Hey Tongalers! Just imagine – you’ve found the perfect Project and you can’t wait to shoot an amazing Video that blows the Sponsor away...but you’re not sure where to start. Sound familiar? The production process can be overwhelming, so we’ve made this list of action items for you, ranging from getting ready to Pitch to the day before the shoot so that the process is fun for everyone involved!
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and check out our Open Projects to get involved!
Before you Pitch:
- Create a Storyboard – Sketch out each scene of your Video; you don’t have to be an amazing artist, but doing this will help you visualize what you’ll need. Check out this template.
- Establish your Team – Confirm how many crew members will be needed on the Project, as well as who your main crew will be (DP, Editor, AD).
- Casting – Make sure you're thinking about the characters in your Video and how many actors you'll need to cast.
- Make an Equipment List – Write down the camera/lighting equipment you will need to produce the Video – this may expand later, but it’s smart to have an idea at this point.
- Make a Locations List – Write down places you want to shoot at (including backup locations.) Check out our blog post for tips!
- Put together a Budget – For Tongal Projects it’s helpful to calculate the Pitch prize money combined with the last place Video prize as a budget guideline. Check out our template.
- Check out this blog post – It has great tips on creating an awesome Pitch!
After you Win the Pitch:
- Assemble a Production Schedule – Put together a master schedule with location + talent selection due dates, shooting dates, equipment pickup/return dates. Check out this template.
- Finalize your Locations – Make sure you’ve contacted the owners of your locations and gotten written permission to film there for your shoot dates. Remember to have them sign your Location Release form.
- Finalize your Script – Make sure you check with the Sponsor to see if there are any notes
- Hold a Casting Call – Cast the Video… check out our blog post for in-depth tips!
- Make a Shot list – This is a numbered list of shots that includes a description of the shot in terms of composition + camera movement. Check out this useful template.
- Reserve your Rented Equipment – Your shot list will help you finalize a master list of equipment you’ll need. At the end of this post, we've listed some helpful resources.
- Make a Prop/Wardrobe list – If you hire a stylist, they will do the bulk of your wardrobe prep but you should consult with them about your vision. If you don’t have a stylist, plan out your vision and talk to your actors about their characters’ style. Check out this template.
- Finalize your Budget – Revisit your original budget and make edits if needed. Be sure to keep track as you go!
The Week before the Shoot:
- Finalize and Distribute your Shoot Schedule – Make sure you have all of the details organized to send out to the cast and crew. The following should be included: call/wrap times for your cast and crew, contact info, location addresses and scheduled breaks.
- Pick up your Rented Equipment – Depending on the time frame that you have reserved your equipment for, you may be picking it up the day before the shoot, too.
- Finalize your Shot List – Sit down with your Director/1st AD as well as your DP and make sure everything is squared away.Finalize all Props/Wardrobe – Make sure all your costumes and props have been rented/bought/borrowed.
The Day before the Shoot:
- Email your Cast and Crew – Send them a reminder and pump them up for the shoot!
- Pack your Equipment – Have a checklist of items and check it off as you pack to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.
- Print Release Forms – Have all of your actors sign these at the shoot.
Resources for Renting Equipment:
- Borrowlenses.com – There are multiple locations in the USA.
- Sharegrid – Los Angeles, CA.
- Stray Angel Films– Los Angeles, CA.
- Variety 411 – There are multiple locations in the USA.
- Filmtools – Burbank, CA.
- Drone Dudes – Los Angeles. They have workshops where you can learn how to use the drones before you rent them for a shoot!
- Budget Video – Miami, FL.
