Expanding 'Prep-Ahead' Beyond Camera: What's Worked for Other Departments?

Posted by Tyler Morrison in Cinematography 1 views · 2 replies

Hey everyone,

I've been on a few shoots recently (a commercial with the ALEXA Mini and some indie narrative stuff with a V-RAPTOR XL) where we've successfully implemented a 'prep-ahead' system for the camera department. Specifically, encouraging Best Boys to pre-log lenses, camera bodies, and accessories like our Teradek Bolt 6s the night before has been a massive time-saver getting us rolling on time. It cuts down on the morning rush significantly.

I'm now trying to figure out how to adapt this kind of proactive efficiency to other departments. I've tried suggesting Lighting pre-check their Arri M18s and SkyPanel X's, and Sound pre-build their 888 kit with their MKH 416, but it hasn't really caught on in the same way, or the benefits haven't been as clear-cut to them.

My current project is a fast-paced corporate video series, often moving locations multiple times a day, so any upfront time-saving is golden. For those of you who've managed to integrate this 'prep-ahead' mindset across various departments, what specific strategies or tasks have you found genuinely effective for increasing efficiency at the top of the day?

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