Pre-Production

• Assist the Director in Location Scouting.
• 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.
• Coordinate call times with other Producers in your cycle to ensure 10 hr turnaround.
• Create a Setup Schedule with the Director and DP (based on the shot list put together by the Director and DP).
• Prepare all scheduling information and other material required for ATL Prep.
• Attend ATL 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 crew members’ 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 set diagram, and email no later than 12 hours before call time.
• Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

On Set

Start of Day

• Arrive at set 20-30 minutes before call time.
• Immediately establish contact with the location owner to make sure everything is still going as planned. Thank them! Check back with them periodically throughout the day as needed.
• Sign in all crew using the Crew Sign-in sheet.
• When actors arrive, show them the set, green room, bathrooms, and craft service. Introduce them to crew; and location owner if possible.
• At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report.
• Make sure crew have a copy of the Setup Schedule.
• Make sure actors have a copy of the script or their sides.
• Make sure crew is staging equipment safely and preparing for the first shot.
• Make sure the director is focused with the DP and crew on the first shot and figuring out logistical stuff.
  • Where is the camera going?
  • Where are the lights going?
  • Where is the boom operator?
  • General idea on actor blocking.
• Make sure set dressing is happening (if necessary).
• Give director time to focus on actors while the crew finishes set up and/or set dressing.
• When the set is ready, give the director and actors a (5-Minute) call to blocking, rehearsal, and shooting.
• ALWAYS KEEP ACTORS IN THE LOOP AS TO WHEN THEY MIGHT BE CALLED TO SET!!!

Throughout shooting day

• Run through the 1st AD Protocol for each setup.
• 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 or caterer that lunch will be brought to set in time to set it up prior to releasing for lunch.
• At 6 hours after call time, release the cast & crew for lunch. Make sure everyone who eats signs a Meal Sign-In Sheet.

End of shooting day

• Complete the Performers Time Report, and have the actors sign it before they are dismissed for the day.
• Efficiently and safely wrap out equipment, load vehicles, and clean the location. Leave the location better than when you arrived.
• Whenever possible, do a walk-thru with the location owner to verify everything is in order.
• Sign-out all crew using the Crew Sign-In Sheet.
• Be the last to leave (except perhaps Art Dept).
• Make sure the director backs up all their media.
• Create the Daily Production Report and distribute within 2 hours after Company Wrap.

Post-Production

• Send a Thank You Letter to the location owners.
• Submit Reimbursement Voucher, along with original itemized receipts and Meal Sign-In sheet to the Head of Production by 5pm Thursday after production.
• Turn in Production Delivery Paperwork via OneDrive to the Head of Production by the deadline provided.