Produce a location shoot for productions

This Standard involves producing a location shoot. This can be a complete programme or inserts to be included in a programme.   

It is about planning the shots, structuring the story, and working with the camera and sound crew on location. It is also about understanding camera formats and overseeing the transfer or transportation of data to the post-production facilities.

You will need to be organised to ensure that equipment is not mislaid, lost or broken.

You will need to demonstrate awareness of required timings for productions and ensure these are met.  If the shoot is for a programme insert, you will need to know the style, format of the production and the length of piece required. 

You may be working alone or you may need to plan for accurate crew and resources to meet production needs. It is important to ensure you work effectively to the agreed schedule and timings in order to capture the required shots.

It is also necessary to take environmental factors, such as heat, cold, rain or sand, into consideration when storing data as these may have an adverse effect on what has been captured.

This Standard is for those who work on location and can apply to Sound, Photography, Production or Director roles.

1. decide how to tell the story to comply with both content and style requirements of productions

2. select interviewees and contributors that are suitable for productions

3. approve the choice of locations against production requirements and check that relevant permissions have been secured

4. plan the content, structure, backgrounds and shot sizes of interviews to meet production requirements

5. plan location shots to create the most powerful images and revealing actuality possible

6. ascertain duration, aspect ratio and format the insert is to be shot in to meet production requirements

7. give crew or presenters a full briefing before the shoot, remaining open to their suggestions

8. decide on the equipment and materials needed, ordering and checking them before the filming day if filming alone

9. log and label all data in line with production requirements

10. capture and store data in a secure and appropriate manner

11. create multiple copies of captured data to meet production requirements

12. give clear directions to contributors, crew or presenters at appropriate times 

13. make decisions that enable schedules to be maintained without compromising finished items when delays occur

14. choreograph presenters’ pieces to camera to meet production requirements, deciding which supplementary questions are needed, and which questions need to be repeated as reversals

15. communicate exact technical requirements of the shoot to cast and crew prior to shooting

16. ascertain in advance if crew need to be unobtrusive and plan how to ensure this happens

17. ensure that appropriate procedures are followed to produce footage which is of broadcast standard

18. ensure that contributors and location owners sign consent and release forms at appropriate times

19. wrap locations, ensuring that they are left as you found them

20. pack and return equipment and materials to appropriate people straight after use

21. confirm that post production personnel have received the captured data in the appropriate format

22. confirm that an accurate and current risk assessment has been carried out

23. produce effective photo stills and PR material for marketing the programme 

1. the technical factors of the shoot, including shooting format, shooting time base and aspect ratio, which need to be communicated to the crew in advance of the shoot

2. how, when and why a camera should be colour-balanced

3. if shooting widescreen, why and how to frame each shot to protect for transmission in television format

4. how to log and label data correctly

5. how to make the best use of time and resources to enable you to maintain high production values, whilst bringing the programme in on time and within budget

6. how to ensure that you comply with privacy and trespass laws on location

7. the need to be flexible and to respond to unfolding events on location

8. what shots you need to make a sequence which will cut together, and which will have no continuity problems

9. framing, composition, depth of field, and the capability of different lenses and cameras

10. how to ensure data is captured and stored appropriately on location

11. to create multiple copies of captured data and ensure they are not subject to weather or environmental issues.

12. when it is appropriate to use radio microphones, and the appropriate ones to use for the job

13. the expertise of contributors, crew and presenters and how to show that you recognise it

14. when lights are needed and where they should be safely and effectively positioned

15. exposure latitude, difficult light conditions and the impact of mixing interior and exterior light

16. how to get the best performance out of presenters and interviewees

17. how to interview contributors on camera

18. how to disguise the identity of an interviewee when necessary

19. the dangers of flashing images, and how to edit such sequences to ensure compliance with industry standards

20. how to undertake a risk assessment of the location and the importance of repeating this if necessary

21. how to ensure that data is passed efficiently to post production personnel

22. the marketing requirements for the production and how to capture effective publicity stills for future PR purposes