Pre-Production Checklist

• Once the Producer has formulated and developed his/her idea and has submitted the script to the director, the director should take charge of all pre-production meetings. From this point on the producer is there only to see to it that the director is correctly interpreting the ideas and intent of the script.
• The Producer is responsible to see to it that all guests arrangements are made, that special fax requests (i.e. lights, sets, props, etc.) are made with sufficient lead time, and that all graphics are prepared in time for the shoot.
• The director must prep the various crew members with specifics for this program, including:

CAM: shot sheets, review directorial language, possible walk through
A1: carts or CDs needed, number and kinds of mics, special cues
PA/CG: list of supers, all copy checked for accuracy
VT: format and number of recordings, TC specifications
FD: review of directorial language and time cues, make sure that hand cues are understood by floor and talent
TD: review format of show, walk through difficult effects
AD: review show and discuss expected duties; i.e. prepare camera shots, check CG copy before air, time cues, graphic inserts, etc.
TALENT: make sure they understand the order of the pgm, make them feel at ease.

Suggestion: Make a check list of all the details that need to be attended to at various times, i.e. the day before, at setup and rehearsal, and just before rolling tape for the production. Attention to detail and planning for the unexpected will save you from most disasters. Providing each crew member with a detailed list of all that is expected from him/her will not only demonstrate your desire for 100% from that crew member, but it should also make for a smoother production and taping.

Return to CSU-Pueblo Television Production Handbook home page.

 

Suggestions, additions, corrections, reactions, etc., please contact
Professor Ebersole at samuel.ebersole@colostate-pueblo.edu