For those who have worked with us before, a call sheet will land in their inbox before a shoot goes ahead. So what is it and why do we create one?

We bang on LOADS about pre-production and getting prepared for shoot day- after all, it’s what makes a shoot go smoothly and aids in delivering a class end result!

The thing that keeps us on track for the day is the call sheet and without it or some form of guide, it could be like the blind leading the blind. Sure seasoned director’s and crew will be able to manage a schedule throughout the day and capture what they need to but it’s easy to miss something and you don’t want to risk breaking to a client that you’ve forgotten something..

In short, a call sheet is a schedule for the shoot day but in actuality, it’s so much more than that. It’s the who, what, when, where, why and how of the production day.

We breakdown the elements of the call sheet below and how we at Turps Film keep your shoot with us on track!

Call Sheet Content 1: Who will be on set and what are their roles?

This can include crew and clients who will be present while the cameras are rolling but can also include those not on set but they’re involved in the project.

Depending on the size of the shoot, crew could include; The Director, Director of Photography, Camera Operator(s), Gaffers (Lighting), Sound Recordist, Producer and Runners. Their numbers and emails (if relevant) will typically also be included in case anyone needs any last min queries answered.

On top of this, the document would include client contacts for the day and interviewee names, roles and questions.

There may also be a note to say if individuals are needed for part of the day.

The Film Crew Looks At The Viewfinder Of An Amira Camera Rig Whilst The Actor Holds A Jargon Busting Turps Film Call Sheet
Jargon Busting Call Sheet Turps Film Behind The Scenes

Call Sheet Content 2: Schedule of the Day and Location(s)

Next is location info. This includes the shoot address, any site-specific instructions (e.g. report to reception, use the service entrance), parking details, and any restrictions we’ve been briefed on. If you’ve got a security gate or strict access times, it’ll be on here.

We shoot in such a variety of locations and some can be hard to find. Doing a recce in advance or as a minimum, providing a very clear set of instructions can be important to save crew and attendees circling around if you’re on a tight schedule!

Speaking of schedules.. we create a schedule of the day to include set up and wrap times, lunch (because we need the refuel!) and then a breakdown of timings for interviews/different set ups alongside notes on what should be happening during each block of time.

Keeping the call sheet beside you all day and monitoring the clock ensures the shoot sticks to the timings or can allow for some extra content if time allows!

From time to time, things may shift or run over but the team are there to keep everything on track and running smoothly.

Call Sheet Content 3: What are we Filming? Ideal Imagery to Capture?

We’ve banged on loads in the past about pre-production and a part of this is determining the overall content and imagery of a film and how we’re going to capture it on the day.

As we’ll have likely carried out a recce, we’ll already know the locations of filming interviews, cutaways etc. These will be included in the call sheet in the schedule but also in a section on imagery/visuals to capture.

These can range from being simple such as ‘three interviews/vox pops with staff’ or ‘general b-roll of a meeting’ but we may have to have very strict specifics on outcome – such as “walk and talk with Barry and Caroline” or “Hero shot of product on busy backdrop in head office”.

For example, on the Norton shoot, we had to show the product in use with key materials, showing certain angles and had to include certain guards with certain materials. This had to be planned in advance as if missed on the day, this may have resulted in a re-shoot or less clips to be able to include in the final edit. Certainly not how we want to work!

Call Sheet Content 4: Interview Questions and Ideal Soundbites

Just like desired imagery, we need to plan desired messaging via the questions we’re going to ask interviewees on the day. As part of our pre-production, we’ll already be getting to know the client, what they’re about, what their goals are etc.

Asking the right questions enables us to steer the perfect soundbites to generate the narrative we’re seeking. Time and time again, Luke is complimented on making any interviewee feel relaxed and enjoy their experience despite some having incredible nerves. It can be a bit scary if you’ve never been in camera before but trust us, within 5 mins, we’ll have you wanting to do it again!

We do provide questions in advance as it can help prepare but sometimes, we may go off script on the day if there’s anything extra we feel we can cover or generate more candid/less robotic responses and quite often, these generate the best soundbites!

Jargon Busting Call Sheet Turps Film On Health And Safety Recce For Shoot On Building Site
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Call Sheet Content 5: Logistics and Health & Safety

If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll have seen us filming at all sorts of locations including hospitals, care homes, schools, building sites and more.

There’s a lot to consider with these types of locations. From DBS checks to risk assessments, PPE, RAMS, and more. Check out the team donning their safety boots and hard hats on a recent recce above!

There’s also the smaller details to consider that can also affect the day such as parking, where to store kit safely to nearest toilets..

So why does all of this matter?

We don’t put these together just to look organised. We do it because they make the difference between a relaxed, efficient shoot and one that is chaotic and affects the final outcome. If things do go sideways on the day (late arrivals, tech issues, weather changes), the call sheet gives us something to work from and ensure we get things back on track.

If your production company isn’t sending you a call sheet, they should be! It’s a sign that they’re thinking ahead, not just turning up with a camera and hoping for the best.

At Turps Film, we treat shoot day like a performance and good prep is the rehearsal. A clear, detailed call sheet is the thing that gets everyone through the day with less faff and better results.