BEFORE THE SHOOT Be honest with your actors about what the shoot will require of them. Set expectations early and clearly about your rehearsal schedule and any sensitive or physically challenging work that will be required of them. DURING THE
Auditions
In Person Auditions Post signs with the room number on the doors to the lobby and the casting board in the lobby. Put a sign outside the audition room “CASTING – PLEASE WAIT IN HALL” If appropriate, leave copies of the script pages (sides)
Casting The Right Actors
CASTING IS STEP ONE IN MAKING A GREAT FILM It cannot be overstated how much casting the right actor (or settling for the wrong one) can make or break your film. Casting is an art and like all good art it takes time. Start early
Locations Overview
WHAT IS A LOCATION? The slug line in the script, or heading of each scripted scene which should include Int./Ext. Set or Location and Day/Night, describes a “set”. Sets are either on stage, back lot or on location. There are local locations (those places within commuting distance) and distant locations (those places
The Assistant Director
THE ROLE OF THE A.D. The AD is responsible for all on-set logistics and for keeping the production on schedule. The AD makes it possible for the Director – and everyone else on set – to do their job. A good AD creates
On Set Best Practices
SET ETIQUETTE Learn by Doing As a new production student one of the best places to learn about making movies is on other students’ sets. You can (and should) volunteer as a Production Assistant, which is an entry-level position. This role
Clearances
Copyrights, Clearances, and Releases Public screening of your project requires that it be “cleared” so that you do not have to defend yourself from lawsuits brought by injured parties. You must have permission to use what belongs to someone else – that is – their likeness, their personal property
Script Supervisors
SCRIPT SUPERVISORS Students planning an advanced production should give serious consideration to securing the services of a Script Supervisor for their project. Almost all scripts are shot “out of continuity” yet when edited together they must make continuous verbal and visual sense. The
Generators and GFCI Breakers
GENERATORS WHEN DO I NEED A GENERATOR? You will need one when electrical power is either not available or inadequate. For example, in remote areas such as deserts, mountains, and forests. Older private dwellings and buildings with minimal electrical service, antiquated wiring, or where the
Scene Shop Policy
SCENE SHOP POLICY Access to the Scene shop is restricted to Scene Shop Graduate Assistant, the student workers and the Technical Staff. Students are not allowed to operate the power tools in the Scene shop. The Graduate TA will operate the equipment for you when available or previously arranged. Students are allowed to check out sanders,