Reminders Before You Start The Shoot

First day of shooting and you have all the reasons to be excited – and probably even forget the most mundane item needed on the set. So here are a few reminders that will make the shoot day go as smooth as it can possibly go.

Scene inspection

A few days before it’s always a good idea to go through your script, checking the scenes at every step. This will help you make sure everything written in the script can be shot without a hitch. New ideas could also spring up and can be added with ease.

Breaking down your script

This is essential when determining your filming budget. Going over the script, list all the things you will need to make your a film a reality. Skip this step and you could end up wasting valuable time resolving any mishaps that may come up if you fail to be well organized. This is all about you having all the bases covered – from your actors, props, extras, equipment, location/set, SFX, costumes, hair and make-up,  to animals that you may have to use during the shoot.

Location reconnaissance

Perform frequent location inspections, or recces as we call it in the film industry. Make sure the location is safe for everyone in your crew redirected here. Find out if there are anything in the location that can possibly affect the lightning and sounds such as tall structures and busy thoroughfares. During your location recce, be sure to snap pictures, take notes. Doing so will help when making comparisons among locations you have scouted.

Your trusty cast and crew

Get people you know you can depend on and keep them in the loop with everything there is to know about the shoot. This is best done by handing out call sheets to everyone involved in the process, letting them know where and when they should be all throughout the filming day.

Check your gear

Create a checklist of all the equipment you will need to bring for your project, and this includes the simplest items, which are the ones that are easily overlooked. A day or two prior to the shoot should be perfect to get everything together and performing test runs with the equipment.

Don’t forget sustenance

Food. This may seem to be the least of your problems, but you wouldn’t want to be burdened by thinking about what to serve your cast and crew at the last minute, would you? A well-fed crew is a happy one, which makes food one of the most important items on your list.

Draw up a shot list

With the help of your DP (director of photography), determine the number of shots needed that will give flesh to your script in the best way there is. Invest more time and effort in this stage of the pre-production process and you’ll have a better looking film. Get the list out to everyone in the crew to let them prepare what is needed for each shot. Doing so will also help you keep the whole shoot organized.