Tueday - First AD and producer session

Today was actually fantastic! It was broken into two halves. Producer research and first AD research. I never knew how interesting these roles are!

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The producer session allowed us to look at the creation of location recces and script breakdowns as well as exploring the role of the producer from preproduction to distribution. The main things that I learned are;

• Location recces are a way for the producer to examine a location and determine the practicality and the logistics of filming at that particular location. They must take note of background noises, obvious dangers and must take into consideration the size of the location compared to the crew size. 
• The script breakdown is quite simply what it sounds like. The producer breaks down the script and determines everything that will be needed during the shoot. For example, the scene is set in a bar in the 1950s and a character is in a wheelchair. So, we need a bar, we need art department to make it look like the 50s, costumes from the 50s and the place must be wheelchair accessible. 
• The producer is involved in production from conception to distribution. The producer is there to keep the film on track and ensure deadlines are met as well as monitoring budget. The producer will also take any problems from any department and try to fix them

We have been tasked with creating a location recce for an interior and exterior location, however, Lucy did say we could skip the exterior if we aren't comfortable due to the virus. I think I'll focus on the interior! 

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The first AD session was so much fun! We were given a script to read and I got to play the part of Jack the Scott. I did the worlds greatest Scottish accent. After we read the script, Gareth set us a task of creating a schedule for the shoot. I loved this! It felt like a puzzle to solve, we were given information sheets that had clues to the correct order of the shoot.

A section of my schedule

I created a schedule based upon the knowledge that this was a low production shoot, the cast and crew are friends and that the extras were only available after 1pm. The church location was also only available after 1pm. As I explained to Gareth 

"in terms of scheduling my logic was have like a 7am call time.

Film the stuff that just has actor 1. Then because you have the car and actor 1 is willing to drive and actor 3 was travelling in with him, you might as well grab actors 3 interior car shot. 

Then have actor 2 call time be around 9am.  Film with him until around  11. Break for lunch until noon. Use the remaining hour before the church service to film establishing shots during which time actor 1, who is willing to drive, can pick up the extra who needs a lift.

Then film the scenes with all the actors. Actor 1 can wrap once his stuff is done. Quickly get the final shot with actor 3 so he and actor 1  + the extra can leave. Get actor 2’s remaining shots. "

 I await his response.

My floor  plan for any scene involving the car

We were also given a task of creating a floor plan! Which was also incredibly enjoyable. This is an example of one of the designs I came up with.

I once again, await Gareths response

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Things to develop. I am interested in the First AD role, I really enjoyed that task. I shall read a book on the subject! 

Here are some helpful things to keep in mind when filming 

shoot wide first

shoot in a logical order

shoot easy day first

shoot outdoor scenes first – cover set

shoot vfx and large crowd scenes earlier

how much time do you need? Add 20%

base schedule around cast availability (on smaller budget)

shoot around 5 pages a day