Using call sheets is one of the best ways you can make sure your day gets off to an organized start.
Your call sheet should include your contact information, the location of your shoot, parking information, call times, a daily schedule with scenes listed, and a list of equipment and props. Safety information should also be included.
Important Campus Safety contact numbers:
Non-emergency: (323) 259-2599
Emergency: (323) 259-2511
If you’re shooting off-campus, make sure you include the name, location, and directions to the nearest hospital.
Make sure you set call times only when a person is needed – don’t make people sit around for you. Respect the people who are working on your film for free, when there are 100 other things they could be doing. Have clear times and directions worked out days beforehand. Crew usually needs to be on set before actors do. Be realistic about how much you can shoot in a day, and as you make your call sheet, make a schedule of your scenes and how long you think it’ll take to shoot them.
You must keep to an 8-hour or 10-hour maximum workday, depending on your course level. Check with your faculty member for specific limits. All projects must provide a minimum of 12-hours of turnaround time between shoots for all cast and crew. If you’re shooting for more than 4 hours, you must provide a meal break. Everyone should get at least a half an hour to eat. When you plan your breaks ahead of time, you’ll be able to schedule your scenes accordingly and it’s much easier to stay on track.
Your call sheets should be e-mailed to your actors in a .PDF no later than 48 hours before the first day of shooting. Of course, you should make sure everyone is available for your shoot days ahead of time.
For an example call sheet, see the Index of Forms.