Sample Shoot Schedule Template

Here is a shoot template that I typically use. I change it to fit the needs of each shoot.  You can see a budget template in the sample documentary budget blog post.

You can purchase a downloadable template for ONLY $0.99!

This template can be changed to fit any scheduling needs.

                        

BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW SHOOT

January 21, 2011

 

SHOOT SCHEDULE
	Call time	Address	Contact info
LOCATION 1	9:00am	The Great Hall 000 Blank StreetCity, State, Zip Phone number	Joe Name, Hall Manager555-1234JoeName@greathall.com
Notes: Park at back loading dock.  Take elevator to second floor party room.Lunch will be catered at the location.

 

 

Crew/Talent Contacts
Name	Role	Phone Number	Email
	Producer
	AP
	PA
	Camera
	Audio
	Gaffer
	Make up

 

Friday, January 21:

9pm CREW CALL TIME: everyone arrive at the front door for load in.

9-10am Load in

10am-11:30am Set up for interview #1

11:30pm Make-up arrives and sets up

12-1pm Lunch

12:30 Guest #1 arrives and goes into make up

1pm Tape Guest # 1

2 pm Guest #2 arrives and goes into make up

2pm Re-set for Guest #2

2:30-3:30pm Interview Guest #2

3:30-5pm Tape b-roll

• Building exteriors
• People talking at party
• Cake (presentation, blowing candles, cutting, eating)
• Presents (presents stacked up, opening presents, reactions)
• Closing shot (like a hug as people are leaving)

5pm WRAP SHOOT, pack up and leave

You can purchase a downloadable template for ONLY $0.99!

This template can be changed to fit any scheduling needs.

                        

Feed Your Crew

 I will keep this short and to the point. Please feed your field crew.  Feed your talent and interview subjects while you are at it.  You don’t have to actually spoon the food in their mouths or even provide the food, but at the very least, give them time to eat.

Your camera operators, sound techs, gaffers, grips, make-up artists, etc will all work harder for you if they see a “lunch break” indicated on the schedule.  And while you don’t have to provide the food, it also goes a long way to providing good will.  If you are not going to pay for the meal, at least have water and snacks available.  Provide some healthy options like fruit and nuts though cookies seem to be very popular. 

A note to younger productions assistants and AP’s: McDonald’s does not count as a meal.  Your crew usually consists of grown adults whose stomachs can no longer tolerate fast food after a morning of grueling work.  If you must go the fast food route, Subway or pizza is your best bet.  If you have an early call time, you may want to provide some breakfast snacks as well.  Coffee carafes are a good idea too.  And if the crew works late, dinner is appropriate.

There are two types of lunch breaks – the “walk-away” and the “stay”.  The “walk-away” means that the crew will find food for themselves away from the shoot location.  They are then responsible for getting back to the set on time. The “stay” means that food is provided for them at the location.  The “stay” gives the producer more control over everyone’s time.  For a stay lunch, you can cater the meal, bring a menu to set and then order ahead (my favorite) or run out and buy a bunch of sandwiches or pizza right before lunch break.

While an hour lunch is nice, it is not always necessary or convenient. Most of us can eat a meal in ten minutes. But let’s face it, most people work better with a little breather. 

I’ve been on shoots where the client has asked the crew to work through lunch at which point I insist on at least a half hour break.  The bottom line is human beings need energy to function and food provides that energy.  Without time to gas up, the crew can become sluggish and inattentive.  So put food into your shoot planning and you’ll have a happy crew and the best possible footage.