Designated day before shooting begins when departments prepare their equipment, sets, and personnel – includes camera prep, wardrobe fittings, set construction completion, rehearsals, and final logistics coordination, typically compensated at reduced rates compared to shoot days.
What is a Prep Day?
A Prep Day is a preparation day before principal photography, where all departments prepare their equipment, sets, and processes. Prep Days are crucial for smooth shooting days.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Timing | Before shooting begins |
| Purpose | Preparation |
| Crew | Department-specific |
| Compensation | Usually reduced |
Typical Prep Activities
| Department | Activity |
|---|---|
| Camera | Equipment Check |
| Costume | Fittings |
| Art | Set Dressing |
| Production | Logistics |
Camera Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Check | Test all functions |
| Lens Test | Inspect lenses |
| Build | Assemble camera |
| Workflow | Test data pipeline |
Costume Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Fittings | Try-ons |
| Alterations | Modifications |
| Doubles | Prepare duplicates |
| Organization | Tagging, sorting |
Art Department Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Set Finish | Complete construction |
| Dressing | Decoration |
| Props | Placement |
| Paint | Final coats |
Lighting & Grip Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Equipment Check | Functionality test |
| Pre-Rig | Pre-installation |
| Gel Cuts | Prepare gels |
| Inventory | Check stock |
Sound Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Equipment Test | Recorders, mics |
| Frequency Scan | Check RF |
| Playback | If needed |
| Backup | Equipment ready |
Production/AD Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Call Sheet | Finalize |
| Logistics | Transport, catering |
| Coordination | All departments |
| Final Walkthrough | Location |
Number of Prep Days
| Production | Typical |
|---|---|
| Short Film | 1-2 days |
| TV Episode | 2-5 days |
| Feature Film | 2-4 weeks |
| Commercial | 1-3 days |
Compensation
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Full Prep | 100% Day Rate |
| Half Prep | 50% Rate |
| Quarter Prep | 25% Rate |
| Travel Day | Varies |
Department-Specific
| Department | Prep Needs |
|---|---|
| Camera | High |
| Costume | High (with cast) |
| Art | Very High |
| Sound | Moderate |
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Equipment checks |
| Midday | Fittings, tests |
| Afternoon | Meetings, finalizing |
| Evening | If needed |
Prep Checklists
| Department | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Camera | Bodies, lenses, media |
| Sound | Mics, recorders, batteries |
| Grip | Stands, clamps, flags |
| Electric | Cables, dimmers, fixtures |
Avoiding Problems
| Potential Issue | Prep Solution |
|---|---|
| Equipment Malfunction | Test early |
| Fitting Issues | Time for alterations |
| Set Incompletion | Schedule buffer |
| Communication Breakdowns | Pre-calls, meetings |
Tech Scout vs. Prep
| Aspect | Tech Scout | Prep Day |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Planning | Execution |
| Timing | Earlier | Just before shooting |
| Activity | Visiting, discussing | Working |
| Location | On set | Often studio/rental house |
Budget Considerations
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Crew Costs | Reduced rates |
| Equipment | Rental begins |
| Location | Access required |
| Value | Prevents shooting day problems |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sufficient Time | Thorough preparation |
| Checklists | Don't forget anything |
| Communication | Report issues early |
| Documentation | For the start of shooting |
Today
Prep Days are an indispensable part of professional film production. Investing in thorough preparation pays off with smoother shooting days. With increasing technical complexity – from camera systems to digital workflows – Prep Days are becoming more important than ever to avoid costly problems during production.