First Time Filmmakers: 5 Things To Do Before Shooting Your Film

Premium Beat by Noam Kroll

As independent directors, we have a lot on our minds before starting a shoot. While most of us typically want to focus on the creative, there are other ways to prepare that can be just as important.

If you’re getting ready for your first film shoot, or haven’t shot in a while, this list is for you. Here are 5 essential tips and reminders on what to do during they days leading up to your film or video shoot:

1. Script Breakdown and Shot List

Screenplay Shotlist

Unless you have a very particular shooting style, you’re not going to be shooting your script in sequence, which means your script breakdown is critical in order to keep your production flowing well and as organized as possible. By now, you’ve probably given some thought to what scenes will be filmed when (or if you haven’t you need to get on that right away!).

It’s also really important to make sure you’ve listed out everything needed for the production of your scenes (cast, costumes, props, etc.) onto your breakdown sheet. You’ll use this a means of documenting all the important items you need from the various crew members you’ve employed to assist you on set that day, and it will allow you to efficiently communicate the logistics with your crew. You might feel that you can get away without this step, but I assure you that you can’t! The smallest prop that you forget to bring to set could waste an entire day on troubleshooting, so make sure that you are thorough. read more...