logistics

 03/12/24

Logistics

Logistics: Complex process of organisation resources for production - ensuring all personnel props, equipment and locations are in the right place at the right time, especially on big productions like a major film, which will also involve doing a recd. Poor planning lead to high costs.

This includes getting:

• personnel and hiring 
• props
• production equipment 
• locations 
• transport 
• care on location (feeding)

The production company must not only get the resources, but they need them for the right time and for the best value possible. 

Important points on logistics in media production:

• if you cant use a real physical location that you think is best, you can use post production techniques such as editing, CGI, green screen.
• E.G. expensive and complex to take a filming crew to a remote island (dangers, health and safety, permission, access)- You look for alternatives 
• If you are on location - use the local community for extras - employment in the area (saves money)
• Catering: work with the local community to feed your team (many hire a local cafe/ chef; local catering company)

Important points on logistics in media production:

• If you can’t use a real physical location that you think is best, you can use post production techniques, editing, CGI, green screen​
• E.g. expensive and complex to take a filming crew to a remote island (dangers, health and safety, permission, access)- YOU LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES​
• IF YOU ARE ON LOCATION- use the local community for extras – employment in the area (saves you money)​
• Catering: work with the local community to feed your team (maybe hire a local café/ chef; local catering company) ​
• Using local film crew and filmmakers to cut down the cost

 LOGISTICS DOCCUMENTS: call sheet/daily planner

• these are used on production every day
• ensures everyone on set knows what the goals for the day are, where they're based, when they're required to be there and what each individual's role is 
• helpful because it clarifies goals for day in one, simple sheet which can be circulated amongst everyone
• lists all resources and logistical details as well as creative aims (e.g. shot numbers to be filmed that day)

call sheet should include:

• location details - address, map, transport details 
• Crew details - personnel, contact, protective clothing, hazards, closed roads
• Health and safety notes - e.g. weather, protective clothing, hazards, closed roads
• Transport schedule - who, where and when 
• Filming schedule - Which tasks done and when 
• Equipment - camera, costumes, etc
• Facilities - e.g. toilets, trailers, catering, contingencies 

Permission Forms:

• Used to gain permission for various resources/personnel. 
• Few examples below : Also clearance forms for permission to use copyrighted audio or video
• Individual Release: Individuals working on a project must sign over the rights to their work and/or intellectual property. Often in an employment contract.
• Consent Form: Everyone appearing in a production – actors, employed for the project or members of the public in the background (with a visible face or audible voice). If under 18, signed by parent or guardian
• Location Form: To acquire permission to access a space and for it to appear on camera. Some buildings are subject to copyright law, which makes this form even more important. 

ASSET LOG/TABLE: This lists all things considered an ‘asset’ to the team: videos, images, sound, typography designs and any other element of style or content. Covers content produced by the production company and obtained from other sources and allows the tracking of copyright issues and permissions.

The asset log will contain: What the asset is, what the asset contains and permission details

RECCES: Conducted at the same time as risk assessment and judges the suitability of a location for production – multiple are carried out to decide.

Will consider: Does it meet the creative vision and what are the logistical issues  (accessibility, availability and cost)

SET DESIGN: A visual design of how the set will look including background and props in as much detail as possible as either a 2D or 3D sketch or design produced by imaging software. Helps technical team plan camera positions and movements and may include annotations to further explain.

Risk assessments

A risk assessment is carried out by a company as a means of identifying and trying to minimise potential risks. It should offer solutions to manage potential hazards on location and may include photographs .

Risk assessments will normally include the following information: 

Hazard NameWhat are the risks?Who is at risk?How can it be controlled? Level of Risk 

It is conducted by visiting all locations before production starts to protect everyone and everything (equipment) involved