Production Design

"In front of the camera nothing is accidental" - As Jon shared with us.

1. Broad Strokes

A) Tonal Palette

B) Visual Motifs

2. Concept Art

A) All Design Adds To Theme

B) It Cannot Distract Audience Attention

3. Script Lockdown

A) Scene Breakdown

B) Prop Breakdown

- Action Props

- Dressing Props

C) Budget

4. The Team

Production Designer, Art Director, Props Master, Construction Manager & Light Manager

5. The Product

A) How Much Room?
B) Any Specific Needs?
C) Textures & Finishes

D) Build It

E) Decorate It

F) Erect It

G) Light It

H) Strike It

Camera Terms

When on the camera the director may wish to tell the camera operators what to do and how so they use these simple terms...

Pan Left/Right
Tilt Up/Down
Crab Left/Right
Track Back/Forward
Zoom In/Out

Exposure Control - Bright/Dull
Focus Control - Sharp/Soft

Also the Director may refer to the "Pole Cameras" or "Wingers" these are the ones running along the sides on the studio.

Finally on the top of the camera there is a "Tally Light" this is to show whether the camera is filming or not.

Studio Crew

Every studio crew member plays a crucial role in creating a successful shoot. When in the studio we wish to cover all the following roles...

Director
Assistant Director
Floor Manager
Assistant Floor manager
Vision Mixers (x2)
Lighting Operators (x2)
Sound Operators (x2)
Camera Operators (x4)
Camera Operators Assistants (x4)
Sound Operator On Studio Floor (If Possible)

Most of these roles will have access to "Cans" if not then speakers and microphones called "Talk backs". So everyone can communicate quietly when shooting.

Lets Get To Grips..

Within the Studio there are numerous bits of equipment that we need to know the names of. These are...

Lighting Grid - Metal bars on the ceiling
Soft Light - To add fill light (barn doors/ fluorescent)
Spot Light - Concentrated hard light
Flood Light - Lighting scenery
STOB - Studio Termination Outlet Box

Each light inside the studio has its on socket which is numbered to help the lighting operators.

A dimmerpack provides power to the lights.