Prelight Strategy: When is it essential for your workflow?

Hey everyone,

I was just thinking about prep and how much impact pre-lighting can have. As a gaffer, I'm always trying to streamline our process, especially on projects with tighter schedules. Lately, we've been running on an ALEXA Mini with a package of SkyPanel S60-Cs and a few LS 1200d Pros, and while we always aim for good prep, a dedicated pre-light session often feels like a luxury we can't always afford.

I've seen the benefits when we do manage it, faster setups on the day, better communication with the DP, and catching potential issues early. For instance, on a recent commercial where we had a complex car interior scene, mocking up some key practicals with our Orbiter paid off hugely.

So, for DPs and fellow gaffers out there, how have you personally integrated pre-lighting into your standard workflow? Do you always push for it, or are there specific project types where you find it most beneficial and make it a non-negotiable part of your planning?