Shoot day checklist: the day before, on set and wrap

Purpose

Every shoot day runs on time, captures every planned shot, and never loses a file.

When to use it

For every shoot, starting the working day before.

Who's involved

Steps

The day before

1. Confirm call time, address and contact person with the client.

2. Print or download the approved scripts and the shot list.

3. Charge every battery; format cards in camera after the previous shoot is backed up.

4. Pack from the gear checklist; test audio and lights.

On set

1. Arrive [30] minutes early; set up before talent arrives.

2. Film in the order of the shot list; tick each shot as it's done.

3. Record 5 seconds of room tone per location; check audio on headphones.

4. Shoot B-roll and vertical-safe framing for every scene.

5. Get signed release forms for anyone recognisable who isn't the client.

Wrap

1. Walk the shot list with the director: nothing missing?

2. Leave the location as found; thank the client.

3. Same day: copy cards to the working drive, the backup drive and the cloud (3-2-1).

4. Upload raw files to the shared folder, named by date_client_scene.

5. Mark the shoot done in Ark and attach the raw-files link to the pieces.

Checklist

• Batteries charged, cards empty, gear packed

• Every shot on the list filmed

• Release forms signed

• Three copies of the footage

• Raw files linked in Ark

Done means

All planned shots are filmed, footage exists in three places, and the editor can start the next morning.

Notes & links

• Gear checklist: [link]

• Release form: [link]