditions. Have a back-up plan.
Purchase Craft Services by the night before production.
Pre-order lunch and arrange for it to be picked up by a volunteer on the day of production.
Have a Greenlight Meeting with the Head of Production, during which you will:
Show all completed Location Documents.
Follow through on any questions that were brought up in the previous Producer Meeting.
Following the D1 Handoff Chart, pick up the pertinent items from the Equipment Room.
Create the Call Sheet, including a map and set diagram, and email it no later than 12 hours before call time.
Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.
On Set
START OF DAY
Arrive at set FIRST, at least 30 minutes before call time.
Immediately establish contact with the location owner to make sure everything is still going as planned. Check back with them periodically throughout the day as needed.
Deliver the craft services to the 2nd AD for them to set up the craft service table.
Give the 2nd AD all the paperwork you prepared ahead of time for them to have completed throughout the day.
At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report and have a Shop Steward sign it to verify it was completed.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Run through the 1st AD Set Procedure: Block, New Deal, Build, Rehearse, Shoot…
Manage the time on the set by keeping up with the Setup Schedule. Adjust schedule as needed.
Look ahead to next setups and make sure departments are prepared and working ahead.
Verify with volunteer or caterer that lunch will be brought to set in time to set it up prior to releasing for lunch.
MEALS
When it is time for lunch, release the cast & crew for lunch.
Make periodic announcements on time remaining on lunch.
Make sure lunch does not exceed one hour.
END OF DAY
At Camera Wrap, make sure crew wraps safely and efficiently. Make sure to have Company Wrap on time.
Collect all the Daily Production Paperwork and Camera Card from the 2nd AD.
With 2nd AD, clean and secure location. Be the LAST TO LEAVE (except perhaps Art Dept).
Whenever possible, do a walk-thru with the location owner to verify everything is in order.
Leave the location better than when you arrived.
Approve the Daily Production Report and have 2nd AD distribute copies at the end of the day.
Post-Production
Turn in Camera Reports and Camera Card to the cubby in the ingest room in the Post Hall as soon as possible after wrap. Be sure to scan a copy of the Camera Report first for your delivery.
