ABSTRACT
A DAY ON SET Stepping on set the fi rst day can be a really intimidating experience, especially when the cast and crew are looking to you, the director, for advice and guidance. Begin the production day by going over ground rules for that day of shooting. The fi rst assistant director should point out where the restrooms are, what parts of the set are off limits, where the trash is, where craft services are, where the designated parking is, and all other location-specifi c details. Then, once everyone has gotten his or her morning coffee, go over the production schedule with the cast and crew, and walk them through the scenes you are going to shoot. Explain what the scenes are and how they relate to the overall story, where they will be fi lmed, and how they fi t into the production schedule. If the entire crew understands the shooting schedule, they will be much more invested in the day of shooting, feeling a part of the creative process rather than grunts moving and setting up equipment.
