Production Prep Checklist

  • Test & build >>> Respond and edit.
    • Schedule your test way in advance.
    • Research using direct resources such as manuals and expert guidance (youtube is not necessarily full of experts.. But sometimes it is!)
    • Let yourself change your plans based on your discoveries.
    • Bonus: Write down your ideas so that you can save them for later if you had to let some of them go.
  • Scout!
    • What do you need in order to use that location?
    • Check access to power, time of day, permissions needed, how much time you have to set up and strike, if you have helpers is there somewhere they can comfortably wait if they need to?
    • Consider a backup location.
  • Secure permissions.
    • Get permission in writing.
    • Don’t hold any information back, if you want to do something you think someone will say no to do not avoid asking! Get permission first!
    • If this is a public place make sure you scout it well and see if there are any rules that may get in your way. The film office is a good place to call if you plan on using a lot of equipment. Generally though you can set up small shoots without issue, but the robot arm or drone might need some special attention..
    • Get model releases for anyone in the capture and edit any template release to ensure it applies to how you’re using the imagery.
  • Schedule.
    • Write it out.
    • Give yourself more time than you think you need. Extra time is never a problem.
    • When you give the schedule to a volunteer make sure you give them all the info they might need all at once.
    • To be honest, texting is not the best way to communicate schedules. Put it in an email so that it’s easy for everyone to find.
    • Texting is for immediate needs not planning.
  • Anticipate issues and have backup plans.
    • What if it rains?
    • What if your volunteers don’t show up?
    • Do you have snacks to keep friends happy?
    • What if it’s due tomorrow? (don’t do this to yourself)
    • What if your batteries die?
    • What if your SD card breaks in half because you put it in your back pocket and sat on it…?
  • LISTS! Shot Lists, Equipment Lists, Contact Sheets.
    • Write it all down! And make it easy to access.
    • If you keep all your lists somewhere like google drive than you will probably be able to access them even if you lose your phone, computer, etc.. But. Print it out for the shoot because you never know how or when you’ll need to access the list.
    • Who else needs to see your lists? Make sure they have them.
  • Capture MORE than you think you need.
    • A term used in photography: Bracketing, means capturing your subject at different levels of exposure. What is bracketing for your capture? How might you want to vary the data just in case you aren’t capturing exactly what you thought you needed? For example, shoot a close up and then a wide shot? Use artificial light and then natural light?
    • Use heads and tails. In film that means you start recording before your action and stop a little after that way you can edit more easily. What are heads and tails for you? Determine your workflow and give yourself wiggle room.
  • BACKUP your captures IMMEDIATELY.
    • Make sure you can review your captures before you call it wrap. Check that they made it on to your device.
    • Backup your files in multiple places. For example, gdrive and your local hard drive.