2-3 Weeks Out

• Lock shooting script
• Finalize budget
• List out everything. Timeline, IP rights, budget, locations, permits, crew, equipment, costume items, set enhancements, tech stack.
• Create rough production schedule
• Scout and secure permits for locations, if applicable
• Scout out key production heads. Mainly director and DP, maybe some production support
• Cast talent

1 Week Out

• Visit out all location thoroughly. Confirm lighting during time of day and shoot demo shots
• Storyboard with audio notes
• Check in with crew to confirm availability and responsibilities
• Book equipment for shoot days, confirm rentals
• Note down everyone's favorite snacks

3 Days Out

• Create time sheet for when crew and talent should arrive. Stagger if appropriate to avoid crowded set
• Pick up props, costumes, and set enhancements

1 Day Out

• Buy snacks and refreshments for team
• Confirm rides with crew members
• Charge all batteries
• Pick up rental equipment. Take inventory of all items and respective damages.
• Print scripts, storyboards, logistical plans. Get a nice clipboard if you haven't
• Pack camera, lenses, tripod, lights, boom poles, mic, multiple batteries, SD card with proper storage, hard drive, adapters, printed materials, props, costumes, and set enhancements

Day Of

• Check, double check, triple check audio quality. You will not be fixing that in post
• Refer to your lists. There should be no surprises
• Review thumbnails to make sure there's enough variety of content. Remember to get variety of aesthetic, texture/tone, and ambiance/pace

Day After

• Thank you notes!! So many thank you notes
• Copy all footage to hard drive. Label and sort
• Get material, appearance, and location permissions slips signed if you haven't already
• Send out invoice template, pay people as soon as possible