Crew Drills (BTH)

This post outlines the crew responsibilities for the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Director of Photography, 1st AD, 2nd AD, and all other BTL positions. It also lists the production documents needed for crew drills.

The purpose of the crew drills is to practice working in each of the crew positions. Don’t get too caught up on trying to make the “perfect” scene. Keep it simple.

Food will not be provided, so make sure you plan accordingly. You have a 1-hour lunch break, so either bring your own lunch or plan to go out nearby. Just make sure you’re back in time.

Crew responsibilities

Producer

  • Pre-Production
    • Have the 2nd AD prepare all paperwork according to the Crew Drill Production Documents (see below).
    • Have 1st AD & DP prepare Setup Schedule w/ 1 master and 2 coverage setups.
    • Have the 2nd AD send out a call sheet and Map by 8:00pm the day before the drill; include Safety Bulletin if applicable. This information should be posted to the Call Sheets channel in Teams. Format the post title as:
      01bth-Film Title - Call Sheet - Crew Drill
  • Production
    • The production will have 90 minutes to unload the van, block, rehearse, build, shoot, and wrap.
    • The Producer will mentor the 2nd AD on set.
  • Post-Production
    • Have the 2nd AD collect and organize the paperwork according to the Crew Drill Production Documents list (see below).
    • Collect the media cards (SSD & CF) from the 2nd AD. Deliver the cards along with the Camera & Sound Reports to the designated lock box in the ER while company wrap is in progress.
    • Have the 2nd AD complete the Daily Production Report (DPR) and post in the DPRs channel in Teams as a PDF by 11:00pm that day.

Director

  • Pre-Production
    • Send your Producer a PDF of your Crew Drill Script.
    • Faculty will provide the script for the scene to be shot during the drill.
    • The 2 On-Calls will be your actors.
    • Discuss the shot design with your DP.
  • Production
    • At the beginning of the shift, briefly block with your actors on the set (keep it simple).
    • During the New Deal, have the actors demonstrate the blocking for the crew.
    • Direct your actors in the scene.

Production Designer

  • Pre-Production
    • Discuss the production design with your Director (keep it simple).
    • Acquire props, wardrobe, etc (only if absolutely necessary).
  • Production
    • Dress the set, provide props & wardrobe if necessary.
    • Mentor the Art Director

Director of Photography

  • Pre-Production
    • Discuss the shot design with your Director.
    • Create a Setup Schedule with the 1st AD w/ 1 master and 2 coverage setups.
  • Production
    • Communicate the setups to the crew.
    • Manage the Camera, Grip & Electric Departments.

1st AD

  • Pre-Production
    • Create a Setup Schedule with the DP w/ 1 master and 2 coverage set-ups.
  • Production
    • Adhere strictly to the school’s 1st AD protocol.
    • As soon as you get your walkie and clock in, go to the set and stay there.
    • At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew to communicate an emergency plan, location hazards and any production safety concerns. Complete the Safety Meeting Report. 
    • Run the set, making sure the crew is working safely and efficiently. The production will have 90 minutes to unload the van, block, rehearse, build, shoot, and wrap.
      • New Deal 0:10
      • Camera on set 0:20
      • Rehearsals & Lighting complete 0:30
      • Start Shooting 0:30
      • Camera Wrap 1:00
      • Company Wrap 1:30
    • Keep track of your time using the Setup Schedule you created.

2nd AD

  • Pre-Production
    • Work with the Producer to prepare all paperwork according to the Crew Drill Production Documents (see below).
    • Work with the Producer to send out a call sheet and Map by 8:00pm the day before the drill; include Safety Bulletin if applicable. This information should be posted to the Call Sheets channel in Teams. Format the post title as:
      01bth-Film Title - Call Sheet - Crew Drill
  • Production
    • At the beginning of the shift:
      • Have crew sign in using the iPad timeclock.
      • Hand out walkies to department heads.
      • Have actors sign Cast Performance Agreements.
      • During the shift:
        • Remain at Base Camp, except to escort actors to/from set at 1st AD’s request.
        • Repeat 1st AD’s walkie shooting protocol to Base Camp (“Lock it up… going for picture… that’s a cut on picture… going again…”, etc.)
      • At the end of the shift:
        • Complete the Performers Production Time Report. Have the actors sign it.
        • Make sure 2nd AC and Sound Mixer meet to verify reports, then collect their reports and media cards (SSD & CF Cards).
        • Have crew sign out using the iPad timeclock.
        • Collect walkies and put them back on charger.
  • Post-Production
    • Collect and organize the paperwork according to the Crew Drill Production Documents (see below). Give the paperwork and media cards to the Producer.
    • Complete the Daily Production Report (DPR) and post to the DPRs channel in Teams as a PDF by 11:00pm that day.

All Other BTL

  • Production
    • Work with BFA3 mentors in your assigned positions.

Production documents

General

Editorial

Releases