#pre-production

Location Scouting

Here are some guidelines & policies as you begin location scouting for your project.

Location Searching

You can do a virtual scout through Google maps/street view. If you need to know who owns a particular property, you can do a search on the Leon County Property Appraiser site. Searching by address, or pointing to it on a map, will show you who owns the property. Then you’ll need to do some more google-sleuthing to find out their contact info.

You can also look for locations by driving around and just showing up at the location to ask in person. Be considerate of the time of day (e.g. if it’s a home, then not too early in the morning nor after dark; if it’s a restaurant, not during their lunch rush).

We do not currently have a searchable location database. If you know of a location that was used in a previous project, you can find that project in Motion and find the location info under the Location tab for that project.

COVID-19 Protocols

Be particularly vigilant about following covid protocols. Here is some more info on this in the handbook.

Safety

When showing up at someone’s home, be sure to take safety precautions. Not everyone appreciates having strangers show up at their front door. Being able to show some credentials will help identify you as a film student.

Here is a link to our Location Pamphlet in the handbook that you can print and hand out to them.
You should also have your student ID on you for further identification.
You can also check out from the ER a large car magnet with the FSU logo and “Location Scouting Vehicle” on it that you can put on your car door.
Consider going in pairs so you know someone’s got your back.

Communication

Always be professional and courteous. Remember that you’re asking them to do you a big favor. Be sure to discuss:

all of the logistics involved
the content of the script (especially if there may be anything objectionable)
the dates (not just production, but pre-pro also for tech scouting, set dressing, shot designing, photoboarding, etc)
the spaces you want to use (not just set, but also all the equipment staging areas, greenroom, craft services, parking, etc)

Location Rental fees

Historically, we have seldom had to pay to use a location. Most of the time, people have been very generous in allowing us to film without charging us anything. The exception to this may be for places that normally charge for their use (e.g. a hotel room), or that require that you pay one of their employees to be there on the shoot date (e.g. at a business). If they do want to charge you, make sure you’re clear on what the rate will be.

Documentation

While location scouting, be sure to complete a Location Hazard Assessment form. This will help you identify any hazards that may be at that location. If there are any, and you’re still planning to use that location then you must also complete a Hazard Notification form for each hazard, detailing how the production will deal with the hazard in a safe manner.

Ask the location owner the questions that are listed on the Location Shooting Plan Agreement and fill in the answers they give you. Do not give them a blank form and ask them to fill it out for you. Then have them sign on page 2 and give them a copy of this form for their reference. You will also complete and have them sign a Location Agreement.

Location Search Responsibilities

Typically on most projects, searching for locations is a team effort, led mostly by the Director and Producer, though other pre-pro crew members can certainly assist. It is fine if someone other than the Producer makes initial contact with the location owner, but the Producer should be the one who completes all of the paperwork with them.

Prep Meetings (BTH)

Story Meeting

Required: WR/DR • Optional: PR/PD/DP/ED

This meeting is an opportunity for writers/directors and the Writing & Directing instructors to reflect upon the story. It’s an opportunity for the director to convey their vision and explore it with the faculty. The meeting will be primarily conceptual — more about dreaming than practical logistics — but we will touch on production elements where relevant.

Post the latest draft of the script to the show’s Slack channel at least 24 hours in advance.
Optional: Any visual references that might be helpful.
Optional: Any casting hopes or possibilities.

Casting & Locations Meeting

Required: DR/PD • Optional: PR/DP

This meeting with the Acting & Directing instructors will begin the work of bridging the gap between dream and reality: how a mental image of a character might be brought to life through the casting of a specific actor, and how a creative vision of the story world might translate into the practical mechanics of building it. It is still an exploratory meeting, but one tailored towards how you might accomplish the grand vision — especially with regards to locations and casting possibilities.

Post the latest draft of the script to the show’s Slack channel at least 24 hours in advance.
Update the Scope Breakdown (Google Sheet) in advance of the meeting.
The characters:
- Post all casting breakdowns before this meeting.
- Bring pictures of your intentions.
- If you’ve already cast a role: show a photo and discuss the qualities they bring to the role.
- If you’ve not cast a role yet: share the feeling that a famous actor/artist may evoke for you, and then show your own approximation to that feeling from our own casting resources.
The world:
- Bring pictures of your intentions. For example, if Tallahassee must double for NYC, show pictures of the NYC you imagine and some possibilities in the nearby area for where you might shoot. Or, if a space ship is to be built, show some reference images and discuss how you will approach fabricating it.
- Address the plan for any other specifics that could be complex, such as VFX, props, make-up, costumes, etc.
- Be prepared to also think outside of the box for alternative solutions — to enhance the storytelling, maximize production value, and/or address practical challenges.
- Be prepared to think about how to reduce scope, if needed.

Production Logistics Meeting

Required: PR • Optional: DR/PD/DP

This meeting with the Head of Production is a follow-up to last semester’s logistics meeting. It will focus on reviewing what’s been accomplished since the last meeting and identifying what’s left to do, setting a plan in place for tackling any unresolved logistics.

Update the Scope Breakdown (Google Sheet) in advance of the meeting.

VFX Meeting

Required: DR/PR/VFX Supe (if applicable) • Optional: PD/DP

This meeting with the VFX instructors is only for shows that are planning visual effects. It’s a follow-up to last semester’s VFX scope meetings and will focus on the reviewing and approving of the show’s VFX breakdown.

Slack the VFX breakdown to JStone at least 24 hours in advance.

Director’s Prep

Required: DR/PD/PR/DP/1D/2D/AR

This meeting with the Directing & Cine instructors will focus on the practical plan for how the holistic vision for the film will be executed. These preps will take place a few days before the start of production, so all cast and locations should be locked. The exact format of the prep will be decided upon by the faculty and the creative team of each show; it could take place at a key location or at the school. The goal is to make this a practical, productive work meeting to help the shows get prepared for the shoot (rather than a dog-and-pony show) and students will have the flexibility to present their plan in a manner that best suits their process and the priorities of the show.

In advance of the meeting, students should share prep materials for the following in the show’s Slack channel and should be prepared to discuss them at the prep session:

The latest draft of the script with numbered scenes (shared at least 24 hours in advance).
Update the Scope Breakdown (Google Sheet) in advance of the meeting.
A director’s statement: a simple, one-page document that clearly states the filmmaker’s vision.
Visual references that convey idea behind the film: e.g., mood boards, tone clips, and/or look books.
Any other materials that the director may think are helpful in conveying their vision.
Definitive casting choices. Rehearsal notes, if present.
A cinematographic plan from the perspective of both the director and their DP. Any tests would be very much appreciated.
Coverage plans for each scene: e.g., storyboards, overhead diagrams, and/or lined scripts.
The production board (header board and a strip for each scene in shooting order) and a provisional set-up schedule.

If there are any areas where there are still things that need to be figured out, students are encouraged to be candid about it so that we can use this prep time to discuss a plan of attack for those unresolved tasks.

The 1st AD will be tasked with taking notes during the prep, making certain to document faculty concerns and related resolutions. The 1st AD should have a complete understanding of any and all topics of discussion. They should be able by the end to enumerate the points made and possible alternatives after the meeting. They will also be responsible for the creation of an Action Plan to address notes, even if it means finding an alternative solution.

Slack Channels (D2)

Each show will maintain a Slack channel for the duration of the project. The goal of this channel is to foster and enhance the creative/logistical efficiency of all team members and to share materials with the faculty.

Please follow these instructions for the creation and use of the channel:

No later than the beginning of a show’s pre-production time, the Producer must create a Slack channel titled “Prod#-year”. For example: 01D2-2021
Producer invites all the creative team members and all faculty associated with pre-production, production, and post-production.
Producer posts the latest version of script at the time of channel creation. This will be known as Version 1. Please relabel the document “Prod#-Script Title-Version#”. For example: 01-Flip the Script-Version#1
Producer lists all crew members and their roles.
The creative then uses the channel to share materials, in accordance with the director’s prep guidelines.

Director’s Prep (D2)

The Director’s Preps for the D2 cycle will take place primarily at the shooting location(s) in order to address the real-world, practical dimensions of shooting the film in as concrete a manner as possible. In advance of the prep, to get everyone oriented to the show, the ATL team will post materials to the show’s Slack channel. On the day of the prep, before arriving at the location, the Director will meet with Jed to discuss the creative vision for the film and the Producer will meet with Tony to review the production logistics. All of the ATL team and the prep faculty will then convene at the location to workshop the shooting plan for the show.

Slack Channel Content Requirements

In preparation for the Director’s Prep session, the ATL team should post materials to the show’s Slack channel. This will help the team and the faculty all get on the same page about the show. Posts should include:

Producer:

No later than the beginning of a show’s pre-production time, create a Slack channel titled “Prod#-year”. For example: 01D2-2022
Invite all the creative team members and all faculty associated with pre-production, production, and post-production.
Post the latest version of script at the time of channel creation. This will be known as Version 1. Please relabel the document “Prod#-Script Title-Version#”. For example: 01-Flip the Script-Version#1
List all crew members and their roles.
Provide a parking plan with directions (due no later than 2 hours before the location scout call time).

Director:

Script changes:
- Ensure there is always the latest version of the script in the channel by posting new versions in the channel promptly upon completion. Use the same naming convention, for example: 01-Flip the Script-Version#2
- No more versions of the script can be submitted after On-Location Prep have been completed unless faculty authorizes it.
Casting photos or audition clips for all principal actors.
No later than 12 hours before the location scout call time, the director will submit a Prelim shot list. This list is developed very generally in collaboration with the cinematographer.

Production Designer:

All the major props that are needed for the show.
All the major props that have been acquired for the show.
All wardrobe and hair/make-up looks that are intended for the show.
Any wardrobe and hair/make-up tests that have been prepared.
Important set dressings intended and/or found.

Cinematographer:

Detailed location photos, including exteriors of location and interiors of shooting areas.
Look Book (due no later than 12 hours before the location scout call time):
- State the genre of the film you are shooting.
- Using Shotdeck, for each slugline create a series of film stills that inspire your lighting choices. They should include contrast context, window treatments, moonlight treatment, sun orientation, tonal range, etc.
- For each image explain why that image was chosen, this is for lighting only.
Luminance Plan, Color Plan and Story Plan (due no later than 12 hours before the location scout call time).

Location Scout Day

When no more than two locations have been locked for scouts, Producer will post in the channel the location/s address and time of arrival for the prep.
Director meets with Jed at the school at 2:15pm (or 75 minutes before arrival at the location).
ATL and faculty meet at first location at 3:30pm.
It is not required, but it is strongly encouraged to enlist the help of other people (cast actors, friends, family, BFA students, etc.) to stand in for actors while the scenes get blocked at the prep. If no help can be found the Producer and Production Designer will stand in as the actors.
Each department head will keep notes for ideas, concerns, etc. for each scene discussed at the location with the faculty.
If there’s a second location and time permits, the ATL and faculty move onto the second location immediately after the prep wraps at the first location.

Budget (Doc)

Each student will be allocated $140 to go toward documentary production expenses. These funds can be used in the following categories:

Petty Cash (which includes production design, production supplies, music or stock image licenses). You can pay for these expenses out of pocket, then get reimbursed.

Travel (if traveling away from Tallahassee, can include fuel, airfare, lodging, car rental, and meals). With the exception of fuel and meals, the school needs to book these expenses directly for you in advance. Do not pay out of pocket for any of these if you plan to use the school funds. You can pay for fuel and meals out of pocket, then get reimbursed.

Services (if you need to hire someone, like a composer). The school needs to pay for services directly, and this must be initiated at least 1 week prior to services beginning.

In order for the funds to be released to you, each student will need to submit a Budget Sheet to the Head of Production showing how you intend to use those funds. Once the budget is approved, instructions will be provided on the process for using those funds depending on which category your expenses fall within.

This is a “use-it-or-lose-it” budget.

Budget Sheet Download (XLS)

Doc Schedule Overview

Jan 5 – Feb 25	Development & Pre-Production
Feb 10	Doc Group Logistics Meetings
Feb 23	Doc Group Greenlight Meetings
Feb 24	Equipment Check-Out
Feb 28 – Mar 18	Documentary Production
Mar 22	Equipment Check-In
Mar 22-31	Paper Edits
Mar 31 – Apr 20	Post Production
Apr 24	Documentary Screening

Documentary Equipment Approval

Production Paperwork

Documentary Equipment DOWNLOAD (PDF)

Documentary Equipment DOWNLOAD (DOC)

Instructions

This form must be completed and submitted to the Head of Production (Tony Ciarlariello) before a show’s greenlight meeting. The purpose of the form is to ensure that there’s a plan in place for all equipment use out in the field and to ensure that any personal gear is suitable for production.

Equipment Transportation Plan

This section is document where production will occur and the means of transportation for all school equipment. Note that the EVA1 camera and batteries cannot be checked if traveling by air and must be brought on the plane as carry-on luggage. Be prepared to any questions about the specifics of the transportation plan at the greenlight meeting.

Equipment Back-up Plan

Provide a plan for how you will continue with production if the EVA1 camera or any other essential equipment goes down while you are out in the field. This may include use of personal equipment to complete the project or, if local to Tallahassee, working with the ER to get equipment replaced or repaired. Note that the ER will not typically be able to mail equipment to another city if the show is outside the school’s studio zone.

Personal Equipment

In order to maintain consistency of image fidelity and to serve the learning outcomes of the project, the EVA1 camera should always be used as the primary camera for production. There are instances, however, where productions may wish to use a personal camera (e.g., as a b-camera or for shots that cannot be executed with the EVA1) or other, supplemental, personal equipment. Use this section to provide make/model/specs of any personal gear and an brief explanation of why this gear is needed for the film. Pay particular attention to personal camera specs to make sure that the captured media is compatible with the post-production workflow.

F1 Specs

Content specs

Page count	2 pages (minimum) 3 pages (maximum)
Story runtime	2:30 (minimum) 3:30 (maximum)
Credits runtime	1:08
Total runtime	3:38 (minimum) 4:38 (maximum)
Quantity of scenes	No limit
Quantity of locations	The script can include a variety of locations as sluglines, but you’ll need to plan to be able to shoot them all at one actual location
Quantity of characters	2 characters
Children	No
Animals	No
Weapons	No
Stunts	Nothing that would typically call for a stunt coordinator
Intimacy	Nothing that would require a closed set or typically call for an intimacy coordinator

Production specs

Shooting days	1 day
Length of workday	12 hours
Earliest call time	6:00AM
Latest wrap time	12:00AM
Night shoots	No
Locations per day	1 location
Distance to location	Within the studio zone
Pick-up days	No

Capture specs

Camera package	Panasonic AU-EVA1
Frame rate	24.000p
Sensor mode	S35 MIX2.8K
Capture resolution	2048 x 1080 (2K)
Capture aspect ratio	1.90:1
Approved mattes	1:85:1
Capture format	MOV
Codec	422All-Intra 100M
Gamma/color preset	SCENE2 (eV-LOOK2)
Sampling	4:2:2 10-bit
Bitrate	100 Mbps (VBR)

Data allocation

Pages per day	3 pages
Shooting ratio	20:1
Data rate	0.8 GB/minute
Data per page	16 GB
Data per day	48 GB
Total data	48 GB
Dailies per day	60 minutes
Total dailies	60 minutes

Post-Production

Picture Edit

Pic edit software	Media Composer
Pic edit days	7 days
Pic edit location	Third floor labs

Sound

Production sound	Single system
Sound design software	Media Composer/ProTools
Sound design days	1 day
Sound design location	Third floor labs
Sound mix days	Not applicable
Sound mix location	Not applicable

Visual Effects

VFX scope	No visual effects
VFX software	Not applicable
VFX days	Not applicable
VFX location	Not applicable

Color

Coloring software	DaVinci Resolve
Coloring days	1 day
Coloring location	Third floor labs

D1 Specs

Content specs

Page count	1 page (minimum) 2 pages (maximum)
Story runtime	1:30 (minimum) 2:30 (maximum)
Credits runtime	1:08
Total runtime	2:38 (minimum) 3:38 (maximum)
Quantity of scenes	2 scenes (no more, no less; story must take place between dawn and dusk on a single day)
Quantity of locations	Two separate spaces within one physical location
Quantity of characters	2 characters
Children	No
Animals	No
Weapons	No
Stunts	Nothing that would typically call for a stunt coordinator
Intimacy	Nothing that would require a closed set or typically call for an intimacy coordinator

Production specs

Shooting days	1 day
Length of workday	10-12 hours
Earliest call time	7:00 AM
Latest wrap time	9:00 PM
Night shoots	No
Locations per day	1 location
Distance to location	Within the studio zone
Pick-up days	No

Capture specs

Camera package	RED
Frame rate	24.000p
Sensor mode	7K FF
Capture resolution	2048 x 1080 (2K)
Capture aspect ratio	1.90:1
Approved mattes	1:85:1
Capture format	MOV
Codec	ProRes 4444 HQ
Gamma/color space	RWG / Log3G10
Color processing	IPP2
Output color space	Rec. 709
Output tone map	Medium Contrast
Highlight roll-off	Medium
Sampling	4:4:4 12-bit
Bitrate	302 Mbps (VBR)

Data allocation

Pages per day	2 pages
Shooting ratio	20:1
Data rate	2.6 GB/minute
Data per page	52 GB
Data per day	104 GB
Time for Wild Lines/Room Tone	5 minutes
Data for Wild Lines/Room Tone	13 GB
Total data	117 GB
Dailies per day	45 minutes
Total dailies	45 minutes

Post-Production

Picture Edit

Pic edit software	Media Composer
Pic edit days	4 days
Pic edit location	Post Hall

Sound

Production sound	Single system
Sound design software	ProTools
Sound design days	3 days
Sound design location	Post Hall
Sound mix days	Not applicable
Sound mix location	Not applicable

Visual Effects

VFX scope	No visual effects
VFX software	Not applicable
VFX days	Not applicable
VFX location	Not applicable

Color

Coloring software	DaVinci Resolve
Coloring days	0.5 days
Coloring location	Post Hall

Producer Responsibilities (D1)

Pre-Production

Assist the Director in Location Scouting.
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.
Have each actor sign a Performance Agreement.
Arrange for volunteers and/or extras if required.
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.
Turn in Production Delivery Paperwork via OneDrive to the Head of Production by 9am Thursday after production.