How to Increase your Efficiency during Shoot
Time is money on a film set because your shooting cost will increase, the more you delay your shoot. No filmmaker wants his shooting to take more time. Who would want to pay overtime fees to the crew? It is not necessary that the things will always go as per your plan, so, here are some recommendations for you to increase your time efficiently.
- Storyboard and Shot List
You should have the ability to visualize your shots before the shoots. This will be helpful for you in saving time on set. Wondering why you should do this? It is because once you start shooting, a large number of thoughts will come to your mind. You will be in a dilemma which shot will be better. For this, you should have two essential tools: storyboards and shot lists. Invest a significant time in pre-production so that you don’t need to spend much time on set, instead, you can utilize that time in rolling more efficiently.
2. Start Your Shoot Early
As you all know, it is always good to reach the shooting location early so that you get enough time to complete your shoot for the day. You should also ensure that not only you but your whole team should be on time, i.e., crew, actors, etc. Moreover, your energy level is at peak at the beginning of the day, therefore, starting the work early is always a good strategy.
Time yourself accordingly. As you start good, you will be able to set the tone for the rest of the day.
3. Recruit an Additional Director
Usually, many directors invest a lot of time to find the right crew but forget to hire Assistant Director. You must be thinking, what is the function that an AD has to perform on the shoot. Well, it is the job of the AD to keep things going as per the schedule and also ensure that every shot is taken on time.
4. Technology Scouting
Filmmakers who have just stepped into the filmmaking industry often ignore the most important thing during shooting — technology scouting. For example, you had arrived on the set and are likely to start the shoot when you came to know that the lighting kit you are working with is not compatible with the power source at your location.
This and may such problems can be rectified if you have done a proper tech scout beforehand with your DP/Gaffer. Such a small problem can waste plenty of your time, and resultantly, your shoot will be delayed.
5. Keep Lunch Short
When you do not have the energy, it is difficult for you to give your best into the shoot. Avoid taking lunch breaks that will continue for hours. Minimize the time for your lunch to keep the production on track.
You should also talk to your crew during the lunch to motivate them and also review your work done before the lunch so that you can work on the required amendments after a break.
