Production Coordinator Chris Bryant talks about set paperwork and organization techniques, vetting and managing crew, and general leadership principles to help you advance in physical production.

Show notes from this episode:

-Chris Bryant on IMDb: shorturl.at/adsD7

-What is Station 12?

https://www.sagaftra.org/files/production_checklist_theatrical_television_4_7_2.pdf

https://www.sagaftra.org/station-12-information-form

-The range of low to high budget options with SAG/AFTRA:

https://www.sagaftra.org/production-center/contract/813/getting-started

-Forced Call:

https://www.sagaftra.org/rest-periods-forced-calls-0

-Skins: https://needlegirlhaystackworld.com/day-in-the-lifeproduction-assistant-pt1/

https://goingforpicture.tumblr.com/post/77239799865/background-action-a-guide-to-handling-bg-on

-Sides: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/script-sides/

-Hot Costs: https://filmproduction.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/daily-hot-costs-becoming-a-key-film-production-accountant/

-And to really go into the weeds…

https://blog.castifi.com/the-producers-guide-to-overtime-and-penalty-payments

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

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Today on the show we’re bringing back one of our most popular guests, Production Coordinator Chris Bryant, to talk about how to build rapport with vendors. Whether for equipment, locations, catering, special effects, transportation, you name it — vendors are at heart of making a movie possible. Chris’s role in the production office is crucial for developing and maintaining good relationships with them and making sure things work smoothly. He also shares insights and best practices about rental agreements, insurance, and handling loss and damage.

Show notes from this episode:

Chris Bryant on IMDb: shorturl.at/adsD7

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

www.callsheetshow.com

In Part 2 of our conversation with AD extraordinaires David Webb and Jeremy Marks, we talk about casting and blocking background, the importance of experts and technical advisors, and how the AD department contributes to authenticity in the filmmaking process. They share stories and best practices from the front lines of their work, including an incident that illustrates what happens when you have real cops and mobsters on a Martin Scorsese film!

Show notes from this episode:

Show notes from this episode:

-David Webb on IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm0002833/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2

-Jeremy Marks on IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm1317404/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

-Grant Wilfley Casting: https://tinyurl.com/yxd6q353

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

www.callsheetshow.com

Today on the show we talk about the working relationship between the 1st and 2nd Assistant Directors. We’re excited to have 1st AD David Webb back on the show with us. He was our guest back on episode 2, where he talked about his work on The Irishman, Joker, Argo, Into the Wild, and Silence. Joining him today is Jeremy Marks, 2nd AD on a lot of the same films as David, along with many other notable projects like Bridge of Spies, The Revenant, The Post, Ocean’s 8, and West Side Story. These industry veterans share their best practices for effective communication, scheduling, and how to problem solve throughout production. Jeremy also expounds on his experience in the DGA training program and advice for advancing your career in production.

Show notes from this episode:

-David Webb on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002833/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2

-Jeremy Marks on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1317404/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

-DGA West Coast Assistant Directing Training Program: https://www.trainingplan.org/

-DGA New York Assistant Directing Training Program: https://dgatrainingprogram.org/

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

www.callsheetshow.com

On today’s episode, we talk with DGA 1st Assistant Director Damian Payne about set safety — specifically the importance of safety meetings and how 1st ADs prepare and execute them on set. Damian shares insights on general safety principles that all crew members can foster and maintain and how to address safety issues starting early in pre-production. He points to invaluable safety resources, such as the Contract Services safety bulletins and the safety checklist from “The Jefford’s Rules.” He also recalls the tragic fate of Sarah Jones from the Midnight Rider train incident, encouraging all crew members to take seriously our shared responsibility to do things the right way and keep each other safe. No matter what department you’re in, this episode highlights vital practices that will help us all keep safety at the top of our minds.

Show notes from this episode:

-Damian Payne: http://damianpayne.com/

-Contract Services Safety Bulletins: https://tinyurl.com/yyowth3e

-Studio Safety Hotlines: https://tinyurl.com/y6ncmxz7

-The Jeffords Rules PDF: https://tinyurl.com/yyxfrw85

-Sarah Jones, Midnight Rider tragedy: https://tinyurl.com/yykso2kp

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

www.callsheetshow.com

How can you stay organized during production? On set, you’re constantly faced with the challenge of how to simultaneously prepare for tomorrow, wrap out yesterday, and execute what’s being shot today. The 2nd Assistant Director is in the center of that storm, supervising all set paperwork, managing talent and background, and leading their team effectively. Today on the show we’re talking to DGA 2nd AD Ian Campbell, about how to keep all those plates spinning. Ian dives deep into best practices for set paperwork, communication with cast and crew, and what to look for when hiring your team. He also gives invaluable insight into how to join the DGA as an assistant director. There are tons of practical organizational and leadership principles in this conversation, no matter what department you work in. Not to mention, inspiring reflections on creative problem-solving and the unique sense of fulfillment you get when collaborating to make a film.

Show notes from this episode:

-Ian Campbell on Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1969344/?ref_=fn_al_nm_3

-Send us questions and comments: [email protected]

-Follow us on Social: @callsheetshow

-How to Join the DGA: https://dga.org/The-Guild/Departments/Membership/Joining-the-DGA.aspx

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A production designer heads one of the two largest departments on a production. How do they balance both the creative and managerial aspects of their job? Who are the key people they collaborate with and delegate to? How do they maximize production value even when working with a low budget? On this episode, our guest Rusty Smith draws from his experiences on hit movies like Elf, Meet the Parents, Austin Powers, and the acclaimed horror/thriller Get Out. He explains what to prioritize when location scouting, key traits to look for when hiring crew, and how to collaborate well with producers and directors. He also highlights the differences between the designer and the art director, shares best practices for managing his budget well, and tells story after story about adapting and rolling with the punches to make the best movie possible.

Show notes from this episode:

-BONUS SEGMENT: The History of the Title "Production Designer" - Rusty Smith: www.callsheetshow.com/bonus

-Rusty Smith on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809840/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

-Rusty's portfolio: rustysmith.biz

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow us on social: @callsheetshow

-Mel Bourne on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0100080/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr8

-Stephen Hendrickson on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0376807/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2

-Bill Groom on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0343144/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

www.callsheetshow.com

“I’m like a wedding planner for commercials,” says our guest Denny Rubianes. He’s a production supervisor who has worked with national brands like Sony, Nike, Peloton, ALL the car brands you can imagine, and household name talent — including Michelle Obama, Brittany Spears, Jay Z, and Jeff Bridges, just to name a few. Today on the show, we dive deep into how production supervisors lead the crew, deal with vendors, manage all the logistics of a shoot, and keep each department on track and under budget. Denny also shares his wisdom on how to navigate relationships with producers, directors, and the accounting department, with essential advice about production manuals and how to manage stress on the job.

Show notes from this episode:

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

www.callsheetshow.com

How do you influence crew camaraderie, hire the right people, and set a tone for effective collaboration and problem-solving? Production coordinator Joshua Gonzales (Knives Out, Leave No Trace) talks about the importance of listening, drawing on everyone’s creativity, and creating a true community with the teams you work with. From the cast to the crew, he seeks to work with individuals that are completely in tune with the creative vision and committed to excellence in all aspects of the job. We close the conversation with Josh’s advice for working your way up in production and how to become indispensable to all the department heads. Don’t miss this masterclass in proactivity and good old fashioned hustle.

Show notes from this episode:

-Joshua Gonzales on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3710760/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

-Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6288124/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

-More About Cartoonist John Callahan: https://tinyurl.com/y6n9kkmc

-The Complete Film Production Handbook, by Eve Honthaner: https://tinyurl.com/y5bwkh2p

www.callsheetshow.com

What does it take to work in the location department? Veteran location manager Mike Fantasia gives expert advice about the creative and logistical aspects of his job — like scouting, budgeting, management, collaborating with department heads, and how to interface with location owners. He also shares best practices for working your way up, including his secret criteria when hiring people for his department, and discusses what low budget projects should keep in mind to handle locations the right way.

Show notes from this episode:

-Mike Fantasia on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0266887/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

-Send us questions and comments for future episodes: [email protected]

-Follow Call Sheet on Social: @callsheetshow

-Location Managers Guild International

www.callsheetshow.com