Utilizing spreadsheet formulas for call times can speed up the process of creating call sheets, but for many AD’s and Production Unit folks, formulas can be intimidating. In this article, we’re going to show you how to setup Excel formulas for staggering call times automatically.Continue reading Staggering Call Time Formulas for Your Next Call Sheet
While the 1st AD (First Assistant Director) is often seen as the person who controls the schedule and logistics on set, the 2nd AD (Second Assistant Director) is just as essential in ensuring a well operated set.Continue reading 7 Pre-Production Hacks for a 2nd Assistant Director
Call sheet formats can vary dramatically depending on the type of project (documentary, narrative, still, commercial, live etc.). We talked to two 1st ADs about their process of creating call sheets and getting them approved.Continue reading How Call Sheets are Approved on Short Form, Music Videos, and Commercials
The screenplay is a black and white blueprint for what you’ll see on screen. Every single element of the film must first be on the page. But the long journey from script to screen is a road paved with many decisions. Those decisions start in the script breakdown. The process of breaking down a script is… Continue reading “Hidden Elements” in a Script Breakdown: How to Read Between the Lines
Staging a fight scene is an undertaking all its own. But once the vision is realized, incredible preparation and planning goes into filming action scenes. Your entire shooting schedule could be affected by these fight scenes and what they demand. There are hidden elements that could prove to be a nightmare in the scheduling process.… Continue reading Breaking Down and Scheduling the Epic Black Panther Fight Scene
Music videos aren’t always easy to plan. It can be a challenge to translate the poetry in the music to screen. But music videos are like mini films, and they all start with a treatment.A producer’s or director’s experience in writing a treatment is invaluable. Treatments can plan and plot the visuals in detail needed… Continue reading How to Break Down A Music Video Treatment When Short on Details
Advertising EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is Pathos Insert Image What is Logos Insert Image What is Telos Insert Image What is Kairos Insert Image What is Ethos Insert Image Ethos, Pathos & Logos Insert Image What is an EPK Insert Image What is a Creative Director Insert Image What is Post-Production Insert Image What… Continue reading How and Why To Make Facebook Video Ads That Work
Managing travel for a film production can be a messy process. It calls for a high level of organization and a workflow that can scale to meet all production sizes and budgets. We’ve created a list of 9 ways to better book flights for your film crew.Continue reading Travel Hacks for Your Next Production
ProcessOpen menu Insert Image How to Make a Short Film Insert Image How to Write a Short Without Dialogue Insert Image Short Film Schedule Tips Insert Image Write a Short That Gets Noticed Insert Image Making a Short Film Insert Image Phases of Short Film Pre-Production Insert Image Ari Aster Short Films Insert Image How… Continue reading Fiscal Responsibility on a Short Film (with FREE Petty Cash Template)
Art DepartmentOpen menu Insert Image Art Director Insert Image Production Designer Insert Image Prop Master Insert Image Storyboard Artist Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Making a visually stunning film is no easy feat. The goal of a production designer is to immerse you in the world they have created. That’s the magic of production… Continue reading What Does a Production Designer Do? A Crash Course with Examples
Everyone has an opinion about your script. In the rewrite stage, you or your producer will find things that don’t work. Many of these things will be your babies. These are the scenes, or lines of dialogue, even vague ideas, that you should move to the boneyard. “The Boneyard” is a place to put the… Continue reading Tales From The Boneyard: Knowing Where the Scenes Are Buried
In every script, there are elements that can go unseen. Sometimes even hiding in plain sight. If overlooked for too long, this misstep could affect your scheduling and budget. Hidden elements can make a huge impact on your bottom line and schedule. It is the producer’s job to find these elements before they become a surprise… Continue reading How to Properly Identify Cast When Breaking Down a Script
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Assistant Directors (the 1st AD) are one of the most valuable crew members on any production. Your 1st AD is responsible for on-set communication, department coordination, maintaining the shooting schedule, conflict resolution, and safety. Continue reading 13 Ways You Can Become a Better 1st AD
BasicsOpen menu Insert Image Producer vs Director Insert Image What Does an Executive Producer Do Insert Image What Does a Producer Do Insert Image What Does a Co-Producer Do Insert Image What Does a TV Producer Do Insert Image What is An Associate Producer Insert Image What is a Line Producer Insert Image What is… Continue reading 11 Ways to Become a Better Producer or Director on Set
Production is not for the faint of heart. Long hours, physical strain, and emotional exhaustion are part of the job. Stress can bring out the worst in people, and when you have to work with difficult talent and crew on set, a production can can go south quickly.Continue reading 3 Ways To Work With Difficult… Continue reading 3 Ways To Work With Difficult Talent and Crew On Set
Signing film contracts may feel like a formality on smaller productions, a Crew Deal Memo, Producer/Director Contract or Talent Release has real meaning. It is a legally binding employment agreement and should be drafted and signed with care. Here are some best practices to guide you through the process.Continue reading 4 Things To Consider Before… Continue reading 4 Things To Consider Before Signing a Film Contract
Whether you’re looking to hire locals when shooting out of town, or searching for “hungrier” crew who are willing to exchange experience for a pay cut, Facebook Groups are a great place to start.Continue reading Find Production Crew with Facebook
Background talent has been a staple of the movie industry since the early days of filmmaking. The need for background continues today on sets in Hollywood. But now, union rates and minimum wage laws means that it’s costly to use a cast of thousands, even when the project calls for just that. But producer’s on… Continue reading Tales From the Trenches: An Insider’s Hack to Casting Background Talent
ProcessOpen menu Insert Image How to Make a Short Film Insert Image How to Write a Short Without Dialogue Insert Image Short Film Schedule Tips Insert Image Write a Short That Gets Noticed Insert Image Making a Short Film Insert Image Phases of Short Film Pre-Production Insert Image Ari Aster Short Films Insert Image How… Continue reading How to Make a Short Film: 3 Proven Steps to Master Pre Production
