1st AD/Producer Responsibilities (F3)

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, and provide them with a Location Pamphlet.
  • 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.
  • Break down the script and create the Production Schedule in Scenechronize.
  • Coordinate call times with other Producers in your cycle using a Call Time Agreement to ensure 10 hr turnaround.
  • Create a Setup Schedule with the DP.
  • Prepare all scheduling information and other material 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 crewmembers’ questions. Have each crew member sign a Crew Deal Memo.
  • Prepare and make copies of 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.
  • Create the Call Sheet, including a map and email no later than 12hrs before call time.
  • 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
    • Pick up camera & sound cards, and 2D iPad
  • Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

On Set

  • Start of day:
    • Arrive at set 30 minutes to an hour early.
    • 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.
    • Get a walkie from the 2nd AD, then go stand where the set will be and stay there. Radio 2nd AD to bring you whatever you need.
    • At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report.
  • 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 that lunch will be brought to set in time for 2nd AD to set it up prior to releasing for lunch.
    • During lunch on day 1, review and approve the day 2 Call Sheet with the 2nd AD.
  • End of day:
    • On day 1, have the 2nd AD distribute the day 2 Call Sheet no later than Company Wrap.
    • Approve the Daily Production Report and have 2nd AD distribute within 2 hours after Company Wrap.
    • Collect all the Daily Production Paperwork, camera cards & sound cards from the 2nd AD.
    • On day 2, once all crew has clocked out on 2D iPad and returned their walkies, then pass that iPad and the walkies on to the crew member who will be the 2D on the following day. If there is no show the following day, then the Producer should hold on to the iPad to return to the Head of Production the next day.
    • With 2nd AD, clean and secure location. Be the LAST TO LEAVE (except perhaps Art Dept).
    • Leave the location better than when you arrived.

Post-Production

  • Turn in Camera Reports, Camera Cards & Sound Cards to the cubbie in the ingest room in the Post Hall as soon as possible after wrap.
  • Turn in 2D iPad to the Head of Production by Noon on Wednesday after production.
  • Turn in Production Delivery Paperwork via OneDrive to the Head of Production by 9am Thursday after production.