Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a professional video shoot? As a production assistant at Spicy Dog Media, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the hustle and bustle firsthand. I’m here to take you behind the curtain and give you a glimpse into a typical day on set.
The day begins bright and early as we head to the shoot location. As the production assistant, my role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From assisting the crew members with transporting their gear to helping them set up their equipment, it’s an action-packed day!
Upon arrival at the location, I park up and await the arrival of the rest of the crew. Once everyone has arrived we gather all our equipment and head to meet our client. The director and producer chat to the client and introduce themselves and the rest of the crew. Each crew member gives a short synopsis of the individual jobs they will be performing throughout the day.
Once settled and prepared to rig up, the director outlines the vision for the shoot and objectives for the day. The director briefs us on the lighting and camera setups we’ll be using throughout the day. Following this, I touch base with the Director of Photography & The Gaffer. They are responsible for setting up and achieving the shots sought by the director. I give them any required assistance with setting up. This can vary from carrying cases full of lenses and lights, to hunting down a power outlet to ensure the camera and lights always have a spare battery that is full of charge. I then place signs up around the location notifying people that there is filming in progress.
With the crew set up and the clients satisfied, it’s time to shoot our first shots. The Director of Photography and Gaffer work together to create the perfect lighting scheme, while the sound technician tests the microphones to ensure clear audio. During this process, it is important that I stay diligent and ready to assist with any of the crew’s needs. I do this to ensure that everything is in place for the first scene. This can involve rearranging C-stands, fetching equipment or even standing in front of the camera to test out how the frame will look with a subject in it!
As we move through the shoot, the producer will regularly check in with the clients. We do this to ensure that they’re happy with the progress and that we’re meeting their expectations. We address any questions or feedback they may have, making adjustments as needed to ensure their satisfaction. I keep in constant contact with the producer in case that any adjustments are required. I do this so that I am ready to make sure we are best equipped to deliver on this feedback.
Upon concluding our final shot, we wrap up the day’s shooting. The crew works together to de-rig and pack up the van. This is where I once again make sure I’m on hand to provide any assistance bringing the crew’s gear back to the vans.
Upon packing the vans up, I do a final sweep of the area. I do this to make sure everything we have left is as we found it. I take down our “Filming in Progress” signs, and make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. After this, I head back to the crew and we begin the process of transferring all the footage and audio recordings from the cameras. We then thank the client and outline when they can expect a first draft of their video. After that, our work for the day is done and it’s time to head home after another exciting and action packed day in the life of a Production Assistant on a Spicy Dog Media Shoot!