If you have never been on a commercial or reel shoot, the day can look chaotic from outside. In fact a good shoot day is planned almost to the minute. Here is how it usually runs.
Before the day
The work starts weeks earlier: concept, script or storyboard, locations, talent, props, and a call sheet that lists every scene, time and person. Approvals happen before the camera rolls, not on set.
The crew
- Director: owns the creative vision and the performance.
- Producer: runs schedule, permits, budget and logistics.
- Director of photography and camera team: frame, lenses, movement.
- Gaffer and lighting: build the look.
- Art department and stylist: sets, wardrobe, food or product styling.
- Sound: clean audio for dialogue and voice-over.
A typical day
- Call time and setup: the crew arrives first to rig lighting and camera while the set is dressed.
- Rehearse and block: the director walks through movement with talent.
- Shoot in order of the schedule, not the story, to save time on lighting changes.
- Several takes per shot, with the client monitor showing what is being captured.
- Wrap: footage is backed up twice before anyone leaves.
What clients should prepare
Send final approved scripts and product samples early, name one decision-maker for the day, and confirm location permissions. After the shoot comes editing, colour and sound, which is where the film is finished.
See finished results in our Verdi and Asus Zenfone productions, or read about our production service.
