Producer's Checklist
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Production
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Talk to your cameraperson. Explain your shooting plan to him. Tell
him what's most important. Ask for his advice on how to achieve your goal
in terms of the viewer.
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Take charge. You are the professional. Make sure everybody understands
that you know your job and how to do it. Don't hesitate to ask people to
rearrange furniture for a better shot, to stage events especially for the
camera, or to repeat the same actions several times for editing. Explain
that you will do a better and quicker job for them with their cooperation.
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Be a substitute for the viewer. Put yourself in the mind of your
viewer. In interviews, ask the questions the viewer would ask. If the viewer
wouldn't understand something, ask the interviewee to use simpler language,
more human-sized specific examples. Be sure your cameraperson gets the
people shots the viewer would want to see.
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Write down the names of everyone you interview or shoot a sequence
of. When you write your script, use these names in the narration to personalize
the story for your viewer.
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Shoot to edit. While directing, be sure your cameraperson gets the
shots you need for editing: static shots, basic sequences (wide shot, medium
shot, closeup, cutaway), clean entrances and exits, overlapping actions.
During interviews, remind the cameraperson to zoom and change frame size
while you are asking the questions.
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Record sound to edit. Record natural dialogue and sound effects
that you can bring up in the editing for texture. Talk to your soundperson.
Give him or her the chance to record presence and wild closeup sound effects.
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Tickle the viewer with texture. Before you finish taping at a location,
look at what you've done through the eyes of your viewer. Is there anything
else you can shoot to make the story more interesting or understandable
to the viewer? Do you have enough variety in your interviews, illustrative
footage, natural dialogue scenes, and sound effects to give your story
texture in the editing? If not, get it here, or plan to get it somewhere
else.
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Keep a location shot log. If at all possible, write down what you
shoot as you shoot it. By comparing this with your shooting plan and your
program goal, you can see your feature taking shape. You'll also see what
shots you need to complete it.
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Be nice. Things will go smoother if you're courteous to everyone,
beginning with your own crew. Learn and use the name of each person you
tape; you'll get better cooperation. Always restore a location to its original
condition, and thank everyone involved for their help. Leave a good impression
for the day you or a colleague may return.
© 2008 All rights reserved, Tom Schroeppel,
3205 West Price Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611-3720 (813) 831-0947
Author/Publisher of
The Bare Bones Camera Course and
Video
Goals
E-mail: Tom@TomSchroeppel.com - Home Page: www.TomSchroeppel.com
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