Summary
Learn from an Assistant Director with over 20 years of experience on 100 films!
Get a downloadable documents including a Call Sheet, Prep Schedule, Shooting Schedule and more!
Pre-production is a critical phase for an assistant director (AD) in the filmmaking process. This stage sets the foundation for the entire production, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and organized. As an AD, pre-production is your time to develop a comprehensive understanding of the script, coordinate with various departments, and create a detailed schedule that will guide the production. Effective pre-production minimizes risks, saves time and resources, and helps you anticipate and solve potential issues before they arise, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more efficient production process.
However, pre-production is fraught with potential pitfalls. Common missteps you might encounter include poor communication between departments, inadequate location scouting, and failure to create a realistic and adaptable schedule. These errors can lead to significant delays, budget overruns, and logistical nightmares during filming. By addressing these issues head-on in pre-production, you can mitigate many of the challenges that could derail a project during principal photography.
Your instructor, Michael Bishop, brings over two decades of experience in the film industry working on over 100 films. A member of the Directors Guild of Canada, Michael has honed his skills on a wide array of productions, from independent films to major studio blockbusters. With credits including TRON: LEGACY, DAWN OF THE PLANE APES and SMALLVILLE, Michael's expertise as a first assistant director is well-established. His ability to manage complex scenes, large crews, and tight schedules makes him the perfect guide for understanding the intricacies of your role in pre-production.
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, Michael will cover essential topics that you need to master as an assistant director. You will learn your main responsibilities, including reporting lines, timelines, and safety protocols. You will learn how to break down a script and convert its elements into a scheduling program, as well as tips and tricks for creating a preliminary one-line schedule. Michael will also discuss the nuances of location scouting, the goals of tech surveys and production meetings, and the responsibilities of your assistant directing team. You will walk away feeling confident as an AD on set!
PLUS! You will receive these downloadable documents:
- Call Sheet Template
- Cast Member Sheet
- Prep Schedule
- Script Breakdown
- Shooting Schedule
Praise for Michael
"Michael is the real deal. He was so generous with his knowledge and time. I can't wait to take his next webinar!" - Edith R.
"I learned a lot from this webinar, he was incredibly prepared and very practical in his approach. Thank you Michael!" - Sam T.
What You'll Learn
The Role of the AD
- Main responsibilities
- Who do you report to?
- The timeline in Prep and Wrap
- Safety
Breaking Down the Script and Schedule
- Converting the script element into a Scheduling Program
- The elements
- The program
- The purpose
Tips and Tricks to Creating a Preliminary One Line Schedule
- Collaborating with the Team to refine the schedule
- Working with the Director, Production Designer, Location Manager
- Working with the production coordinators
Location Scouting
- Physically hunting down locations with your team
- Identifying concerns and benefits of locations.
- Locking locations and going back to the sehedule
The Tech Survey and Production Meeting
- The goals of each meeting/scout
- What to look out for in the Tech survey
- Tips and Tricks to Running the Production Meeting
- The Follow up Logistics meeting
Hiring your Assistant Directing Team
- The responsibilities of your team
- 2nd Assistant Director Responsibilities
- 3rd Assistant Director Responsibilities
- Trainee Assistant Director (CAN) or 2nd Second (USA)
- Creating an action plan with your team before going to camera
Q&A with Michael Bishop
Executive
Michael Bishop is a seasoned professional in the film industry, with a career that spans over two decades. His journey began in 2001 when he graduated from Vancouver Film School, equipped with the skills and passion necessary to thrive in the world of filmmaking. Shortly after completing his education, Michael found himself working alongside Triton Films, where he gained valuable experience as an assistant director for music videos.
With a taste of the industry under his belt, Michael set his sights on becoming a first assistant director in the Directors Guild of Canada. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that would see him working on a wide range of productions across various genres and formats. From independent films to big-budget blockbusters, Michael's expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on every project he has been a part of.
One of the defining aspects of Michael's career is his versatility. His IMDb profile is a testament to his ability to adapt to different roles and requirements, showcasing a diverse body of work that highlights his talent and professionalism. Whether it's coordinating complex scenes, managing large crews, or ensuring the smooth running of a production, Michael's skills as a first assistant director have been instrumental in bringing countless projects to life.
Throughout his career, Michael has built a reputation for being a reliable and resourceful professional, capable of tackling any challenge that comes his way. His commitment to his craft and his collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after collaborator among directors, producers, and fellow crew members alike. Michael's dedication to his work is matched only by his passion for storytelling, making him a valuable asset to any production lucky enough to have him on board.
Michael has over 100 film and TV credits including TRON: Legacy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Smallville and many more.