Managing a film set is exciting, but you must remember that film production takes a considerable amount of time, hard work, and commitment. For that reason, you must maximize productivity on set to get the most out of shooting sessions. To ensure that your film production runs efficiently, here are some tips for running a productive film set:
Choose your filming location carefully
The location you choose for your film set is critical, and location scouting should form a key part of the production process. When scouting for filming locations, you need to consider several different factors, such as noise pollution, on-site facilities, and lighting. Always tour any locations you are interested in and take plenty of photographs and videos to help you assess the suitability of the area. Take your time to view different potential film sets and seek guidance from expert members of your crew, such as the cinematography and the audio supervisor. They will be able to give you valuable advice on whether a location will be suited to your filming needs.
Establish clear roles for your crew
Your crew will play a vital role in the overall success of your film production. Ideally, you want a highly productive crew who are motivated and equipped with the skills to complete their job roles efficiently. Establish clear roles for your crew and make everyone aware of what is expected from them. You should try and avoid giving your staff multiple job tasks and responsibilities. That way, your crew can use their expertise to focus on completing their specific job tasks to a high standard, without the risk of becoming burnt out. It is also essential that you create a positive work culture and focus on providing the best employee experience possible. Happy crew members will be far more motivated to work productively and do a great job on set. You can create a positive working environment on set by taking regular breaks, offering your crew quality food and drinks, and promoting positive communication.
Create a detailed production schedule
Every film set needs a detailed production schedule that includes a shot list with timings. This document means that every crew member will know what is being shot and when. It will also help to set expectations about what content you hope to achieve by the end of each day. A production schedule should include various information, including:
- Parking – Provide information about parking facilities on-site to reduce any delays due to accessing the set location.
- Prohibited footage – Outline any footage that is prohibited due to permits or regulations. For instance, you may be unable to capture certain new products or customer information.
- Key contacts – Provide information on key contacts to avoid unnecessary delays at reception or during shooting.
Final thoughts
Running a film set can be extremely rewarding, although it can also be stressful and demanding at times. There are many different aspects of film production to consider, and you must remain organized to maximize your time and resources. Use the above tips to boost productivity on set and ensure that your film production runs smoothly.