Saving Money with Camera Prep
As a film producer, Willem Kampenhout shares his thoughts on the importance a camera prep day.
Why it costs more to “build camera on the day” vs
paying an AC for a prep day.
*Disclaimer* I am not an AC, so I’m not trying to drum up more work for myself. As a local UT producer, I have a vested interest in the betterment of the the Utah film community, so I am sharing some lesson’s learned.
Often in the effort to save money, a production will plan on “building camera on set” instead of planning a prep day for the AC. I get it. Budgets are tight, and the first 45-60 mins of the day while lighting is setting up is mighty attractive for planning on camera prep. However, here are reasons why I believe this is a mistake:
1) You don’t have your camera ready for Blocking/Lighting.
You’re missing out on having camera present for lighting and blocking for that first hour of the day. This means the director, DP and camera operators are working blind for the first hour while the AC’s are building camera.
2) Any last minute “additions” are 1-2 hours away, IF they are even available.
How often do ACs show up on set, the production has the gear delivered, and it’s ready for them to begin working, yet the DP or the ACs have an additional request that wasn’t communicated or accounted for. Even if it’s within budget, and available, it's unrealistic to expect that in under an hour you can:
1) Find out what is needed.
2) Call the rental house with you request.
3) Get the availability and price confirmed.
4) Arrange for pickup or delivery.
5) Actually have the gear arrive on set.
6) Get the new gear implemented into the working gear.
This process, even when everything works as fast as possible, takes time. IMO, the time to enact these changes is during prep, NOT when you’re on set spending hundreds of dollars every minute.
3) Any missing or broken gear will delay your production and cost thousands.
Rental houses are not flawless. Any rental house worth their salt knows this, acknowledges it, and will let you prep camera the day prior or even review the G/E gear to verify everything is in working order before it leaves the shop. FOR FREE! FOR FREE!!
And what’s the cost/risk of not taking advantage of this prep time? Given a small crew (10 people with an average of $500/day) will cost anywhere between $750 and $833 for every hour you lose. If you have a 30 person crew? The cost escalates into the thousands of dollars.
I personally budget and plan on an AC prep for EVERY project I produce. I will justify the costs to client until the cows come home too. Even when budgets are tight.
There’s a wise saying:
“An ounce of prevention is worth pounds of cure.”
Or written for film producers:
“A dollar spent in prep saves thousands in production.”
What are other reasons that it’s better to have ACs prep in advance instead of building camera on set?
From the staff here at Enigma 3, we are here for you! Let us know how we can best help you and your production. We will go the extra mile to make sure you have a great experience with us and to ensure you are fully prepared when you walk on to set.