Pre-Production

• 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.
• Organize the Tech Scout for each location with at least 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.
• Have each actor sign a Performance Agreement.
• Arrange for volunteers and/or extras if required.
• Coordinate call times with other Producers in your cycle to ensure 10 hr turnaround.
• Prepare all scheduling information and other material required for ATL Prep.
• Attend ATL 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 crewmembers’ questions. Have each crew member sign a Crew Deal Memo.
• Prepare and make copies of all the paperwork needed on set.
• Create a Setup Schedule with the DP.
• Check the weather periodically to monitor adverse conditions. Have a back-up plan.
• Purchase craft services by the night before production. Arrange for lunch to be delivered or picked up by a volunteer.
• Create the Call Sheet, including a map and email no later than 12hrs before call time.
• Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

Beginning of shooting day

• Arrive at set at least 30 minutes early.
• Immediately establish contact with the location owner to make sure everything is still going as planned. Thank them! Check back with them periodically throughout the day as needed.
• Sign in all crew using the Crew Sign-in sheet.
• When actors arrive, show them the set, green room, bathrooms, and craft service. Introduce them to crew; and location owner if possible.
• At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report.
• Make sure crew have a copy of the Setup Schedule.
• Make sure actors have a copy of the script or their sides.
• Make sure crew is staging equipment safely and preparing for the first shot.
• Make sure the director is focused with the DP and crew on the first shot and figuring out logistical stuff.
  • • Where is the camera going?
    • Where are the lights going?
    • Where is the boom operator?
    • General idea on actor blocking.
• Make sure set dressing is happening (if necessary).
• Give director time to focus on actors while the crew finishes set up and/or set dressing.
• When the set is ready, give the director and actors a (5-Minute) call to blocking, rehearsal, and shooting.
• ALWAYS KEEP ACTORS IN THE LOOP AS TO WHEN THEY MIGHT BE CALLED TO SET!!!

Throughout shooting day

• Run through the 1st AD Protocol for each set-up.
• Manage the time on the set by keeping up with the Setup Schedule. Adjust schedule as needed.
• Look ahead to next set-ups and make sure departments are prepared and working ahead.
• Make sure lunch and camera wrap start on time.
• Sign out actors when they wrap (“That’s a wrap on “actors name” – all clap)

End of shooting day

• Efficiently and safely wrap out equipment, load vehicles, and clean the location. Leave the location better than when you arrived.
• Sign-out all crew.
• Be the last to leave (except perhaps Art Dept).
• Thank the location owners.
• Make sure the director backs up all their media.
• Create the Daily Production Report and distribute within 2 hours after Company Wrap.