The process of dismantling and removing a film set after shooting is complete—includes taking down set construction, returning props and furniture, clearing equipment, and restoring locations to their original condition.
What is Striking?
Striking (also Strike or Wrap-Out) refers to the process of dismantling a film set after principal photography has concluded. All departments coordinate to remove set elements, return equipment, and restore locations to their original condition.
Core Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Set Dismantling |
| Timing | Post-Wrap |
| Coordination | Multi-Department |
| Goal | Location Restoration |
Departments Involved in Striking
| Department | Task |
|---|---|
| Set Dec | Furniture, Dressing |
| Props | Props |
| Construction | Walls, Structures |
| Grip | Equipment |
| Electric | Cables, Lights |
Strike Phases
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Soft Wrap | Initial Clearing |
| Deep Clean | Intensive Cleaning |
| Load-Out | Equipment Loading |
| Restoration | Original Condition |
Timing
| Scenario | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Same Day | Small Sets |
| Next Day | Standard |
| Multi-Day | Large Sets |
| Extended | Studio Builds |
Coordination
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| UPM | Overall Planning |
| AD | Scheduling |
| Location Manager | Restoration |
| Dept. Heads | Own Equipment |
Location Restoration
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Walls | Fill Holes |
| Floors | Clean/Repair |
| Landscaping | Restore |
| Utilities | Normal State |
Equipment Return
| Category | Handling |
|---|---|
| Rentals | To Rental House |
| Expendables | Dispose/Store |
| Props | Clearing House |
| Costumes | Return to Wardrobe |
Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Photos | Before/After |
| Inventory | What Goes Where |
| Damage Report | Note Damages |
| Sign-Off | Location Release |
Budget Factors
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor | Crew Hours |
| Trucks | Transportation |
| Disposal | Waste |
| Restoration | Repairs |
Crew Allocation
| Size | Strike Crew |
|---|---|
| Small | Day-of Crew |
| Medium | Half Crew |
| Large | Full Strike Crew |
| Complex | Specialized |
Strike Order
| Order | Department |
|---|---|
| 1 | Camera/Sound |
| 2 | Grip/Electric |
| 3 | Set Dressing |
| 4 | Props |
| 5 | Construction |
Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Damage | Document, Repair |
| Missing Items | Inventory Check |
| Time Constraints | More Crew |
| Location Issues | Communication |
Hold vs. Strike
| Decision | Criterion |
|---|---|
| Strike | Definitely Finished |
| Hold | Potential Reshoots |
| Partial | Keep Some Elements |
| Archive | For Reference |
Studio vs. Location
| Setting | Strike Character |
|---|---|
| Studio | Set Dismantling |
| Location | Restoration Needed |
| Practical | Owner Needs |
| Public | Permit Compliance |
Environmental Considerations
| Aspect | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Recycling | Sort |
| Donation | Give Away Usable Items |
| Disposal | Properly |
| Hazmat | Dispose Specially |
Contractual Obligations
| Clause | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restoration | Original Condition |
| Timeline | Meet Deadlines |
| Walk-Through | With Owner |
| Sign-Off | Written Release |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Plan Ahead | Efficiency |
| Photo Everything | Documentation |
| Communicate | With Location |
| Check Twice | Don't Forget Anything |
Today
Striking is a critical, often underestimated, part of any production. Professional strike management protects against claims from location owners and preserves relationships for future productions. Coordination between departments requires clear communication and planning.
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