Get Ready, Get Set, Shoot

If you think editing doesn't begin until you've captured your footage to a hard drive, think again. Once you're sitting at your edit bay, your footage has already been shot and your fate has already been sealed. The way you gathered your footage will have a big impact on how you edit. If you forgot to get adequate coverage of a scene or neglected to log each shot, your job as editor will be that much tougher. The only sure-fire way to get the best footage is to take precautionary measures in pre-production and to shoot with the edit in mind. There is a lot to be said for planning ahead. Many headaches can be avoided with a little bit of forethought and planning.

1) Prepare a Shot Sheet
SCUBA divers have a saying that has saved many lives through the years: plan your dive and dive your plan. If you go out in the field without any clue as to what footage you will need, you will end up with a stack of tapes with no continuity, little resemblance to organization and a lot of heartaches.
Make a list of all of the major shots you will need and reminders of the types of cutaways you might want to use to transition between scenes. With a shot list in hand, your shoots will go quicker, your talent will stay happy, your clients, friends and loved ones will be extremely pleased with all the time you've saved, and you will have all the pieces you need to assemble your masterpiece when it's time to edit.

2) Check Your Equipment
It is embarrassing to have to delay or cancel a shoot because you forgot to check the batteries in your wireless mike or have a blown bulb in your only light. Always check your batteries, lights and cables before you leave for a shoot. It takes no time at all to check the little details that will make for a successful shoot, and a little time up front can save you a lot of time later.
Not only should you check to make sure all of your equipment works, check to make sure you have everything, as well. Make a list of all of the equipment you will need for your shoot and put it on the inside of your camera case. Then check it before you leave. Don't forget gaffer's tape, extension cords, extra videotape and adapters. For a more extensive list, see Camera Bag Essentials on page 90 of this…