Candidate Requirements
Code 8 license – unendorsed.
Code 10 License – unendorsed – optional and recommended but not crucial
Course outline
The program will be 5 days intensive, facilitated by me and (some) of the points covered will be:
- The need for a PDP (this will be brought to their attention when they sign up for the course)
- How the industry works including the breakdown of International Client and crews, Prod Co’s, local crews, and their responsibilities.
- The role of the Driver, Runner and PA’s and their relationship to the rest of the crew
- Working with a PM – as an experienced PM I will go over everything that is expected for a successful working relationship.
- Meeting with the coordinator, (a Coordinator will be brought in to chat with the attendees outlining the relationship etc.)
Pre-Production
- Vehicle collection and checking.
- Location gear collection and packing the van correctly.
- Setting up the collection room and the equipment needed.
- Collecting the client/luggage at the airport.
- Collecting props & lighting gear etc.
Production
- Protocol around the hotel etc where the team is staying.
- Call Times and loading vehicles in the morning.
- Setting up a location - outdoors, in a house, in a studio etc.
- What is expected while on-set.
- Catering – including setting up craft tables, washing dishes, keeping cooler boxes full, keeping the craft section clean and tidy.
- Various locations – how to act in public spaces and personal houses, studios etc.
- Assisting the lighting assistant – holding scrims and light shapers
- Leaving a set exactly how it was found – “idiot checks” etc
- Dealing with the public and traffic officers etc in public spaces.
- Staying off cell phones.
- Petty Cash and reconning it.
Post-Production
- Equipment returns.
- Vehicle fill ups
- Final production admin – Meeting with the PM
- Clearing out the collection room and re-signing equipment in.
Practical
- Loading a van properly.
- Visiting beach, studio, and house locations.
- Setting up a base camp in various locations.
- Visit lighting supply, styling, and prop houses.
- Scenarios that they will need to brainstorm – related to potential issues on set.
- All attendees will be given a manual with all the course info.
The Psychology of being on set
- Being aware of the different decision makers and egos on set.
- Not getting involved with Skinner talk etc.
- Bringing solutions rather than problems to the PM.
Added Extras
- Leadership Skills
- Effective Communication Skills
About Gary – The facilitator
Gary Hirson has been in the Still’s Production industry since 1999. He’s worked as a Photographic Assistant, a Production Manager, and a Producer, on both Stills and Commercial’s sets. In 2001 he started Peninsula Film Runners –a transport company which started out operating exclusively to the Production Industry.
“Gary is probably the most experienced PM in South Africa and has been involved in the industry since the beginning. While working in production he started a company called Peninsular Film Runners, which was a specialised transport service specifically aimed at our industry.” Sebastian Prinz – Owner Prinz Productions.