Overview
What is the shoot? The shoot is the critical length of time it takes to complete principal photography. A primetime network episode usually shoots for somewhere between seven to ten days. It is also known as the production period.
What does a director do during the shoot? The director shapes the actors’ performances and runs the set while those performances are being recorded on tape, film, or some other digital medium.
Specifically, during the shoot, the director works closely with the actors in an atmosphere of trust and respect so that the actors’ performances tell the story as interpreted by the director. In addition, the director oversees all aspects of telling the story with the camera and sound recording equipment on the sets or within the locations selected so that the filming of the script is done in an orderly and efficient way in order to stay on time and within budget.
It is a critical time for the director to lead. It is a magic time when everyone works together to create the director’s vision.