Scope

Applies to all narrative, commercial, branded, and documentary productions at F7 Studios involving a dedicated 1st AD.

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Core Responsibilities

• Create and maintain the shooting schedule

• Lead the execution of daily operations on set

• Ensure all departments are aligned on timing, logistics, and safety

• Anticipate and solve scheduling conflicts, on-set issues, and timing delays

• Enforce safe working practices and studio-mandated protocols

 

Phase 1: Pre-Production

 

Scheduling & Planning

• Break down the script and build a master shooting schedule

• Coordinate with the Producer and Director to lock shoot days and priorities

• Schedule location use, company moves, and prep/shoot times

• Collaborate with Line Producer for resource alignment

 

Meetings & Prep

• Attend tech scouts, production meetings, and rehearsals

• Build and circulate the Preliminary One-Liner, Stripboard, and Call Sheet Templates

• Work with each department to ensure time estimates are realistic

 

Deliverables (Pre-Production):

• Shooting schedule

• Scene breakdown / one-liner

• Preliminary day-out-of-days (DOOD)

• Setup estimates by department

• Company move / travel day plans

 

Phase 2: Production

 

On-Set Leadership

• Run the daily set operations: call time, blocking, rehearsal, camera, wrap

• Lead morning safety meetings and relay day plans to all crew

• Announce all rollups and coordinate team readiness

• Manage timing for setup, performance, and resets with efficiency

• Keep Director and Producer updated on time status

 

Communication & Safety

• Ensure cast and crew are informed of shot order, company moves, and hazards

• Enforce safety practices (stunts, weather, electrical risks, etc.)

• Liaise with COVID compliance or medical staff if applicable

• Keep morale high and tone professional

 

Problem Solving

• Make real-time schedule changes if delays or emergencies occur

• Adjust shot order to maximize coverage while minimizing overtime

• Flag potential overages or logistical issues to the Producer

 

Deliverables (Production):

• Daily call sheets

• Updated DOODs / scene trackers

• Safety meeting logs

• Production report summaries (optional for larger shoots)

 

Phase 3: Post-Production (if involved)

 

Wrap-Out Duties

• Support the Producer in verifying scene completion

• Help coordinate any needed pickups or reshoots

• Provide documentation of scene status and time logs

 

Deliverables (Post-Production):

• Final shooting schedule vs. actuals

• Wrap reports and shooting summaries

• Scene completion checklist

 

Key Collaborative Relationships

 

1. Director

Objective: Support the Director’s vision through operational structure and time management
Responsibilities:

• Build schedules that allow for appropriate creative time

• Maintain open communication on needs, adjustments, or delays

• Manage set so Director can focus purely on performance and vision

 

2. Producer

Objective: Execute the production within the approved schedule and resource scope
Responsibilities:

• Report on progress, overages, and blockers

• Help manage overtime, turnaround, and crew well-being

• Implement producer-approved changes in schedule or format

 

3. Department Heads (DP, Art, Costume, G&E, Sound, etc.)

Objective: Ensure each department knows when, where, and how to prep
Responsibilities:

• Distribute call sheets and timelines with detailed setups

• Coordinate all crew movements and resets

• Provide time for departments to complete tasks safely and effectively

 

4. Locations, Transportation, and Production Office

Objective: Keep logistics moving smoothly and on-time
Responsibilities:

• Confirm crew access and basecamp setups

• Track company moves and location turnovers

• Update call sheets and reports with accurate info

 

General Expectations & Studio Protocols

• Uphold F7 Studios’ standards of safety, professionalism, and respect

• Ensure open and proactive communication across departments

• Avoid favoritism or emotional decisions under pressure—run the set fairly and decisively

• Monitor morale and enforce breaks, meals, and working hour limitations

• Document any incidents, delays, or changes transparently

 

Success Metrics

• Production stays on schedule or recovers from delays effectively

• Crew reports clear communication and respect from leadership

• Director feels supported in staying creative and focused

• Producer receives timely updates and budget-impact info

• Minimal overtime or overages due to poor scheduling

• No safety violations or major crew complaints