Shoot
The week or ten days when you actually are in production and doing the principal photography is the shoot. During this time, you run the set, shape the actors’ performances, and oversee all aspects of telling the story with the camera and sound recording equipment on the sets or on location. You do all this in an orderly and efficient way to stay on time and within budget while expressing your creative vision as you interpret the script.
You use your knowledge of the how the actors prepare and work so that you can speak to them in their language. You provide a closed set so that they can do that work in a protected and safe environment. You have the bigger picture in mind so that you are mindful of pacing and tone, and you pay special attention to their rhythm and timing if you are doing a comedy.
During the shoot, you work closely with your key trio on the set: your AD, the DP, and the script supervisor. These three are there for every rehearsal. The AD is your lieutenant who sees that all your instructions are communicated. The DP is your captain who oversees the crew and the actual execution of how you tell the story with the camera and sound recording equipment. Your script supervisor oversees continuity and can be your backup person to make sure you haven’t missed any critical coverage.
When you shoot with animals and kids, quiet spontaneity is your friend; when you shoot special effects, stunts, CGI, blue screen, and choreography, careful planning is key to efficient and safe shooting.
The shoot is the time when all the troops rally together to create the director’s vision. It is the time you show how well you lead and how well you capture the elements you need to tell a story.