TEN PRODUCTION SET ETIQUETTES
When I wanted to put this together I was thinking of numbered set etiquettes for entry level/new entrant in production but going through some of the jotted etiquettes, I noticed that even professionals and intermediate filmmakers are guilty of breaching these set etiquettes. In no order of importance, these are the 10 set etiquettes which if made part of your set/location proceedings will make shooting more perfect.
1. Don’t reply with anything else other than copy on the walkie talkie to let the caller know you have a good grasp of the information being passed. When an information is passed and you don’t understand in details don’t ever say “copy”. don’t be scared to ask for clarification.
2. Only the director is permitted to say “cut”. Yes, you heard me right. Before now camera operators were responsible for saying cut because they are primarily the only one who sees shots before dailies. As the only one in the know of what is being taped. Camera operators are allowed to say “cut”. Things has changed and everyone including the director has access to the monitor. This placed “cut” in purview of the director.
3. Respect the Video Village. The video village is reserved for the director, script supervisor and producer in many cases. This space behind the monitor is not meant for anyone other than the listed unless if just out of curiosity to peep shot and that should be brief and discouraged.
4. Avoid wearing bright coloured clothes. That your favourite yellow outfit should be reserved for another occasion not the set. Wearing bright colours like yellow or white can unknowingly bounce light on set.
5. Your opinions matter but keep it to yourself at least during shoot. If you have anything to say please keep it till after the take. That creative idea is wonderful let it be just wonderful till someone asks for your opinion.
6. Smart phones are important on set but not for everyone actually. Even those whose responsibility permits use of phone should use with extreme caution and courtesy. All phones should be on silent during set-up and shooting.
7. Alcohol simply is a No on set.
8. Keeping to call time is one etiquette on set that even directors and producers are guilty of breaching. Call time should be respected by all member of the production team including a director. There is no written etiquette anywhere that permits a producer or director to come late on set. Call time is everybody’s call time.
9. Don’t be a hero. Newbies especially new film graduates buzzing with energy and thirst to express what they have learnt are most guilty of this breach. Do what you are assigned to do. Don’t worry too much about the next person. The way production is sequenced, every department is isolated from the next but still connected by goal. Don’t do someone else’s job, heroes are in comics.
10. Be with your call sheet. Must of the questions are already in the call sheets. A detailed call sheet will provide you information you need for the success of the day shoot. Get your hands on the call sheet probably a day before, study it. This will save you unnecessary questions and confusion on set.
Just few of the set etiquettes that I think is commonly broken on set. Feel free to add yours in comment.
2. Only the director is permitted to say “cut”. Yes, you heard me right. Before now camera operators were responsible for saying cut because they are primarily the only one who sees shots before dailies. As the only one in the know of what is being taped. Camera operators are allowed to say “cut”. Things has changed and everyone including the director has access to the monitor. This placed “cut” in purview of the director.
3. Respect the Video Village. The video village is reserved for the director, script supervisor and producer in many cases. This space behind the monitor is not meant for anyone other than the listed unless if just out of curiosity to peep shot and that should be brief and discouraged.
4. Avoid wearing bright coloured clothes. That your favourite yellow outfit should be reserved for another occasion not the set. Wearing bright colours like yellow or white can unknowingly bounce light on set.
5. Your opinions matter but keep it to yourself at least during shoot. If you have anything to say please keep it till after the take. That creative idea is wonderful let it be just wonderful till someone asks for your opinion.
6. Smart phones are important on set but not for everyone actually. Even those whose responsibility permits use of phone should use with extreme caution and courtesy. All phones should be on silent during set-up and shooting.
7. Alcohol simply is a No on set.
8. Keeping to call time is one etiquette on set that even directors and producers are guilty of breaching. Call time should be respected by all member of the production team including a director. There is no written etiquette anywhere that permits a producer or director to come late on set. Call time is everybody’s call time.
9. Don’t be a hero. Newbies especially new film graduates buzzing with energy and thirst to express what they have learnt are most guilty of this breach. Do what you are assigned to do. Don’t worry too much about the next person. The way production is sequenced, every department is isolated from the next but still connected by goal. Don’t do someone else’s job, heroes are in comics.
10. Be with your call sheet. Must of the questions are already in the call sheets. A detailed call sheet will provide you information you need for the success of the day shoot. Get your hands on the call sheet probably a day before, study it. This will save you unnecessary questions and confusion on set.
Just few of the set etiquettes that I think is commonly broken on set. Feel free to add yours in comment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment