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• Scouting surveys are arranged to find the locations
for those scenes not being shot on a sound stage. Locations
must be chosen both from a creative standpoint (Does the location
look like what the director had in mind?) and from a technical
standpoint (Can the camera crew maneuver? Is there room for
all the trucks that will be needed?)
•
The
production designer, who has been designing the sets with
support from art directors and drafts-people, puts the construction
crew to work building the sets, as the set decorator shops
for furniture and set
decor. Complete sets are generally built on
stages and
painted
backgrounds are often used to give the illusion
of a real location. The production designer also refurbishes
and dresses buildings on location, even building an
entire town if necessary.
•
The cinematographer, or director of photography (D.P.), discusses
the visual style of the film with the director as well as
film stock and techniques that will be used. The D.P. will
in turn talk to the gaffer (the chief electrician) and key
grip (the head of the grip department) to determine the equipment
and special rigging needed. Usually, the D.P.
will shoot tests for background color and hair, make-up, and
wardrobe tests with the actors.
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