F1 Producer/AD Responsibilities
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.
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- 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.