Workshop 2 - Production & Planning

When do you start planning?

• Once you have your final script for your film, promo video, etc., you as a producer/director will need to organise your shoot.
• The benefits of scheduling are: save time, save energy and more importantly save money. Your shoot will be much faster and smoother and your cast crew and client will love you for it.

How does it work?

There is no exact formula for creating an effective shooting schedule. Every project has different parameters and considerations. For instance, you might need less time to shoot an hour-long corporate video, which consists of interviews and demonstrations in a studio, than you'll need a shoot a four-minute music video that requires lip-synching and shooting in varied locations.

What should we consider before scheduling? 

• The shooting script location or dialogue scenes (action scene - usually a few locations, dialogue scene - usually one location, how many shots for every scene).
• the footage you need in order to complete the project.
• the types of shots - e.g. long angle, drone shots, tripod shots, etc.
• the location (indoors, outdoors).
• shooting permission.
• the equipment (cameras, lights, sound, jib, dolly, etc...)
• casting (talents) - right person
• props (make sure they stay in the same position)
• catering
• contingency plan (plan B)
• bills (electricity, insurance, traveling, equipment, catering, location, talents, crew, etc...)

jib - In cinematography, a jib is a boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight and camera controls on the other (image below)

camera dolly - a specialized piece of filmmaking and television production equipment designed to create smooth camera movements (image below). The camera is mounted to the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or camera assistant usually ride on the dolly to operate the camera. The dolly grip is the dedicated technician trained to operate the dolly.

Location scouting

• indoors or outdoors
• take photos of your shooting location for reference
• plan to shoot outdoors shots so you can work around weather and light
• indoors shoot can always be done at anytime

Casting

• depending on the character in the script
• casting agent
• friends and family
• www.castingcallpro.com

Lighting plots

Shot list

List of shots for a story