Minute-by-minute schedule for a shooting day. When crew arrives, which scenes shoot when, breaks, wrap time. The document that keeps all departments in sync.
What is the Daily Schedule?
The Daily Schedule is the detailed timetable of a shooting day, documenting all activities from crew call to wrap. It synchronizes all departments and serves as an operational guide for the entire production day.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Daily Coordination |
| Created by | 1st AD |
| Based on | Call Sheet |
| Distributed to | All Departments |
Structure
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Early Shift | Pre-Calls, Setup |
| Main Part | Scene Shooting Schedule |
| Breaks | Meals |
| Wrap | Dismantling, End |
Typical Times
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:00 | Catering Call |
| 07:00 | Crew Call |
| 07:30 | First Scene |
| 12:30 | Lunch Break |
| 19:00 | Estimated Wrap |
Pre-Call Times
| Department | Typical Before Crew |
|---|---|
| Catering | 1-2 Hours |
| Locations | 1 Hour |
| Hair/Make-up | 30-60 Min |
| Wardrobe | 30-60 Min |
Scene Planning
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Scene No. | Script Reference |
| Description | Brief Content |
| Cast | Involved Actors |
| Time | Planned Duration |
Buffer Times
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Setup | Between Scenes |
| Company Move | Location Change |
| Contingency | Unforeseen Events |
| Meal Penalty | Adhering to Breaks |
Meal Regulations
| Break | Timing |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Before Crew Call |
| Lunch | After 6 Hours |
| Second Meal | After 12 Hours |
| Craft Services | Continuous |
Flexibility
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Faster | Advance |
| Slower | Prioritize |
| Cancellation | Reschedule |
| Weather | Alternatives |
Communication
| Method | Usage |
|---|---|
| Call Sheet | Evening Before |
| Walkie | Live Updates |
| PA Announcements | Announcements |
| Display | Production Office |
Department Coordination
| Team | Timing Needs |
|---|---|
| Camera | Setup Time |
| Lighting | Setup |
| Sound | Wiring |
| Art | Set Dressing |
Tracking
| Aspect | Method |
|---|---|
| Actual vs. Planned | Continuous |
| Delay | Report Immediately |
| Adjustments | By 1st AD |
| Documentation | In Daily Report |
Critical Points
| Moment | Importance |
|---|---|
| Turnaround | Crew Rest Time |
| Meal Penalty | Cost Risk |
| Day Player | Limited Time |
| Location End | Must Vacate |
Optimization
| Strategy | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Setup-Efficient |
| Blocking | Lighting-Similar |
| Cast Availability | Maximize |
| Equipment | Minimal Changes |
Deviations
| Cause | Handling |
|---|---|
| Technical | Troubleshooting |
| Artistic | Negotiate |
| External | Reschedule |
| Safety | Stop Immediately |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Realistic | Achievable Times |
| Buffers | For Unforeseen Events |
| Communication | Share Updates |
| Flexibility | Remain Adaptable |
Today
The daily schedule remains the backbone of efficient film production. Digital tools enable real-time updates and better coordination, but the principle remains: clear scheduling keeps complex productions on track. A well-planned daily schedule minimizes stress and maximizes creative opportunities.
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Binding daily work order for all departments, listing call times, locations, and…
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First AD
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