PRE PRODUCTION TOOLS

A Presentation by Eric PeartEric Peart

A Gant Chart acts as the Production Schedule.Each task is clearly stated with a specific amount of time allocated to complete it within. The red bar defines the deadline.

Tasks such as the Production and Editing are the largest, meaning careful consideration of how much time allocated is very important.

With the help of my Gant Chart, I was able to work solidly on the main sections, as I set aside enough time to complete them in. Constantly looking at the deadline bar helped motivate me further.

GANT CHART

STORY BOARDING

A storyboard is used to draw out each shot in its exact order and then explain what happens during whilst shooting it.

As the diagram shows, a box is given to draw the visuals and written headings below to explain in a literal sense what is happening. i.e. ‘Camera Movement: A whip pan of the speeding red race car.’

As a Director, being able to transfer visual ideas onto a storyboard and coherently explain what happens in the shot is a key element. This helps the Camera Operator significantly as he is able to look over the sketches and remember the specific instructions given by the director.

LOCATION RECCE

A Location Recce is undertaken to Identify shooting areas, health and Safety Issues and any potential filming problems.

By visiting the location before hand, we immediately put ourselves at an advantage, as we are able to visualise a particular shot whilst being in the exact position at the location.

It also helps us to identify any problems regarding the location. For example when shooting in a shop, consideration for those around us, and how easily an area is to access are extremely vital, as we wouldn’t want to inconvenience shoppers or staff.

I was able to navigate my way around Valley food and Wine fairly easily as I booked a quiet time with the manager. In effect avoiding the rush of school children and parents.

RISK ASSESSMENT

A risk assessment is carried out to specifically identify all possible risks the shooting location will hold.

A chart with Numbers ranging between 1-5 and letters ranging from A-E is used to show how likely a risk may be. For example a risk showing the results ‘5-E’ would mean that chances of danger are Rare. Whereas ‘1-A’ would indicate the problem to be Almost Certain. The risk is then identified how dangerous it is with a different set of letters ranging from E-L. L meaning it is a Low Risk, E meaning it is Extremely Risky and that action should be taken immediately.

I came across one risk which was the inaccessibility to a certain spot, which resulted in a wine bottle falling and breaking. The manager was notified immediately and the situation was dealt with in a professional manner.

CALL SHEET

A Call Sheet is used to list the names of those involved in the production and the making of it.

It includes the meet date, time and location.

Additional information such as the expected weather and props are listed in order to notify those with certain roles to wear particular clothing to insure appropriate and comfortable clothing are worn.

Thankfully, all of my crew had access to a coat and comfortable footwear which sped up the process, meaning there were no complaints about the cold weather.

A Budget sheet is used to calculate the cost of the Production overall.

Materials such as Cameras, Lighting, and Microphones are all specifically outlined to determine the price of use, over an allotted amount of time. Actors and Transportation are included too.

Above is an example of how I managed to successfully document and calculate the total cost for the everything I would need.

I could have easily misjudged the price of a specific item, meaning I would exceed my limit, hence the reason why it was such an essential document.

BUDGET

REQUIREMENTS

A checklist ensures that you have everything ready before you begin production.

Equipment, props, actors, and transportation fares are all stated to ensure nothing crucial is left out.

As the scale of my production was fairly small, I only had to document a few of the main things required. These were, 1 actor, 2 make up artists, 1 sound assistant and additional 5 runners.

RELEASE & CONSENT AGREEMENT

LOCATION RELEASE

A location release form is used to

SCRIPT

A script or screenplay is a document written by screenwriters or directors. Within them, Screenplay, Movement, Action and Dialogue are all narrated.

This is an essential document for both the director and camera operator to have whilst on as it allows them to prompt actors of lines and also as a general reminder

As there was not much dialogue in my production, It felt it wasn’t important enough to take with me to the location.

SHOOTING SCRIPT

A shooting Script is the Documentation version of Screenplay during the production of motion picture.

It is used to Organize the process more efficiently, and to clearly distinguish them from spec scripts. In a form that they use numbers and other conventions, in order to project a defined principal.

I found this relatively useful, although it was

OVER HEAD DIAGRAM

An overhead diagram is simply a birds eye view plan of the shooting set.

Sketches of lighting, camera’s, director, crew and everything needed at the location are sketched out in the exact order and position.

I Created a brief Over Head Diagram for my Multi Camera Set-up as it was more relevant.

FOOTAGE LOG

A Footage log sheet is very much similar to an Asset Log and EDL, except a footage Log focuses solely on the footage used.

A footage log ensures that you state the time codec IN and OUT points and offer a brief comment on the quality of the footage.

This is a very important document to have at your side when editing. It prompts you to keep checking back at what footage is best suited for a particular scene. This then speeds up the time you have to focus on tasks such as Color correction, speed of footage which may essentially affect the final product quality.

ASSET LOG

We use an Asset Log sheet to document all media, specifying where it was taken from. Some of these files include MOV, PNG, MP3

An Asset Log is very essential because it helps with locating a specific file when editing and organizing large project files.

I used the Asset Log to my advantage as it helped me to keep everything organizing. Meaning I could access files more efficiently, making the editing process much faster.

EDL

An Edit Decision List is a documented version of decisions made during the editing process.

Clear Time code IN and OUT points must be specified, accompanied with VFX, Transitions and Audio.

I found this very useful, as it were easier to skip to specific points of the video. In effect, saving valuable time.