Production

Production is a complicated process with many different positions, so we’ve split this page into four parts: directing, producing, on-the-day, and working below the line.

Directing

• Directing Notes 1: A cheat sheet I sometimes use for giving direction to actors in order to get varied takes to bring to your edit.

• Directing Notes 2: More of this.

• Transitive Verbs: A list of transitive verbs for directing actors based on action and interaction

• Scene to scene breakdown for directors: Document to assist with directing on a scene-to-scene basis. I’ll often use this to help remind me of character/plot points during rehearsals and production.

Producing

• Production Report - This is filled out at the end of each shooting day and submitted to producers/production companies/studio to check on progress.

• Production Report Guidelines - This is how you fill about the Production Report

• SAG Actor’s Production Time Report - (aka, an EXHIBIT G) This is filled out at the end of each production day and then submitted to SAG so they know you’re taking care of your actors

• Call Sheet Template - One of the most important and referenced documents on a set. This is used to show what is scheduled for the shooting day. This is often issued to the cast/crew the day before shooting. Hover over cells for notes.

• Call Sheet Template 2 - Just another version, a little simpler.

• Location Agreement Form - get the owner of your locations to sign this.

• Script Breakdown Sheet - Break down the script by scene so each department knows what they need.

• How to get In-Kind Donations

• Donation Request Template

• Time Card Calculator for Crew (following union rules)

• Crew Invoice Template - For Crew to fill out in oder to get paid

• CASPER - This is a multi-layered Excel Spreadsheet with a TON of production documents including Call Sheets and Production Reports, etc.

• Working With Animals & Humane Society Form - respect all living creatures on set.

• Working With Minors - There are a hell of a lotta rules to working with minors. Duh.

• State Incentives List & State Incentives Map - These docs are a little dated maybe, but gives an idea of the tax breaks and rebates offered by states.

on-the-day

• The Run of the Day - Brenda Goodman’s doc about the flow of a set during a typical shoot day. A helpful guide for planning out a day on set as an Assistant Director.

• Notice of Filming sign - a paper to post around your set if you’re shooting in live crowds or documentaries

*note: I’M NOT A LAWYER. USE THESE FORMS AT YOUR OWN RISK. They have worked for me in the past on low-budget indie productions, but please do your own due diligence.

• Checklist for On-The-Day forms to cast & crew - This answers the question: “what forms does this particular cast/crew member need to fill out upon arriving on set?” — ALL THESE FORMS ARE FOUND BELOW…

  
  

• Basic Crew Agreement Form

• Crew Deal Memo for Dept Heads with Back-end Points

• Freelance Cast Deal Memo

• Freelance Crew Deal Memo

• Agreement for Compensation (for those getting one-time payments)

• Background Actor Time Card

• Extra’s Release Form

• Emergency Medical Form

• Location Agreement Form

• Minor Release Form

• Nudity Release Form

• Original Art Release Form

• Personal Release Form

• Volunteer Crew Agreement Form

• Payment Reciept

Below the line

• Day in the Life of a Production Assistant - video - The fine folks over at Rocket Jump made this video of me as a P.A. many years ago. It’s helpful for those just starting out in the industry working as a Production Assistant.