A shoot day can feel short. Crew, cast, equipment and locations all come together for a limited time, and every hour counts. The more you prepare beforehand, the more time you have on the day to focus on getting great footage. Here is what to sort out in advance.
The paperwork
Make sure the key documents are ready and shared with everyone who needs them:
- A call sheet with times, addresses, contacts and parking details
- A detailed schedule showing which scenes or interviews happen when
- The final script, storyboard or shot list
- Location permissions and any agreements with property owners
- Consent and release forms for anyone appearing on camera
The people
Brief everyone involved. Contributors should know what to wear, what to bring and roughly what they will be asked. Let staff at the location know filming is happening, especially if it may disrupt their day. Nominate one person as the main point of contact so decisions are not made by committee on set.
The location
Visit the location beforehand if you can, ideally at the same time of day you plan to film. Check light, noise, power supply and space for equipment. Look out for things that could appear in shot and cause problems, such as clutter, confidential documents, other brands’ logos or screens showing private information.
The practical details
Small things make a big difference on the day. Arrange refreshments and somewhere comfortable for people to wait. Plan for bad weather if you are filming outside. Bring spare batteries, storage and basic supplies. Think about accessibility needs for anyone involved.
A plan B
Things rarely go exactly to plan. Identify which shots are essential and which are nice to have, so you can prioritise if time runs short. Have a back-up for critical elements, such as an alternative location or an extra contributor.
Good preparation makes shoot days calmer, safer and more productive. If you are planning a shoot and would like some experienced support, the Northpeak team would be happy to help.
