Warning: Undefined array key "options" in /home4/meganli3/public_html/wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro/modules/theme-builder/widgets/site-logo.php on line 93
Prep Day Numbered Checklist - Megan Liz Smith

Prep Day Numbered Checklist

This is a checklist for any and all AC’s or solo DPs!

This checklist was originally created by AC Derek Edwards, with a few additions.

  1. Take inventory of your space. How big is it? Where are the outlets? Where is the optimal location for camera setup and gear that is out of the way.
  2. Lay out your cases and touch all of your gear. Know what’s there. 
  3. Get pictures of open cases, and all of the gear. Try and keep everything in the same place for the rest of the shoot.
  4. Setup a battery charging station and get any going that may need it.
  5. Test the camera head. Get your camera body on some sticks and make sure it’s sturdy while you build. If you’re using a dolly, or need to set up camera support later, this step is to clear a table for your camera build.
  6. Start building your camera. Don’t add a lens or matte box yet, but get it up and on. 
  7. Factory reset the camera settings 
  8. Get familiar with the menu and display screen
  9. Input correct camera settings as previously decided upon by the DIT, DP and director. (Codec, fps, media file name, filing system, date and time, color, exposure.) Just the basics. Don’t spend too much time here.
  10. Setup HD wireless transmitter and connect it to camera. Double check the antennas and any cables. Make sure everything’s connecting. HD wireless video package typically includes: receivers, transmitters, power wall adapters, SDI cables, alternate power cables and antennas. 
  11.  Attach camera’s onboard monitor and test cables. 
  12. Build out the focus monitor
  13. Connect the focus monitor to the wireless transmitter and camera, test connection and cables. 
  14. Stop and make sure everything is working correctly. Replace anything not working. Put red tape on the bad item, let your prep tech know it needs to be serviced.
  15. Label All Lens Cases and caps with The Wide Open Stop Of Lens, The Millimeter & The Close Focus Distance
  16. Clean lens and attach it to the camera
  17. Ensure that all monitors on set are getting a clear, uninterrupted image before focusing
  18. Began building your remote follow focus system. Open the case, pull out cables, take inventory, take photos if you haven’t already. Top of the line follow focus systems include the Preston FIZ and a Light Ranger 2 (LR2) 
  19. Start with the Motor Drive Receiver (MDR), place it and make sure you’re happy with the placement. This is a little box that’s mounted on the camera.Check power cable to mdr and make sure it powers up and connects.
  20. Attach the iris rods, and the iris motor to engage the autofocus.
  21. Plug-In Focus & Iris Motors, start the motor calibration process. Make sure to hold the motor while calibrating so that your motor doesn’t jump off your lens gear. 
  22. Check your focus handset and make sure it’s connected.
  23. Chart your lenses to make sure they focus at minimum focus, 3 ft, 6 ft, 30 ft and infinity. Use a window if need be. Check back focus on camera if your lenses are not coming up on their focus marks
  24. Add your matte box. Make sure the matte box clamps match the front diameter of the lenses
  1.