To-Do List for shooting on film

We recently shot a commercial on 35mm film and my preparation included some items that we don't consider for every HD project, so I thought I'd share my film shoot to-do list:

1. Insurance: increase insurance policy coverage if necessary to include coverage for camera equipment and film processing

2. Film: order film in two separate orders, therefore two separate deliveries. if one is late or lost, you still have some of your film on hand. and you'll want to have your AMEX, credit or debit card ready to handle large purchases up front.

3. Lab: make reservation at a lab for development and transfer as soon as you know when you'll be sending the film. their schedules can fill up quickly during busy seasons.

4. Transfer: speak to the colorist and let them know how you'll indicate your lighting intentions. We sent digital stills of the final shots as reference and that worked well.

5. Forms: ask the lab to send camera report forms, plus additional cans, cores, and bags

6. Equipment: review equipment order with DP and AC to ensure all necessary items are included. ask sound recordist if he/she will be bringing an electronic slate. if not, order one from the camera house. ask AC if he/she will bring the tent for loading film. if not, order one from the camera house.

7. Sound: discuss sound recording with DP and recordist. If you are sending dailies, make sure the recordist is ready to hand DAT tapes to the coordinator for shipment with the film.

8. Copies: make copies of camera reports and sound reports before shipping

9. Sound, again: take extra consideration for sound blankets and foam crates if you have a large camera package and will have several crew members near the camera and microphones. more people = more shifting around = more noise

10. Delivery: make calls in advance to shippers to make sure they will deliver on the day you need film to arrive at the lab, the transfer house, then back to client. if a weekend or holiday is involved, make sure to have numbers ready for the express couriers that deliver 24/7. and be ready to pay for that service - it's expensive!

11. Track: make calls to track packages and ensure their arrival

12. In case of emergency: make sure you have the lab tech and colorist phone numbers handy to reach them during the process and transfer, especially if it is an overnight process. make sure they have cell numbers for producer, DP, etc. in case they have questions.

13. Crew: as always, hire the best, most experienced, most pleasant and positive crew possible and pay them as well as you can.

Above are Craig Cockerill, Kevin, and Matthew T. at camera.