Logistics Locations

A recce is vital to making a successful film, it involves the scouting of locations for shoots. Recces also aid with a risk assessment, as it gives crewmembers a prior understanding of the location, as well as assessing all the hazards and that it is safe enough for a crew to be on. In addition it will also help find the most effective location for the film, and therefore give it the best chance of trying to reflect the overall mood. Recces must be completed multiple times in multiple places in order to be carried out effectively. The same place might be visited multiple times by different crew members to see if the location is effective. In addition meetings between different production groups might be made in order for everyone's viewpoints on the location are seen. All issues must be dealt with before filming begins. 

Location managers are vital to a film crew. They focus and find places that are accessible as well as being safe for a crew being on. They are the ones who will arrange recces and will photograph their findings to give feedback to the rest of the crew. In addition they will also begin discussions with the location owners. During filming they will manage the location and ensuring it is a safe working environment. After shooting, they will be in charge of the clean up. Assistant location managers are in charge of organising technical recces for heads of other departments as well as assisting the location manager. They will help clean and tidy at the end of each day.

If these roles were not filled, then the most effective location for a film may be found. Furthermore, this will also mean that another crew member will have to fill in, and they may not have the skills, nor contacts needed. This may affect the overall look and mood of the film. If this is left to the last minute, and not timescaled effectively, then the right location might not be found. Furthermore locations that they want to use may already be being used by another film crew, or isn't available on the days needed. Not giving enough time and consideration could mean that these locations may not be secured.

Guidelines when undertaking a recce research

Is the location appropriate for the look of the film?

Does it add to the emotional tone of the script?

Is access available?

Is it available when needed?

Is the location safe for cast crew and equipment?

Is artificial lighting needed?

Is there enough space?

Is there electricity?

Are there toilets?

Essential items for a recce

-digital camera 

-light meter

 -ruler and graph paper

 -compass 

 -circuit tester

 -tape measure

If recces are not undertaken efficiently and effectively, then there might be many hazards. One of the points of a recce, is to undertake a risk assessment, this therefore allows

These hazards to be identified and rectified before the initial shoot. This also gives crew members time to make the place safer and cater for everyone's needs. If this is not performed effectively, then a location may not be able to be secured. This can also affect the overall location of the film, as the correct location may not be available if it is looked at too late.

A risk assessment is a document which must accompany any filming and recce schedule.  It makes sure that the person responsible when on location has considered the safety of everyone involved on set on the day of filming. The whole point of a risk assessment is to identify potential hazards. Risk assessments must be carried out to ensure the safety of all crewmembers. It is an essential part of pre production due to the fact that it puts many aspects of the film in place. It considers the overall safety of the production, which could be seen as the most important thing at the end of the day, as this could save thousands of pounds if there is an accident.

Logistics tasks

Facilities

On a film set, a grip may use a lighting wrench to work with stage lighting. Furthermore, gaffer tape is versatile, and can prevent unexpected problems. They can use it as a safety precaution, for tidying up wires and prevent accidents.

Production equipment- Camera package

• Camera
• Stock or media
• Lenses
• Filters
• Tripods

Production equipment- Sound equipment

• Sound recording unit
• Headphones
• Microphones
• Mic Holders
• Cables
• Boom
• Wind shields

Camera movement

• Dolly
• Track
• Accessories

Production equipment- Lighting 

Lights

Light stands

Gels

Diffusers

Generator

Filters

Grip stands

Reflectors

Grip accesories

Post-production equipment

The phrase post-production covers the various technical phases, after production, that put the film together and make it ready for release. These include:

• Picture edit
• Sound edit
• Visual effects
• Grading
• Tilting

Facility houses

Companies hire out a variety of equipment, for film, television and video prodduction

Task

10k of your budget is allocated to camera and sound equipment for a 5 day shoot.

• Sony Venice Raw package x2- £5100
• Veydra E Mount Primes set- £330
• Oconnor 2560 head- £300
• Ronford tall legs- £120
• Equipment dolly Bazooka- £240
• Ronford track 16ft- £180
• DJT Ronin Gimbal- £240
• RODE Boom Pole- £24
• Boom Buddy- £9
• Zoom F8 Recorder- £120
• RODE Night- £120

Camera works gave us the clearest pricing, and was the easiest place to look for equipment. However, I could not search up shotgun mics, as the word @’shotgun’ was blocked. This therefore meant that the hardest and most time consuming part of researching and finding shotgun mics. 

If not enough research was conducted, then some equipment may not be as effective for the film as others, hence why extensive research must be conducted. If research is conducted too late, then the technology may not be available meaning that a back up plan must be in place. Not researching a sufficient number of companies may mean that you may not find the best price for equipment. 

Prop houses task- Knife crime in 1980s Glasgow- (set in butchers)

• Mock meats
• X2 hanging meat racks 
• Chopping boards
• Display board
• Butchers tools,knives
• Hanging meat hooks
• Butchers costume
• Crates
• Workbenches
• Sink
• Cash till
• Flatcaps

These props can be sourced from the 3 companies. It is harder to secure the front windows for a shop, as well as a display shelter/window for the meat.

The best company was stockyard, they had the widest range of props available, as well as the website being the easiest to navigate through. Northern props was far harder to navigate and had far less props whilst modern props didnt have anything that would apply to the task.

If not enough time is allocated to prop research, then the film may lack something in that department. If research is collected too lkate, the props may not be available, and if a good number of ciomopanies arent researched then the right props may not be found and might be overpriced.

A body like Creative England can help with identifying companies and securing facilities due to the fact that they’re well known and respected. They work with local authorities and film offices across England to source this. The process is finding a location, applying to film and then register and locate properly. 

An advantage of using Creative England during pre-production is that they have lots of experience, as well as having contacts with many people and companies.

Not using this service could result in a lower budget, as there is no support from a funding budget. Furthermore you would not be utilising their experience, which would come heavily in hand for first time filmmakers. If not used, the quality of the film may not be as good.

Logistics- Production Equipment

Logistics- Production equipment

Items of equipment

Camera

Lens

Media (SD Cards)

Power (Charging equipment)

Audio recorder

Audio Cable

Lens pen

Headphones

Card reader

Usb cables

Gaffa tape

Laptop

Gels and diffusion

Lights

Light stands

Tripod

This list covers all the equipment needed during the production and filming phase.

7 Types of video production equipment needed to start a business

Camera

Lenses

Tripod

Computers and storage

Memory cards

Sound (mics)

Lighting

Both articles/videos have similar lists. However ‘no film school’ go into far more detail about what is needed during production. ‘Filmmaking lifestyle’ groups each component but doesn't put them individually, furthermore, it also looks into the post production phase and editing. 

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Production Requirements Checklist. Goes into extended detail to focus on everything that is needed for a successful film shoot. Their list looks into all the forms that need to be signed as well as all the crew members who are needed to be present. It doesn't mention as much about equipment like lighting sound etc, however looks far more into permissions, and equipment thats is needed on set, but not for filming. This production equipment checklist would be used for a feature length film due to the fact that there are so many crewmembers and permission slips.

The film camera equipment solely focuses on camera equipment that is needed for a shoot. This goes into extensive detail for every single piece of kit needed. This would've had to be for a feature length film due to the fact that it goes into so much detail for only one component.

If i made a checklist on only the first two online versions, I might miss some key pieces of equipment. Both of those articles mention only a handful of pieces of equipment needed, and due to this, the film may not be as successful due to this. This would limit the knowledge of what is needed as well. It still gives us a basic understanding of what is needed, however extensive research must be conducted in order to make a successful film.

Availability of personnel

Availability of personnel

Film Departments/ Crew

Key creative team- Involves the producer, director and screenwriters. They build and develop the initial idea and are present throughout. Made up of  Producer, Director, Screenwriting

Production department- Usually in charge of finding/producing funding, as well as keeping charge of the budget, managing finance. As well as assisting the producer and director. Made up of  Executive producer, Line producer, Production Manager, Production Coordinator, Production secretary, Production accountant, Assistant director, Production assistant, Script Supervisor and Stunt Coordinator

Script department-  Produce and further the story as well as writing the script and producing drafts. Made up of  Story Producer, Script Editor and Script Coordinator.

Location Department- Responsible for finding, securing and scouting locations. Made up of  Location Manager, Location Assistant and Location Scout.

Camera Department-  In charge of filming everything, keeping cameras in focus transferring film etc. Made up of  DoP, Camera operator, Assistant camera, Loader, Digital Imaging Technician, Data Wrangler, Steadicam Operator and video split operator

Sound Department- Responsible for recording all sound on set, as well as microphone placement. Made up of  Production Sound Mixer and Boom Operator.

Grip Department- Trained lighting and rigging technicians. Work closely with electrical department. Made up of  Key Grip, Best Boy and Dolly Grip

Electrical Department- Responsible with setting up, controlling lighting equipment alongside the design and execution. Made up of Gaffer, Best Boy and Lighting Technician.

Art Department-  Responsible for creating the physical and visual appearance, this could be sets, props etc. Made up of Production Designer, Art Director, Set Director, Illustrator, Set Decorator, Props Master, Buyer, Greensmen, Armourer and Construction coordinator

Hair and make-up department- In charge of maintaining actors hair throughout the film, as well as to keep the same look for an actor visually. Made up of a Make-up artist and Hairdresser

Wardrobe Department- In charge of arranging costumes for each cast member. Made up of a Costume Designer, Costume Supervisor, Art Finisher, Buyer and a Cutter/Fitter

Post Production- In charge of working on the film after it has been fully shot. Made up of a Film Editor, Assistant Editor, Online Editor, Colourist and Negative cutter

Visual Effects-  Adds effects that cannot be  made naturally. Made up of a VFX Supervisor, Compositor, Paint Artist and Matte Painter.

Sound/music- In charge of adding sound in after the film has been shot. This includes the making of sound effects. Made up of a Sound Designer, Dialogue Editor, Sound Editor, Re-recording mixer, Music Supervisor, Composer and Foley Artist.

 

Indiewire article- The 5 People Filmmakers Need for a Tiny Skeleton Crew

A Skeleton crew is a crew that is stripped completely down to the bare essential crew member, normally used to save money. The skeleton crew in this article does not include a producer or director as it is given that both parties will be on set everyday. 

Director of Photography (DoP)- Gives the director more time to focus on lighting and setups if they share the same vision, this saves time. 

Make Up/Hair- Adds more detail to the actors, as well as adding a level of professionalism. 

Production Assistant-  Keeps things moving quickly and smoothly. Helps with moving gear around, helps give them experience and have a positive attitude.

Location Audio-  Sound is vital in films and can often save a film if it has poor visuals. Experience is vital, and they must care about what they are doing.

Gaffer/Grip- Adds to the speed, can also fill in multiple other jobs, also adds another opinion for the DoP and can help them out with lighting. 

A bigger budget can obviously have far more crew members. A complete contrast to Kroll’s skeleton crew. A bigger crew should mean that everything is done at a quicker pace, however everyone must remain in sync. In addition to this there are also assistants who can fill in if there is a problem. A skeleton crew may be most effective due to the low cost needed for short films as well as probably having better communication with one another.