PRODUCING A FILM SOCIETY SHORT FILM

WHAT DOES A PRODUCER DO?

In the world of feature films, the producer finds the finance, the script and the director to work on the script among other things.

In our short films the producer doesn’t have to find the finance, it’s already here.  They just have to organise everything, and be a problem solver.  They have to  make sure the film keeps to schedule, put the ad in PCR for actors, work with the director when finding things such a locations.  The producer has to know everything about the production and what is involved and needed.  When it comes to shooting the film, the producer isn’t really needed, the role of time keeping moves to the assistant director (often the producer also fills the assistant director’s role.)  When it comes to post production the producer makes sure that all the camera logs are filled in correctly, that the film is taken for processing and that it gets back safely etc.  It is sometimes hard work but in the end when everything runs smoothly it all pays off.

THE SCRIPT

The starting point for any short film is the script.  The script will have been chosen because it contains the qualities looked for in a Film Society script.

Once you have the script you have to go over it and see if it needs developing, lengthening, shortening, rewriting etc.

Once the final working draft of the script has been completed, story boards should be drawn out. See Figure 1.  These are needed to work out the shooting schedule and are extremely useful for the director of photography.

SHOOTING SCHEDULE

After the story boards are finished and locations found and booked a shooting schedule can be drawn up.  See Figure 2.  This is necessary so no shots are missed out on the day of the shoot.  Remember to schedule all the shots from similar camera angles together if possible as this will mean less moving of the equipment and will save time and effort.  Also remember any time restrictions on locations and to schedule a lunch break.

ACTORS

Whilst the writer/director is working on the story boards the producer/production team can be getting on with the following things,

Placing an ad in PCR for actors an example is shown in Figure 3.  (PCR is a publication which is free to advertise in and which actors subscribe to.)  The deadline for the Monday publication is 1 pm the previous Thursday afternoon.

Actors can also be found from Drama Society, contact Drama Society and let them know when auditions will be held.

Finding the right actors for the parts is often what makes a film a little more special.  Once the ad has been placed in PCR, it will be published on the Monday.  By the Tuesday you start to get sent actors CV’s and photographs.  After a few days you should have enough to make some decisions about who you would like to call in to audition.  It is really up to the director to make this decision.  After deciding on a small number of suitable applicants call them up and book them in for an audition.  Auditions are normally done over 1 or 2 full days (depending on availability of the director and actors and the number of actors you want to see.)

For the actual auditions themselves it is a good idea to video all the auditions, most actors will expect this, it gives you a chance to review all the auditions and also to see how they look on camera.  It is best if you ask them to prepare a short audition piece and then ask them to read something you have prepared, either something from the script or if that is not appropriate then another piece that they will not have seen before, but this is really up to the director.

LOCATIONS

Working out the locations that are necessary and start scouting for them, and finding out about their accessibility and their availability.  (Knowing their availability is crucial when making out the shooting schedule.)

For filming in UCL

Filming in the studio – on Saturdays the Bloomsbury Theatre opens at 8am, check closing times.  Sundays are a little more difficult, the Bloomsbury Theatre is locked, however check the Bloomsbury Theatre schedule as a production may have a get in or get out day and the Theatre may be unlocked.  If this is not the case then College security can let you in.  In order to be let in you simply write a memo to security such as the example in Figure 4 and hand it into the main security hut (opposite the entrance to the South Junction.)

Filming in UCL Union

See the Services and Ents. Sabbatical officer, 4^th Floor Union Building.  If they aren’t in charge they will probably direct you to the right person.

Filming in other rooms around UCL

Go to room booking (hut next to security opposite the South Junction) and fill out a room booking form; if you need to be let into the room, contact security as above.

PROPS AND COSTUMES

Work out what props and costumes are needed.  Actors will normally provide their own costumes however unusual items may need to be purchased.  Props can simply be found by members of Film Society.  More unusual props such as guns can be found at Bapty and Co.

EQUIPMENT

Checking the equipment this will probably be done by the technical manager but it is worthwhile doing a check yourself.  Before a shoot you need to check that you have all the equipment and supplies you need.  For example bulbs for the lights, check that all the lights work and that there are some spare bulbs to take on the shoot.  Bulbs for film lights tend to go at the most in opportune moments and it is extremely inconvenient not to have a replacement.  Checking other items such as gaffer tape is also a good idea.  Finally charge up the camera battery, it does last a long time but you never really know how much power is left.

It is always best to make an equipment list, especially when shooting on location so you make sure you have all the equipment you need and you don’t leave anything behind at the end of the day.

FILM STOCK

A few days before shooting the blank film stock has to be purchased.  The director and director of photography should have considered the speed, whether it is tungsten or daylight balanced and whether it is colour or black and white.  The film stock should be kept in the fridge until the day of the shoot.

PROCESSING

After shooting the film must be sent to the lab (Metrocolour) for developing and processing.  During the shoots log sheet will be filled in for both the camera and the sound reels.  After shooting, you need to transfer the information listed in the camera log sheet, see Figure 5, to a lab report sheet, see Figure 6.  After this is done the exposed film stock is taken to the lab’s drop off point on Lexington Street in Soho for developing.

Figure 2

SHOOTING SCHEDULE

Example

Saturday morning

8 am - meet at studio, check equipment

9          - meet actors

9:30      - shot 1, 15, 27,31

11:30    - break

11:45    - shot 2, 4

12:30    - LUNCH

1:30      - shot 3,7,8,9

3:00      - break

3:15      - shot 5,6,12,19,21,22

5:00      - END FOR DAY

Figure 3

James Bregman at UCL Union Film Society is directing BEST BEFORE, a short student film.  It is a black comedy about Chris who is about to meet his girlfriend’s parents when a friend tells him to check the looks of his girlfriend’s mother as an indicator of her ‘shelf life’.  Is he right?  Shooting will take place December 12th/13th.

CAST BREAKDOWN:  Chris, young man of about 19/20 ... Girlfriend, aged 19/20 ... Girlfriend’s mother, in her 40’s attractive ... Chris’ Father, in his 40’s unattractive.  Travel expenses will be paid.  Please send photographs and resumes to UCL Union Film Society, 25 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH.

Figure 4

MEMO TO SECURITY

Memo: To Security                                                                                            25^th September

UCLU Film Society are making a film on Sunday 2^nd October and need to be let into their Studio in the basement of the Bloomsbury Theatre to collect their equipment.  We will meet at the security office at the main gate at 9am.  We also need to be let back in later in the day to drop off our equipment and will let you know when we require you to do this for us.   I hope that this is acceptable.  If there are any queries please contact us on the number below.

Sarah Turner

President

UCLU Film Society

X2532/0171 387 3827

Figure 5

CAMERA LOG SHEET