How to prepare for a film shootBy Tia-Reisa Apaloo-Clarke

1. The Script

All potential ideas should be written down, so they can be explored and be made into a potential film. The simplest or most elaborate films all start on paper.

The process of script writing can be time consuming, but it will help you to have it done when creating your shooting schedule as you will be able to how many day and/or night shots you will have to film.

2. Set Your scene

Setting your scene is important, at some point you should attempt to walk through your scene step by step. It should ideally be in the location you intend to film in, if this is not possible try to do it in a similar place or re-create it the best that you can.

Walking through your script is beneficial in many ways, it may highlight to you some problems within your script and help you to realise that many scenes are unachievable.

Also if walking through your script in your actual location, you may identify potential restrictions in your location.

Walking through your script can allow the director to see the potential success the film could have and what failures could occur within the idea or script.

3. Location Reece

A location reece should be completed in order to see if your location is suitable for filming. When visiting your location it is good to identity different factors that could potentially affect filming on the day.

Also if looking at locations outside it is key to pay special attention to lighting and the weather beforehand. It would be helpful to visit the location on the exact time – day and/or night you intend to film on, to see where and when the sun sets, the best lighting, this may help you be more creative in the lighting of your scenes.

On a location reece it is also important to take notes on the surrounding noise, what can you see or hear? Is it too nosy or too quiet?

3.Location Reece continued..

It is important to take plenty of notes, as when looking for a definite location, notes made from previous ones will help you to remember them and compare the negatives and positives between each one.

In addition, to this it is important to take plenty off photographs of the location. It is also important that you take the photographs from different angles and positions. This way someone that has not visited the location themselves will be able to understand exactly what it looks like.

4. Shot List

It is good to have a set list before filming, this helps with preparation and can be a guideline for what basic shots you want to include in your film.

At this stage of your pre production, you should have a clear vision of what you want your film to be about and what you want it to look like so it is fundamental to have a shot list so you do not forget what shots you plan to do.

5. Test Shots

Although time restrictions may make it unable to do this, it is a good idea to take some test footage. Test shots are normally done quickly and the time spent on test shots shouldn’t be as long as final filming.

Test shots will give you:

practice of shooting your location

Help polish your script

Experience on using the equipment

Help identify outfits and props needed etc

7. Shooting Schedule

By the time it comes to filming everything such as your script, location, actors and costume should be ready.

It is essential to organise your shooting dates, including breaks and lunch times. Even if filming is only around two hours long you will benefit from having a shooting schedule as it allows cast members and production crew to know what's going to be happening throughout the day.

Organisation and preparation are key for the success of any film!