2008WestMichiganTouristAssociation.Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced, incorporatedintoaretrievalsystemortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical, photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofWestMichiganTouristAssociation Inquiriesconcerningthispublicationshouldbeaddressedto:ExecutiveDirector,WestMichiganTourist Association,741KenmoorAve.SuiteE,GrandRapids,MI49546.616-245-2217ext.102. TheenclosedinformationincludesinformationfromseveralsourcesincludingtheWashingtonStateFilmOffice andtheCaliforniaFilmCommissionandMichiganFilmOffice.

RulesToLiveBy
tobeafilm-friendlycommunity

Neverpromiseorshowalocationthatyoucantdeliver.Donotshowalocationthat cantbecloseddownorcontrolledbytheproductioncompany,atleastbriefly. Matchthedirectorsimagewithyourworkingknowledgeofyourarea.Mostdirectors haveavisionforthelooktheywanttocapture,ifyoucanmatchit,youwillgetthe production. Filmmakershatesurprises.Theyarebusinesspeoplewhohavebudgetsinwhichto completetheirproject.Ifwecanhelpthemcompletetheirproductionontimeandon budget,wewillbethelocalheroes. Onlyofferandshowlocationsthatmightbepossible,otherwiseyouarewastingtheir time.Ifyoucanpre-scoutanareaandhaveownerscontactinformationandpermission upfront,youcanassurethataproductionwouldbewelcomedandnotwastetime. Alwaystellthemyouwilltrytomakesomethingwork.Under-promiseandover-deliver. Thiswillincreaseourchancesofsecuringotherprojects. GIVETHEMOPTIONS!Donotrelyononelocation.Mostlocationscoutsand directorswillaskwhatelseyouhavetoshowthem,evenafteryoushowthemtheperfect spot.Theywanttomakesuretheyseeallofthepossibilities. Theentertainmentindustryisabusinessthinkfairvalue.Donotoverchargeorthey willfilmsomewhereelse.Chargethemwhatyouwouldnormallychargeanddonot pricegouge. Beasflexibleaspossibleasthingschange.Useyourproblem-solvingskills. Behonestandfair.Thisisanindustrythatisbasedonrelationshipsandtrustanditis commonthatthepeopleyouworkwithwillbeinvolvedinotherproductions. Alwaysclearpublicityandsetvisitsthroughtheproductioncompanypriortospeaking toanyone,especiallysomeoneinthepress.Wecanspeakforourcommunitiesbutwe cannotspeakfortheproductioncompany. Confidentialityisessential. Lastly,protectyourareaandlocalbusinesses.Havethenecessaryguidelinesinplaceso thattheywillleavealocationastheyfoundit.

TableofContents
I. Introduction Introduction..................................................................................................................1 ProjectFlowChart.......................................................................................................2 BenefitsofFilmmaking................................................................................................6 II. StageOne-Conception GettingStarted..............................................................................................................8 DraftingGuidelines....................................................................................................10 III. StageTwo-Development SampleScriptandStoryboard..................................................................................12 ThePhoneCall...........................................................................................................15 SampleInformationRequestForm..........................................................................16 TakingPhotos............................................................................................................18 ScoutingDillema........................................................................................................21 TheScout....................................................................................................................22 SampleItinerary..........................................................................................................23 IV. StageThree-Pre-production TheyChooseYou......................................................................................................25 FeesandProtection....................................................................................................26 SampleGuidelinesandAgreements..........................................................................28 V. StageFour-Production WorkingwiththeCommunity..................................................................................33 SampleShootingScheduleandCrewCall...............................................................34 HelpfulHintsforWorkingwithProductionCompanies.......................................36 CodeofConductforProductionCompanies.........................................................37 VI. StageFive-Post-Production TheWrap....................................................................................................................40 EconomicImpactQuestionaire.................................................................................41 VII. ResourcesforYou MichiganFilmIncentives...........................................................................................43 EconomicFacts..........................................................................................................46 FromFinancetoExhibition......................................................................................47 Glossary......................................................................................................................48

Introduction
ManyMichiganresidentshaveyettorealizethatthefilmandvideoindustrycouldbring hundredsofmillionsofdollarstoourstateeveryyear.Majormotionpictures,made-for-TV movies,televisionseries,documentaries,musicvideos,catalog/magazineshootsandtelevision commercialsarefilmingonlocationmoreoftentodaythaneverbefore.Joiningthemore traditionalformsofvideocomesinternet-basedprogramming,particularlylive-actiondirectto theweb.Withsomanymediasourcesavailable,therearemorewaysthanevertoattractfilm projects. ThefactthatMichiganhassuchgreatfilmincentivesjustaddstoourappeal. TheWestMichiganFilmOffice(WMFO)wasfoundedin2008toattractmorefilming tothewestsideofMichigan.Filmandvideoproductionisanidealindustry.Itcreatesthousand ofjobsandleavesnewdollarsthroughproductionspending.Productioncanalsohaveterrific lastingeffectsontourism. The1979film,SomewhereinTime,starringChristopherReevesisstillcelebrated annuallyattheGrandHotelonMackinacIsland. Everystate,manycitiesandforeigncountriesarenowgoingaftertheon-locationfilm business,andthecompetitionisfierce.WhatsetsMichiganapart?Firstofall,wehavethebest FilmIncentivesinthenation.ThesearespelledoutonpagesXX-XX.Ourgeographyisdiverse andcanaccommodatemanydifferentsettings.Wehaveagrowingcommunityofprofessional actors,crewsandacommitmentbytheMichiganFilmOffice(MFO)toworktogetherin providingthehighestlevelofservicepossible. TheWMFO,aspartoftheWestMichiganTouristAssociation(WMTA),hasdecidedto provideyouwiththisFilmFriendlybookonhowtoprepareyourcommunityforfilmingand whattoexpectifacrewsetsupcampinyourtown. Thesectionsofthisbookaredividedintothefivestages: 1. Conception 2. Development 3. Pre-production 4. Production 5. Post-production Duringeachofthesefivestages,therearewaysthatyoucanandshouldbeinvolved. Thisguidewillshowwhatyoucandotobeorganizedandbeaggressiveeverystepoftheway.
3

ProjectFlowChart
FortheWestMichiganFilmOffice
ThemissionoftheWestMichiganFilmOfficeistoconvinceproductioncompaniestofilmin WestMichigan.Whetheritisacommercial,movieoftheweekorafeaturefilmwe aggressivelypursueallprospectiveprojects.Thefollowingguidelinesaretocreateamore efficientandconsistentmethodfortheWestMichiganFilmOfficeandyourfilmeffortsto worktogetheronprospectiveprojects.
PROJECT FLOW CHART PRODUCTION COMPANY

1)ContactsMichiganFilmOfficeorWestMichiganFilmOfficewithgeneraldetailsoftheir project.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Recordsname,address,project,location,descriptionandrequestsa scriptifavailable. GivesproductioncompanycontactinformationtoapplyforMichigan StateFilmIncentiveProgram. CopiesinformationtotheMFO. Contactsmemberfilmpartnerswithdetailsofprojectandlocation needed. Sendsspecificallyrequestedinformation/photos. Sendspossiblecrewlistsandcontactsheet.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

SendsphotosofpossiblelocationsitesandcontactstotheWMFOAS SOONASPOSSIBLE. Providecontactandpermitinformationthatmightbeneededfor project. IfyourfilmeffortsarecontactedfirstbyProductionCompany,notify theWMFOortheMFOthesamedaysothatthefilmincentive applicationcanbesenttoProductionCompany. InformtheWMFOofanyphotosthatweresentdirectlytothe productioncompanyinordertoavoidduplication.

PRODUCTION COMPANY:

2)Sendsscriptsorgivesverbalorwrittenlistofneededlocations.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Researchesprospectivelocations,pullsphotosfromfilesortakes additionalphotosasneeded.

ProjectFlowChart
FortheWestMichiganFilmOffice
PRODUCTION COMPANY:

3)Beginscomparingphotosfromallthestates,startsarrangingscoutingtours.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Arrangesscheduleforlocationscout. NotifyCityFilmOfficewhosecitieshavebeenrequestedtobeonthe scouttour.RepresentativefromthatCityFilmOfficewillbeaskedto accompanyWMFOrepresentativewhileintheircity. IfrepresentativefromWMFOisnotabletoaccompanyProduction Companyonscouttourorafreelancelocationscouthasbeenhired, arrangementswillbemadetoconnectwithCityFilmOffice representative as needed.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

HaverepresentativeavailabletoaccompanyWMFOwhenintheircity. Assistwithaccommodationsandtransportation,ifnecessary. IfWMFOrepresentativeisnotabletobeonthescouttour,copythem onlocations/areasscouted.

*TheaboveappliestoadditionalscouttripsbyProductionCompany.Sometimesthreeorfour additionalscouttripsarescheduled.
PRODUCTION COMPANY:

4)Producer,ProductionManagerorLocationScoutcontactsStateFilmOffice,WMFOor localrepresentativeforspecificinformationoncosts,supportservices,hotelrates,possible crew,unioncontacts,equipmentsuppliers,etc.

WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Providesinformationrequested. ContactsPartnerFilmOfficesforhotelrates,supportservices,anycrew inarea. Ifcontactedfirst,providerequestedinformation. ReferProductionCompanytoWMFOinregardstocrewrates/crew lists,unioncontacts/ratesandequipmentsuppliers.

CITYFILMOFFICE:

ProjectFlowChart
FortheWestMichiganFilmOffice
PRODUCTION COMPANY:

5)ProjectcomestoWestMichigan.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Bringinthemunicipalitiesthatwillbeaffected. Setupcitymeetingswithallcitiesinvolved. Findouthowtheyintendtocrew. Postinformationonjobline,ifrequested. ProvideProductionCompanywithbusinessapplicationforms,andany othergeneralpermitinformationneededtogetproductionofficesetup.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

Bringinthemunicipalitiesthatwillbeaffected. SetupcitymeetingandnotifyWMFO. Assistwithaccommodations,crewinformation,supportservicesand productionofficespace. SupplyvisitorpackagestoProductionCoordinatorwiththingstosee anddointhearea.

PRODUCTION COMPANY:

6)ProductionCompanysetsupofficeandbeginspre-production.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Workswithcompanytolineuppermits,contactlocalauthoritiesand anyotherlogisticalhelpasneeded. Checkinwithclients2-3timesaweektoseehowthingsaregoing.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

Workswithcompanytolineuppermits,contactlocalauthoritiesand anyotherlogisticalhelpasneeded. FiltersallpublicinformationthroughProductionCompanyforprior approval. Directsallpressinquiriestoprojectpublicist. LetterofwelcomefromtheMayor.Welcomegift?

ProjectFlowChart
FortheWestMichiganFilmOffice
PRODUCTION COMPANY:

7)Filmbeginsshooting.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Keepsclosecontactwithkeyproductioncompanypersonnelto helpensureasmoothproduction. Visitsetorcallproductionoffice2-3timesaweektoseehow theprojectisprogressing. CopyallpressmaterialrelatedtoprojectandcopytoallCity FilmOffices.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

Keepsclosecontactwithkeyproductioncompanypersonneltohelp ensureasmoothproduction. Visitsetorcallproductionoffice2-3timesaweektoseehowthe projectisprogressing. CopyallpressmaterialrelatedtoprojectandcopytoallStateFilm Offices.

PRODUCTION COMPANY:

8)Projectwraps.
WESTMICHIGANFILMOFFICE:

Conductsfollow-upinterviewwithProductionManagerand Producertocollectinformationoncrew,vendors,economicimpact. CopycrewlistandvendorlisttoCityFilmOffice,alongwithfinal economicimpactstatement. Assurealllocalbillsarepaid.

YOUR FILM EFFORTS:

MeetwithProductionManagerandProducertogetfeedbackon shootingintheircity. IfrepresentativefromtheWMFOcannotmeetinpersonwith productioncompanyforfinalwrapmeeting,wouldassistin collectingcrew,vendor,andeconomicimpactfigures. Assurealllocalbillsarepaid.

BenefitsofFilming
Direct

Filminginyourcommunityleadstofinancialbenefitsthroughhousing,food,rental equipment,locationfeesandpersonalspending. Itcreatestemporaryjobsforlocalcitizenswhocanbehiredtoworkintheproduction office,actasproductionassistants,construction,security,expertconsultantsorextrasin themovie. Companiesmayhirelocalstoprovideservices.Theycould,forexample,rentatheater toshowdailies,setuptheproductionofficeinanemptystorefront,hirelocalcarpenters andpainterstobuildsets,rentbuildingsforstudiospaceorpayaschoolforspaceto feedthecrew.

Indirect

Withasuccessfulfilmcomestourismdollars.Peopletraveltoseewherefilmsaremade (i.e.,SomewhereinTime.)Theystayinthecommunity,eatatrestaurantsandvisitstores andattractions Freemarketingofyourarea.Filmsshowwhattheworldreallylookslike.Somepeople makebusinessandvacationplansbasedonafilmtheysee.Therearenotenough marketingdollarstopayfortheexposureacommunitygetswhenitisseenonthebig screenortelevision.. Communitypride.Citizensliketowatchmoviesbeingmade,industrymembershave talkedatlocalschoolsandsmallgroupsmaytouraset.Itgivesatownsomethingnewto talkabout,andwhentheyhavethesharedexperienceofseeingitinatheatre,itisgreat funandbuildspridefortheirhometown.

CONCEPT
FirstStageofFilmmaking
Inthefilmindustry,conceptionreferstowhenideasareforming.Duringthisstage,you andyourcommunitywillnotbeinvolved(unlessyouarecreatingafilmprojectofyourown). Whileyouarewaitingfortheseideastoform,wesuggestthatyoutakethistimeto organizeyourcommunityinordertobepreparedforwhatmaybecoming.Thinkofattracting thefilmandvideoindustryasaneconomicdevelopmentstrategy.Yourcommunityshould wanttoattractfilmsanditisincumbentonthelocalleaderstoworkwiththeircommunityto assuretheyareready. Readthefollowingpagestofindoutwhereyoucangetstartedandhowtogetyour communityexcitedaboutbringingfilmprojectstoMichigan!

GettingStarted:
WhatYouCanDo
1. EstablishGoals

Onegoalofyourcommunityshouldbetoattractfilmproductions.First,makesurethatthisis whatthecommunitywants.Youcannotattractfilmproductionstoyourareaifyourcitizensdo notwanttobeinvolved. Thereturnofattractingfilmproductionsisincreasedlocalrevenues,creationoftemporaryjobs andencouragingtheuseoflocalservicesandsupplies.Thesearejustafewofthedirectbenefits thatyourcommunitymayexperience.

2.FormaCommitteeorcreatealocalcontactlist.

Thiscommitteecanincludelocalbusinesspeople,electedofficials,environmentalgroups,police andsheriffsdepartment,ChamberofCommerce,citycouncil,ConventionofVisitorsBureaus, etc.Basicallythesewillbecontactpeoplewhenitcomestimeforpre-productionand production.Likeaboyscout,beprepared3. Appointacommitteeliaison

Committeemembersshouldappointsomeonetorepresentthecommittee.Thispersonwillbein placetomaintainclearandconsistentcommunicationsanddevelopgoodworkingrelationships withtheWestMichiganFilmOffice,theMichiganFilmOfficeandkeypeoplewithinthefilm industry.Thispersonwillberequiredtomakedecisionsasthecommunityrepresentativeprior toandduringfilming,andshouldthereforehavefullendorsementandauthorityofthelocal municipalityorjurisdiction. Someoftheliaisonsresponsibilitieswillinclude: RespondingtolocationrequestsfromWMFOandMFO.Thiscanalsoincludehosting ascoutingtourofyourregionandsendingphotographsofsitesrequestedfrom productioncompanies. Servingasfilmcoordinatorwhenafilmproductionisinyourarea.Theliaisonshouldbe awareofanypreviousfilmproductionintheareaandremainsensitivetolocalconcerns. Havecontactinforeadyforaccommodations,localcatering,constructioncrews, lumberyards,listofbigbuildings(forstudiospace),DNRcontacts,localandstatepolice, nationalparks,travelgovernmentsandproductionservices. Creatingand/orcoordinatingfilmpermits,guidelines,locationagreements,holdharmlessagreementsandotherwaystoprotectyourcommunity. 8

GettingStarted:
WhatYouCanDo
4.Developfilmingprocedures

Establishafilmpermitprocedureforyourcommunity(Anexampleofafilmpermitcanbe foundinResourcesforYou). Makealistofcontactssoyoucanbemoreprepared.Youshouldhave: Hotelrooms-forupto150productionpersonnel Restaurants-especiallythoseopenearlyor24hours CateringServices EquipmentRental Aircourierservices Lumberyards TemporaryServices Contactors,Electriciansandtradespeople CarRentalAgencies Securityorlocallawenforcement
5.Startbuildingaphotolibrary

Whattypesofphotostoinclude?Cliffs,bridges,rivers,tallbuildings,neighborhoods,schools, tonameafew.Allprojectsaredifferent,sobepreparedtotakephotostofillthespecialneedsof anupcomingproject.Seepages18-20ontakingphotos.

6.Coordinatewithtownsandregionswithinyourarea.

Astrongnetworkmayacquiremoreproduction.Ifacompanyscoutsyourareaandcannot findanexactlocation,suggestaneighboringcommunityoralocationinstate.Ifyourareahas thedesiredlocationbutaccommodationsarelimited,knowwhatisavailablenearby.Regional marketingwillattractmorefilmmakingnowandinthefuture. 7.MiscellaneousIdeastoBePrepared Monitorfilmindustryeventsandnewsbyreadingfilmmagazines,blogsandwebsites anythingtobetteracquaintyouwiththeindustry.Familiarizeyourselfwiththe terminologyinthebackofthisbook. BecomeamemberoftheWMFOthroughmembershipwiththeWestMichiganTourist Association.Introducethistoyourcommunityasaneconomicdriverandgetthelocals onboard.Togetherwecanpartneronthisopportunity. 9
5

DraftingGuidelines
Ifyourcommunitydecidesthattheywouldliketodevelopasetoffilmingguidelinesaskthis
questionfirst, Nowthatweknowwewanttoattractfilming,whatareourmajorconcerns? IYourrelationshipswillbebasedoncommunication,trust,andthewillingnessto accommodatelastminutechange.Therewardsareacommunitythatfeelsproudandexcited tobehosttoaproduction,freemarketingofyourarea,possibletourismdollars,production spendinginyourcommunity,localhiresandgreatstoriestosharewhenitisover. Guidelinesarejustthat,guidelines.Youwanttomakesurethereisflexibilitywithinthe guidelinesbut,ifnecessary,theycanbeenforced.
Guidelines

Areinalignmentwithcommunityneeds Makeefficientuseofcommunitystafftime Haveoneprimarycontact Areahassle-freeaspossiblewhilepromotingresponsiblefilmmaking Canaccommodatelastminutechangesandrequests Protectsthecommunity Allowsthecommunityandproductiontoworkeffectivelytogether HasatieredfeestructurebasedonimpactNOTthecompanysabilitytopay Hasareasonablesystemforapprovalsthatcanaccommodatespeed Developanintakesheetforfilminginformation AttachtheCodeofConducttotheguidelines(seesample) Onbiggerproductionsholdacommunitymeetingsoeveryonehearswhatisplanned TheWMFOcanrunatrainingsessionforyourcommunity LettheFilmOfficeknowifyouhavesomethingbigorunusual(bridge,closedhighway, building,buildingtoblow-up)
Extras

10

DEVELOPMENT
SecondStageofFilmmaking
Developmentisthestagewhereanideaturnsintoascript.Whathappensistheproducer ofthefilmwillfindastory.Thismaycomefromoriginalideas,books,pastfilms,etc.Next,a themeorunderlyingmessagewillbegeneratedandasynopsiswillbeprepared.Then,a20to 30-pagetreatmentiswrittencontainingcharactertraits,visualsandbasicconcepts.Thereis littledialogueorstagedirectionatthispoint. Thescriptisthenwrittenoveraperiodofseveralmonthsandmayberewrittenseveral times.Thefilmpitchisthenpreparedandpresentedtopotentialfinanciers.Ifthepitchis successfulandthefilmisgiventhegreenlight,thenfinancialbackingisoffered,typically fromamajorfilmstudio,filmcouncilorindependentinvestors.Lastly,adealisnegotiatedand contractsaresigned. Duringthisstagesomeonefromtheproductionteamthelocationscout,produceror directorwillstartthinkingofwhenandwheretheproductionwilltakeplace.Thischapter includesbasicquestionstoaskwhenyoureceiveaphonecall,howtotakepanoramicphotosof yourlocationsandimportantinformationonhowtohandleascout.

SampleScript

12

SampleScript

13

SampleStoryboard

14

PhoneCall
Itallbeginswitha

Onthefirstcall,theMichiganFilmOfficeorWestMichiganFilmOfficegetsbasic informationfromproducersabouttheprojectandrequestsascript.Whilereadingthe scriptthelocationstaffwillmakealistofallthelocationsinthescript.Inordertorespond within24hours,staffshouldgothroughthefilesandsendexistinglocationphotosthat meetthecriteriagiven.Foralmosteveryproject,customshootingandadditionallocation scoutingwillberequiredatsomepoint. Wehaveanextensivephotolibrary,butitdoesntevencomeclosetocoveringthe entirestate.Thesephotosmaynotcoverthespecificrequirementsofeachproject.So,in manycaseswewillcallyou.Onrareoccasionsaproductioncompanymightcallyou directly;ineitherevent,youshouldfollowtheguidelinessetouthere.Bewarned:these callsrarelycomeatconvenienttimesandyouusuallywonthavealotoftimetocomeup withtheinformationrequested.InformationisgenerallyneededASAP. Ifyouaretalkingdirectlywithaproductionteamgetasmuchdetailedinformation aspossible.Itwillbebeneficialtotakealotofnotesaboutwhattheyarelookingfor.If theysaythattheyneedsomethingimmediately,findoutwhattheymeanbyimmediately. Sometimesitcanbeovernightormaybeacoupleofdaystogiveyousomebreathingroom. Butrememberthosethatrespondthefastesthavetheedge.
BasicQuestionstoAsk:

Name,address,phone,emailandcontactpersonoftheproductioncompany. Whattypeofproductionisit(featurefilm,television,commercial)?Ifitisacommercial, askifthisisinthebidphaseordotheyhavethegreenlighttocontinue. Whendotheywanttoshoot?Datesareessential.Foraschool,summercanbebest. ForaStatePark,itcanbeoff-season.Makesureitdoesnotconflictwithaneventin yourareathatcouldhaveanimpact.Andalwaysbehonestabouttheweather. Howmuchtimedoyouhavetocompiletheinformationtheyarelookingfor?When mighttheycomeinandscout? Wheredoyousendthephotos?Besureyouhavethecorrectcontactinformation.Do notassumeitistheproductioncompany,becausesomefreelancersworkoutoftheir home. WhoaretheyworkingwithattheMichiganFilmOfficeorWestMichiganFilmOffice? REMEMBER:Neverpromisewhatyoucantdeliver.Ifyoucantellafteronephone conversationthatyourtowndoesnthavethelooktheywant,dontwastetheirtimeor yours.Iftheyhavesketches,photosorwrittendescriptionstheydlikeyoutomatch,askto seethem.Makesurethatallcontactsandpicturesthataresentareatleastopento discussingthepossibilityoffilming.Iftheyarent,dontsendthem.Theworstthingthat canhappenistohaveadirectorfallinlovewithalocationthatdoesnotexistorthathe/ sheultimatelycannothave.

15

RHSHJDMSCS

WEST MICHIGAN FILM OFFICE INFORMATION REQUEST FORM Project Name: __________________________ Company: Address: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ Date: __________________________ Contact: ________________________ Phone: _________________________ Fax: _________________________ Cellular: _________________________ Pager: __________________________ Email: _________________________ Other: _________________________ Ad Agency:_______________________ Director: ______________________ Loc. Mngr: _______________________ Prod. Dsgnr:______________________ Script Available:___________________

Scout Dates: Film Dates: Budget $:

Exec. Prod.: __________________________ Producer: __________________________ Prod. Mngr: __________________________ Studio Contact: __________________________ Key Cast:

____________________________________________________________________

Status of the State Incentives

_________________________________

LOCATION INFORMATION:

16

NOTES:

INFORMATION REQUESTED: State Production Guide Lodging Guide Weather Information Maps/Guides Crew List

Film Info. for city of: __________________________ Location Info. for: Other: _________________________

_________________________________ _________________________________

SENT: Standard Mail: Date: _______________ Initials: _______________

Express Delivery: Carrier: ______________________ Number:______________________ Date: ______________________ Initials: ______________________

Expenditure Form Sent: ______________ Dollars Spent $: ____________

17

TakingPhotos
(1)HowtoPickaLocation

First,lookbackatyourcontactsheetandnotes.Thinkaboutthescriptandhowit willworkwiththelocationathand.Forexample,iftheprojectissetinthepastthink aboutpowerlines,parkingmeters,televisionantennas,neonsignsandotherevidenceof modernlife.Dontnecessarilyruleoutalocationjustbecausethereisoneofthesein viewsometimesitispossibletoobscureorremovetheiranachronismsthroughComputer GeneratedImagery(CGI). IfaprojectissetintheflatcornfieldsoftheMidwest,donthavehillsvisible.Ifthey needsnow,makesureitisthere.Iftheyveaskedforamansion,doesitcallforaswimming pool?Ifso,dontbothertoshowthemonewithoutapool.Aretheyrequestingacircular drive,ornamentalirongateortrees?Hereiswhereyourdetailednoteswillreallypayoffas themorecloselyyoucanmatchtheirdescription,thebetter.Keepaskingquestionsuntil youareclearaboutwhattheyreallywant. Iftheyhaveaskedforaspecificarchitecturalstyleandyourenotfamiliarwithit, asklocalexpertsforassistance,consultareferencebookortheweb.
OtherConsiderations

Afeaturefilmcanuse10-12equipmenttrucksand15-30carsoneveryshooting day;atelevisioncommercialusesabouthalfthat.Doesthelocationhaveample parkingforthelocationyouareshowing?Ifnot,isthereaschoolorchurchparking lotcloseenoughtoshuttlecastandcrew? Noiseisafactor.Ifyouhavechosenagracioushomethathappenstobeonabusy streetitcouldmakerecordingsoundaproblem.Doflightsgooveroften?Airports, railroads,highwaysandbusinessescanalsopresentsoundproblems. Afteryouhavedoneyourresearch,callanyplacesthatwillhaveproblemsorwhere someonehassaid,absolutelynofilming.Everythingyousendshouldbeafilming possibility.

18

TakingPhotos
(2)TheArtofthePanShot

Onceyouhavedeterminedthatyourlocationcouldbeapossibility,youareready tophotograph.Unlessyouaretolddifferently,alllocationphotosshouldbeshotdigitally. Asarule,videos,Polaroid,tourismsnapshotsandbrochuresdonotwork. Whatproducersusuallyneedisa180-degreepanoramicview,orpanofthe prospectivelocation.Thatway,theycangetanideaoftheentirearea,ratherthanjustone smallplotofland.

Howtodothepan:

Placeyourfeetinacomfortableposition,slightlyapartforbalance.Keepthe cameralevelandatthesameheightthroughouttheprocess(atripodworkswellforthis.) Beginbyfacingtheprincipallocationandframingitinthecameralens. Withoutmovingyourfeetorthecamera,turnyourbodyapproximately90degrees totheleftofthecenterandtakethefirstshot.Turningyourbodyfromlefttorightand holdingthecameralevel,takethesecondview.Theleftedgeofthesecondviewshould overlaptherightedgeofthefirstoneslightly;theleftedgeofthethirdshouldoverlapthe secondslightlyandsoon. Ifpossiblefindaverticalline-afencepost,telephoneponeortheedgeofabuilding neartherightsideofyourframe.Thissameverticallineshouldthenappearontheleft edgeofthenextframe.A180-degreepanshouldtakeaboutfivetosixexposures,withthe primarylocationdirectlyinthecenter.Trytokeepthecameraaslevelaspossible,butdont sweatthecentimeters-youcanfixanysmallvariancesinthepaste-up. Keepinmindthattherearetimeswhenyoumightwanttoturnthecamera sidewaysandtakeaverticalpan.Youshouldalwaysbeabletoseetheskyatthetopof yourshotstogiveasenseofperspectiveandsize. Somedigitalcamerasmayhavestitchingsoftwareforpanoramicphotosbuiltright inthecamera.Everycameraisdifferentsodefinitelylearnyourcameraandhowit operates.Afteryoushootyoucanemailthephotostothefilmofficeofyoucanburniton aCDandwewillincorporateyourimagesinourphotolibrary.High-resolutionimages (.jpgfiles)arepreferred,butwewilltakewhateveryoucansendtous.

19

TakingPhotos
SamplePanShot

Afteryoutakethephotos....
Ifyoutakethemdigitally

Burnthemontotwodiscs-oneforpermanentrecordandonetogivetothe productioncompany.Emailthemtowhoeverwasrequestingthem. Intheinterestoftime,takeyourfilmtoaone-hourphotodeveloper(orthefastest developeravailable).Itisagoodideatorequesttwosetsofprintsincasethefirstgetslost inthemail,orsoyouhavethebeginningsofasmallphotolibraryofyourown.Savethe negativesandputtheminthelocationphotofileinyouroffice. HelpfulHints Anormallens(50mm)reducesdistortion. Ithelpstoshootthephotoswithbotheyesopen. Electronicimagingisthefutureoflocationphotography.Youshouldberesearching thisandcarefullyconsideringoptionsforstorageanddelivery. Whensendingimagesviaemail,youwillfinditeasiesttosendinthe.jpgformatand onlysend5-7photosatatimetobetteryourchancesoftheemailgoingthrough. IfyouhaveadigitalcamerayoucanuseprogramsonthewebsuchasFlickr (throughYahoo)orPicasa(throughGoogle)touploadandsharephotos. Forinteriors,positionyourselfinonecorneroftheroomandtakethephotosinthe samemannerasabove.Fortallbuildingsorstreetscenes,youmaywanttotakethe photosvertically.Whentakingsingleshots,framethelocationasbestasyoucan. Limityourphotostothetypeoflocationsaskedfor,donotwastetimeshooting unrelatedsites.However,ifyoufeelthatsomethingwouldbeagooddoublefora siteaskedforinascript,includethatinyourphotos.Remember,moviemagiccan makeyoubelievethatyourtownissomewhereinanotherplaceortime.Becreative! Ifyoufeeltheneedtoreviewthesedirectionsbeforeyouheadouttotakeyourphotos, feelfreetocontacttheWMFOat800-442-2084.Dontbeafraidtomakemistakes. 20
Ifyoutakethemwith35mmfilm

ScoutingDillema
Whenaproductioncomestoyourcity,thecrewisfacedwiththedilemmaofmakingtheshot work.Belowareexamplesofbusinessdecisionstheymightface.Wehaveaproblemwiththis locationandneedtofindaquickalternative.Thescoutsays,wouldyoulikeit: 1.Good? 2.Fast? 3.Cheap? Youcannothaveallthree.Pickanytwo: Good+Fast=Theabilitytothrowmoneyattheproblem. Good+Cheap=Theprojectmaytakeawhiletoarrange. Fast+Cheap=Notwhatyouwanted,butitwillwork.

21

TheScout
Ifeverythinggoeswellandtheproducerlikesthephotosyouvesent,theymaysend someonetoyourareatolookatthelocationsinperson.TheWMFOandMFOwillmake everyefforttohaveamemberofourproductionstafftheretoassistwiththescout,but thatwontalwaysbepossible. Plananitinerarylogicallyandefficiently.Evenifsomeonefromourstaffcannotbe withyou,pleasecheckinwithus.Beforetheproductionteamarrives(anditcouldbe anywherefromonetofivepeople)puttogether: Afactsheetonthelocations Asuggesteditinerary Contactnameforeachlocation-theownerofthepropertyorthepersonwhocan givepermissionforuseoftheproperty. Mapsofyourarea Besurethatallthelocalcontactswhosepropertiesarebeinglookedatunderstand thatthisonlyaninitialscout.Itcouldbesometimebeforeafinaldecisionisreached.Itisa goodideatoaskthoselocalcontactstokeepnewsofthescoutquiet.Anydisruptionin carefullyplannedschedulesmayworkagainstyouinthedecision-makingprocess.(Ifhalf thetowniswaitingonthecityhallsteps,itsboundtomaketheproductionteamwonderif itispossibletoworkquietlyinyourtown.) Remember,confidentialityisimportant!Donttellanyonewhodoesntneedto knowaboutthescoutingtrip.Untiltheproductioncompanymakesthefinaldecision,you mustkeepittoyourself.Oncetheprojecthasthegreenlight,asktheproduction companyaboutwhotheirpresscontactisandwhatyouareabletotalkaboutwiththe public. Makeyourselfavailabletothelocationscout.Ifyoudogoalong,dontslowthings downanddontgiveascenicorhistorictourofyourarea.Onlyshowthelocationthey haveaskedfor.Again,donotbringthemanywherethatdoesnotwantfilming.Ifpossible, tryandknowwhattheregulationsareforthatarea.Alsokeepinmindwhetherornot therewillbeanymajoreventsthatmayaffectthatareaduringtheproposedtimeof filming. Commercialproductionswillworkdifferently.Theywillhavealocationscoutor managerontheprojectimmediately,andyouwillnotscoutwiththem.Everythinghappens fasterforcommercialssoyouwillmostlikelybeadvisingthelocationstaffviatelephoneor email.

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15

SampleItinerary RedSonja,MillenniumProductions ProjectTitle:RedSonja Director:DouglasAarniokoski Starring:RoseMcGowan Producer:RobertRodriguez,JohnThompson,MattOToole,AviLerner ProdCo:MillenniumFilms/NuImageordesignatedproductionentity AppShoot:September2008(PreptobegininJuly) Budget:$25million Contacts: MichiganFilmOffice: JanetLockwood,800-477-3456 MichaelGrabemeyerorTonyGarcia DNR: PeterG.LundBorg,UnitManagerPhone:231-873-3083 lundborp@michigan.gov SilverLakeCVB: LindaFosterCell-231-923-6814 MuskegonAreaFirst: RichHouttemancellphone231-215-0685 ______________________________________________________________ Itinerary: ThursdayJune26,2008 Arrive@GrandRapidsAirportat3:30,rentaSUVandRickHertWMFOwillbethe driver. TentativeplanistogotoMuskegonandmeetwithMuskegonAreaFirstRichandEd (cell231-730-4092)tolookatRoundyswarehousespace1764S.CrestonSt.at 5:15pm,andBrunswickandorairporthangarat6pmforpossiblestudiospacetobuild sets Doneby6:30andontoSilverLake,dinneralongtheway Ifneeded,MichiganAdventureforwavepoolandunderwatersceneCamillecell phone231-206-1745 8:00pm,meetDNR/dunebuggyrideatORVparkinglotonthedunestilldark, arrangedbyLinda,SilverLakeCVB Overnight@SierraSandsLodge7990W.HazelRd,231-873-3769 FridayJune27,2008 Tripbacktodunesifneededbeforemeeting 8:00ammeetatHartSilverLakeChamberoffice2388N.ComfortDr.231-870-9786, invite,LocalCVBRepresentation,Stateparks,DNR,JackWarfieldSandyKorners, StateFilmOfficeTonycellphone,517-881-1725?BringTopographicalmapsforstate andnationalforest. 9:00amForestandwoodsscout Noonmountains,waterfalls,caves,woodswithclearings,? PlanonbacktoGrandRapidsFridaynightor? GuestontoDetroitonSundaytomeetwithastudio.
23

23

PRE-PRODUCTION ThirdStageofFilmmaking
Duringthisstagethefilmisdesignedandplannedinthepre-productionstage.Thisis wheretheproductioncompanyiscreatedandaproductionofficeisestablished.The productionisstoryboardedandvisualizedwiththehelpofillustratorsandconceptartists.A productionbudgetisthendrawnuptoestimatethecostofthefilm. Theproducerwillhireacrew.Thebudgetandoverallsizeofthefilmwilldeterminethe numberandtypeofcrewusedduringtheproduction.InaHollywoodBlockbusterfilm,acrew ofacouplehundredpeopleisnotunusual.WithalowerbudgetfilmorIndependentfilm,a skeletoncrewofnineortenpeoplecanmakeuptheentirecrew. Typicalcrewpositionsinclude: Director Caterer AssistantDirector(AD) SoundDesigner CastingDirector MakeupandhairDesigner LocationManager ProductionSoundMixer ProductionManager StoryboardArtist DirectorofPhotography(DPorDOP) ProductionDesigner ArtDirector Grips CostumeDesigner Gaffer Duringthistimeyoushouldbelookingaheadatwaystogetyourcommunitybackto normalwhentheproductionisfinished.Makesurethatyouhavethecorrectguidelines,permits andlocationagreementsinplaceinordertoprotectyourself.

TheyChooseYou!
Finallyallofyourhardworkhaspaidoffandyougetthecallsayingthatyourareahas beenselected.Nowthingsreallystarttospeedup;itcouldbeamatterofdaysbeforethe firstwaveofcrewpersonnelarrivesinyourtowntoopentheproductionoffice,secure locations,hirelocalcastandcrew,andbeginconstructionandsetdressing.Ifitisa commercialshoot,theycouldarrivewithinaday. GettingtheWordOut Alwaystalkwiththeproductioncompanybeforespeakingtothemedia.Takeyour leadfromthecompanyonhowtohandlethepress.Iftheyapprove,rememberyoucan onlyspeakforthecommunity,notforthecompany.Amajorproductionwillhaveaunit publicist.Ifitisasmallfilm,theproductionmanagermaybethepresscontact.Findout whomthatpersonisandreferallpresscallstohimorher.Also,trytobringlocalofficials totheset.Alwaysarrangethisaheadoftimetomakesureitisappropriate,assomesets willnotallowanyvisitors. Gas,Food,Lodging Theproductioncompanywillnegotiateforthelowestpossiblelodgingrates.You willprobablybeaskedforhotelcontactsandyoushouldreferthecompanytoseveral hotelswiththecapacitytohousetheentirecastandcrew.Theproductioncompanywill requireanassortmentofroomtypesduringtheshoot(single,double,suite)andusually prefernottosplitcrewaccommodationsbetweentwohotels. Itiswisetofindahotelthathasadequateparkingspaceforseveral18-wheeltrucks. Ifthehotelsinyourareadonothaveenoughspace,youshouldhelptoarrange alternativeswiththepolicedepartmentorparkingcontroldivisionofyourcity.(Possible solutionsincludetemporaryNoParkingsignsorbaggingparkingmetersnearthe hotelfortheuseoftheproductioncompany.) Sincefilmcrewsworklongandoddhours,24-hourkitchenserviceatthehotelisa bonus.Ifnohotelsofferthisservice,findoutifitispossibletobringacatererintothe hotelskitchen. Afilmcrew,regardlessofsize,willspendalargepercentageofitslocationbudgetat thehotel-especiallyiffoodserviceisincluded.Hotelmanagementshouldbepreparedto negotiateroomcostsonthebasisoftotalroomnightsandtobeflexibleandresponsiveto thespecialneedsofafilmcrew. Iftheshootistobealongone,youmightbeaskedtohelpfindmorepermanent housing.Ourstaffcanprovideproducerswithalistoflicensedrealestateagentsand additionallistingsarewelcome.Ifyouwanttoindividuallyhelplocateavailableprivate housing,youmaycertainlydoso. 25

FeesandProtection
Fees-Checkoutthethisandthenextpageforaccuracy Therearenohardandfastrulestolocationfees,andnotallfilmprojectsare createdequal.Featuresasarulehavebiggerbudgetsthantelevisionprojectsand commercials.But,therearenationalcommercialsthathavebudgetsasbigasasmall feature.Anyfeesshouldbebasedonimpactnotthecompanysabilitytopay. Sometownsallowaproductioncompanytoshootforfreebutsuggestadonation tothepublicschoolsystemorparksdepartment.Otherschargeforparking,policeand othercityservices.Therearetimeswhenafeeisappropriateandtimeswhenitisnot. Sometimesthingsotherthanmoneycanbeoffered.Perhapstheyrepaintahomeandthe ownerwantsitleftthatway,resurfacingadriveway,makingdonationstothelocation ownersfavoritecharity.Youcanbecreativewithcompensationideas.Useyourbest judgmentandlookateachprojectonacase-by-casebasis.YoucanalwayscalltheMFO orWMFOforguidance. Contracts Anyonedoinganybusinessinconnectionwiththeproductionforwhichafeehas beennegotiatedshouldgetawrittencontractinadvance.Rememberthisisabusinessdeal, evenifeveryoneiswearingshorts.Sampleguidelinesandagreementsareonpages28-31. Schedules,InsuranceandPlanningAhead Inourexperience,mostproblemsbetweenthelocalcommunityandaproduction companyresultfrompoorcommunicationandscheduleconflicts.Everyone-the production,chamber,police,homeowners,localbusinesses-involvedintheproduction shouldbeawareofwhatisgoingtohappeninadvance,includingdisruptionsinnormal carandfoottraffic. Anylegitimateproductioncompanyshouldbeableandwillingtoprovideproofof insuranceagainstdamagetopropertyandpersonalinjury.Theminimumyoushould requireis$1milliongeneralliability.Havethecommunitylistedasadditionallyinsured andrequireaholdharmlessagreement(SeeResourcesforYou).Askforthisbefore productionstarts.Also,ifitisabigproject,youmaywanttoaskforadamagedeposit.

26

FeesandProtection
Bills/Invoices Allbillclaimsshouldbesubmittedwhilethecompanyisstillintown.Lateclaims receivedaftertheproductionofficehasclosedmaygetcomplicated. PropertyDamage Shouldanydamageoccurtobuildings,vehicles,equipmentorlandscapes,you shouldlettheproductionmanagerknowinwritingassoonaspossiblesoinsuranceclaims canbefiled.Beforefilmingbeginstakedigitalphotosofareaswherefilmingisgoingto takeplace.Thatwayifthereisadisputeyouhaveaphotorecordtoreferto.Makesureall merchantsandpropertyownershaveverifiedthattheirproperty,belongingsandpayments areingoodorderbeforethecompanyleavestown.Iftheproductioncompanyasksfora release,propertyownerswhoseclaimshavebeenresolvedshouldprovidethemwithone.

27

CommercialFilmingGuidelinesandAgreement
Project Name: ProductionCompanyName: Authorized Agent:
TheapplicantagreestoobtainaPermittoFilmfromtheClerkoftheCityofAnywhereandtopayanyandall feesattendantthereto.Thefilmingfeeshallbedeterminedaccordingtotheimpactuponorlevelof inconveniencetotheCityofHudsonvilleanditscitizens.Impactguidelinesareasfollows: SmallImpactProductions: $50perday Ex.Briefclosureofsidestreet;twoorfewervehiclesparkedonthestreet;non-disruptiveuseof apublicbuilding;minimalnoiseactivity. MediumImpactProductions: $150perday Ex:Partialclosureorobstructionofpublicright-of-way;threetosevenvehiclesparkedonthe street;moderatenoiseduringdaylighthours. MajorImpactProductions: $300perday Ex.Totalclosureofstreet;morethansevenvehiclesparkedonthestreets;noiseandfilming activityafter10pm;disruptiveuseofapublicbuilding.

CityofAnywhereMichigan

I.

PermitRequirements:

II.

ThecompanynamedaboveagreesthatinadditiontotheFilmPermitFeeitwillpaya$500deposit,refundable uponfinalinspectionofthefilmlocation(s)andverificationthatallobligationstotheTownincurredasaresult ofthisactivityaresatisfied.TheCompanyfurtheragreesthatPublicWorksDepartmenttimeandmaterials requiredtorestorethelocationtoitspreviousconditionwillbedeductedfromthedeposit.Forrestorationcosts inexcessofthedepositamounttheCompanyfurtheragreestopayinfull,promptlyuponreceiptofaninvoice, thecostsofrepairforanyandalldamagetopublicorprivateproperty,resultingfromorinconnectionwith, theproduction,andtorestorethepropertytoitsconditionpriortotheproduction.

Liability

III.

TheProducershallattachacertificateofinsureance,namingtheTownofAnywhereasanadditionalinsured,in theamountof$1,000,000generalliability,includingbodilyinjuryandpropertydamage;andautomobile liability(ifapplicable)intheamountof$1,000,000includingbodilyinjuryandpropertydamage.TheTownof Anywhere,itscorporateauthorieties,electedofficials,officers,boards,commissions,attorneys,employeesand agentsareeachmadeadditionallyinsuredunderPolicyNumber___________withrespecttoanyandallclaims whichariseoutoforareinanywayrelatedtotheoperationsoftheabovenamedfileproductioncompany whilepresentintheTownofHudsonville.

CertificateofInsurance

IV:

ThepermittedshallindemnifyandholdharmlesstotheTownofAnywhere,itsofficers,electedofficials,agents, employeesandvolunteersfromandagainstanyandallclaims,actions,suitsproceedings,costs,expenses (includingreasonableattorneysfees),damages,andliabilitiesclaimedbyanyperson,organization, association,orotherwisearisingoutoforrelatingtoanyactoromissionofthepermitted,itsagents, contractorsoremployeesunderthisAgreement.Suchindemnificationshallnotbeeffectivetotheextentthatthe damageorinjuryresultsfromthesolenegligenceoftheTown.Thepermittedfurtherwaives,withrespecttothe Townonly,itsimmunityunderRCXtitle51,IndustrialInsurance.Theindemnificationprovidedforinthis permitshallsurviveanyterminationorexpirationofthisAgreement. FailureoftheCompanytoComplywiththetermsoftheTownspermitasdescribedmayresultinthe revocationorthepermit. Ihaveread,understandandagreetoabidebythetermsandconditionsofthisagreementandpermit.

HoldHarmlessAgreement

Signature of Authorized Agent:____________________________________Date:______________ Approval by Mayor, City of Anywhere_____________________________Date:_______________

SamplePermit

30

E PL M SA

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

1. In consideration for receiving permission to participate in the _____________ to _______________, (the Production) from _____________ through ____________ I hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue ______________, its officers, servants, agents and employees (hereinafter referred to as releasees) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or relating to any loss, damage or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or to any property belonging to me, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees, or otherwise, while participating in the Production, or while in, on or upon the premises where the Production is being conducted, while in transit to or from the premises, or in any place or places connected with the Trip. 2. I am fully aware of risks and hazards connected with being on the premises and participating in the Production, and I am fully aware that there may be risks and hazards unknown to me connected with being on the premises and participating in the Production, and I hereby elect to voluntarily participate in the Production, to enter upon the above named premises and engage in activities knowing that conditions may be hazardous, or may become hazardous or dangerous to me and my property. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or any loss or damage to property owned by me, as a result of my being a participant in the Production, whether caused by the negligence of releasees or otherwise. 3. I further hereby agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them, from any loss, liability, damage or costs they may incur due to my participation in the Production, whether caused by the negligence of any or all of the releasees, or otherwise. 4. It is my express intent that this Release shall bind the members of my family and spouse, if I am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representative, if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a Release, Waiver, Discharge and Covenant Not to Sue the above named releasees. In signing this release, I acknowledge and represent that: A. B. C. D. I have read the foregoing release, understand it, and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed; No oral representation, statements or inducements, apart from the foregoing written agreement, have been made; I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent; and I execute this Release for full, adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by same.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ___ day of ___________________, 2002. Participant Signature: _____________________________________ Name Printed: ___________________________________________ Witness:________________________________________________ Witness Name Printed: _____________________________________

31

PRODUCTION FourthStageofFilmmaking
Thefilmiscreatedandshotintheproductionstage.Morecrewpositionswillbefilled andrecruitedatthistime,suchasthepropertymaster,stillsphotographer,pictureeditor,script supervisor,assistantdirectorsandsoundeditors. Theassistantdirectorwillfollowtheshootingscheduleforthedaytostartoffatypical dayswork.Propsaremadereadyandthesetisconstructed.Thelightingisriggedandthe cameraandsoundrecordingequipmentaresetup.Duringthisprocess,theactorsareputin theircostumesandaresenttothehairandmake-updepartments. Atthispointtheactorsrehearsetheirscriptsandblockingwiththedirector.Thecrews thencomeinandrehearsewiththeactorsanddirector.Finally,thescenesareshot. Whenshootingisfinishedforthescene,thedirectordeclaresawrap.Thecrewwill thenstrikethesetforthatscene.Thedirectorapprovesthenextdaysshootingscheduleand adailyprogressreportissenttotheproductionoffice.Thisincludesthereportsheetsfrom continuity,soundandcamerateams.Callsheetsaredistributedtothecastandcrewtotellthem whenandwheretogothenextshootingday. Thischapterwillshowyouhowtogetpreparedfortheproduction.Itincludesinformationon closingstreets,howtoworkwithproductioncompaniesandacodeofconductyoucould enforce.

Workingwiththe Community
STREETCLOSURES Nothingcanangeralocalcommunityhostingaproductionfasterthanclosedroads withoutadequatepublicwarning.Askthecompanytoworkwithyoutogetthewordout assoonaspossible.Tryandworkoutintermittentclosures(3-5minutes)ifpossible.Again, itsnotpossibletoover-notifyortotelltoomanypeople.Makesureallhomesand/or businessesinasquareblockareasurroundingthefilminglocationaregiventhe information.DoestheMayorsofficeknow?Signsplacedalongaffectedtrafficroutesor announcementsontheradioandinthelocalnewspaperscangoalongwaytoward keepingpeoplehappy.Again,itisallaboutcommunication. Theproductionisresponsibleforobtainingpermissiontocloselocalstreets, throughthepolicedepartment,orthesheriffsofficeorthedepartmentofTransportation andtheDepartmentofPublicSafetyforinterstateandintrastateroadsandhighways. Getthebureaucraticballrollingassoonasyouknowtheproductionwillbeinyour arearequiringthiskindofassistance.Identifythekeyplayerswhocanmakeithappen. THENATUREOFTHEBEAST Theprojectinyourtownmightlooklikealotoffuntoyou,yourfriends,and neighbors,butrememberthattheactorsandcrewpersonnelaretheretodotheirjobsand areusuallyonaverytightschedule.Forfilmandtelevision,theirofficeisthestreet.They areatworkandtheyneedtobetreatedandrespectedassuch.Ifthedirectorand producershavedecidedtohaveaclosedset(meaningnovisitorsorunauthorized personnel),pleasehonortheirwishes.

33

SampleShootingSchedule

34 33

SampleCrewCall

35

WorkingwithProductions
Thegreatestwaytomakesurethatfilminggoessmoothlyisthroughtheexchangeofgood informationandongoingcommunication.Filmingcanbeapositiveandexcitingexperience, withsometimespentinpre-planning.Belowaresometipstohelpyouandremember,theWest MichiganFilmOfficeisalwaysavailabletoansweryourquestions.
1.CheckwiththeMFOorWMFO-toensurethatthecompanyislegitimateandthatweare

HelpfulTipsfor

workingwiththemalready.

2.AppointOneContactPerson-Thispersonisthepointpersonforallfilmingrequests.The

pointpersoncanthenfieldtoappropriatedepartments.Thisway,noinformationcanfall throughthecracks.Thispersonshouldbeabletorespondquicklyandbeavailableduring filming,ifnecessary.

3.DirectallQuestionstotheLocationManager-Theirjobistoliaisonbetweenlocationsand

theproductioncompany,andhandleallnegotiationsofcontractsandfees.Makesureyou haveofficeandcellphonenumbers.
4.FilmGuidelines-TheWestMichiganFilmOfficewouldbehappytoworkwithyouto

developguidelinesspecifictoyourcommunityorbusiness.Guidelinescanbecustomizedand willprotectthelocationanditsenvirons,andputeveryoneonlevelfootingaboutexpectations whenhandlingfilmingrequest.

5.Expectations -Makesureyouknowexactlywhatthefilmcompanywantstodo.Youcan

neverasktoomanyquestions.Ifyouareuncertain,calltheFilmOfficeandtheywillhelp. Thingstoconsiderareparking,feedingthecrew,hoursoffilming,security,exactareasbeing requested,howmanydays,etc.Makesurethecompanyknowsanyrestrictionsor considerationsyouhaveinplaceaswell.

6.ParkingImpacts-Getafullunderstandingabouttheamountofequipmentand

transportationneedsoftheproduction.Bigfeaturescanhaveuptoeightsemi-trucks,trailers, generatorsandlightingequipment.
7.Insurance-Allreputablefilmcompanieswillproduceacertificateofinsurancefora

minimumof$1,000,000namingthelocationasadditionallyinsured.MakesurethereisaHold Harmlessagreementinplace.
8.FeedingtheCrew-Acrewcanbefromfivepeopletoonehundredwithcrewandextras.

Feedingmayoccuroutsideintheparkinglotbythecateringtruckoryoumaybeaskedifyou haveaspacethatcouldbeusedforthatpurpose.
9.CodeofConduct-Thisdocumentlaysoutguidelinesforcourteousbehaviorbycastand

crewwhentheyareguestsatyourlocation.FamiliarizeyourselfwiththeCode,attachitto yourfilmingguidelinesandtelltheLocationManagerthatyouwillexpecttheproduction crewtohonorthem.

36

CodeofConduct
for Production Companies

ToProductionCompanies:Youareguestsandshouldtreatthislocation,aswellasthepublic,

withcourtesy.Ifwedonotallworktowardbuildingagoodrelationshipwiththelocal communitiesinwhichwework,wewillseelessproduction,resultinginfewerjobsforusall. Pleaseadheretothefollowingguidelines.

TotheCitizens:IfyoufindthisproductioncompanyisnotadheringtotheCodeofConduct,

pleasecontacttheWestMichiganFilmOfficeat800-442-2084.

1.Whenfilminginaneighborhoodorbusinessdistrict,propernotificationistobeprovidedto

eachmerchantorneighborwhoisdirectlyaffectedbythecompany(thisincludesparking, basecampus,andmealareas).Thefilmingnoticeshouldinclude: Nameofcompany Nameofpublication Kindofproduction(e.g.,featurefilm,movieoftheweek,TVpilot,etc.) Typeofactivityandduration(i.e.,times,dates,numberofdays,includingpropand strike) Companycontract(firstassistantdirector,unitproductionmanager,locationmanager) NameandnumberofCityFilmCoordinator TheCodeofConductshouldbeattachedtothefilmingnotificationwhichisdistributedtothe neighborhood. 2.Productionvehiclesarrivingonlocationinorneararesidentialneighborhoodshouldenter theareaatatimenoearlierthanthatstipulatedinthepermit,andparkonebyone,turning offenginesassoonaspossible.Castandcrewshallobservedesignatedparkingareas.
3.Whenaproductionpassidentifyingtheemployeeisissued,everymemberofthecrewshall

wearitwhileatthelocation.

4.Theremoval,moving,ortowingofthepublicsvehiclesisprohibitedwithouttheexpress

permissionofthemunicipaljurisdictionoftheownerofthevehicle. the driveway owner.

5.Noproductionvehiclesshouldparkinorblockdrivewayswithouttheexpresspermissionof 6.Castandcrewmealsshallbeconfinedtotheareadesignatedinthelocationagreementor

permit.Individualsshalleatwithintheirdesignatedmealareaduringscheduledcrewmeals. Alltrashmustbedisposedofproperlyuponcompletionofthemeal. thepermitauthorityorpropertyowner.

7. Removal,trimming,and/orcuttingofvegetationortreesisprohibitedunlessapprovedby

37

CodeofConduct
for Production Companies

Continued

8.Remembertousetheproperreceptaclesfordisposalofallnapkins,plate,andcoffeecups

youmayuseinthecourseofaworkingday.

9.Allsignserectedorremovedforfilmingpurposeswillberemovedorreplacedupon

completionoftheuseofthatlocationunlessotherwisestipulatedbythelocationagreementor permit.Alsoremembertoremoveallsignspostedtodirectthecompanytothelocation.
10.Everymemberofthecastandcrewwillkeepnoiselevelsaslowaspossible. 11.Articlesofclothingthatdonotdisplaycommonsenseofgoodtasteshouldnotbewornby

crewmembers.Shoesandshirtsmustbewornatalltimes,unlessotherwisedirected. commonsenseorgoodtaste(i.e.,pin-upposters).

12.Crewmembersshallnotdisplaysigns,posters,orpicturesonvehiclesthatdonotreflect 13.Donottrespassontootherneighborsormerchantsproperty.Remainwithinthe

boundariesorthepropertythathasbeenpermittedforfilming. authorizedinadvancebythecompany. fromthelocation.

14.Thecastandcrewshallnotbringguestsorpetstothelocation,unlessexpressly 15.Makesureallcatering,craftsservice,construction,strike,andpersonaltrashisremoved 16.Observedesignatedsmokingareasandalwaysextinguishcigarettesinbuttcans. 17.Castandcrewwillrefrainfromtheuseoflewdorimproperlanguagewithinearshotofthe

general public.

18.Thecompanywillcomplyatalltimeswiththeprovisionsofthefilmingpermit.

TheWestMichiganFilmOfficeappreciatesyourcooperationandassistanceinupholding theCodeofConduct.

38

POST-PRODUCTION
FifthStageofFilmmaking
Thefilmeditorassemblesthefilminthepost-productionstage.Aroughcuttakenfrom scenesbasedonindividualshotsisthefirstthingtheeditorwillbuild.Thepurposeoftherough cutistoselectandorderthebestshots.Afinecutisthenextstep.Themeanstogetthestory andcontinuityoftheshotstomakesenseandflownicelytogether.Trimmingthencomesinto playanditistheprocessofshorteningscenesbyafewminutes,seconds,orevenframes.The directorandproducerwillwatchthefinecutandhopefullyapproveitwhichwillmakethe picturelocked. Thefilmpassesoutofthehandsoftheeditortothesounddepartmenttobuildupthe soundtrackwhenatthispointwhenthepictureislocked.Thevoicerecordingsare synchronisedandthefinalsoundmixiscreated.Thesoundmixcombinessoundeffects, backgroundsounds,ADR,dialogue,walla,andmusic. Finally,whenallissaidanddone,thefilmispreviewed,normallybythetargetaudience, andanyfeedbackpossiblyresultsinfurthershootingoreditstothefilm.

TheWrap
Whentheproductionhaswrappedorfinishedshooting,youshouldtrytomeet withtheproducerorproductionmanagertoensurethatalllooseendsaretiedup.Take themtobreakfastorlunchandgooverthefilmingexperience,checkouthoweveryone did,askforthejobsanddollarsleftinthecommunityandseeifyoucangetanystill photosforyourfiles.Also,askforaCastandCrewlistaswellastheVendorlist.Make sureyouhaveanumberforthemforaleastamonthaftertheyleave. Theproductionmanagerapprovespaymentofbillsandisresponsibleforall business-relatedmatters;theproductionaccountantissueschecksforpayrollandany outstandingbills;thepropmasterandswinggangareresponsibleforstrikingor dismantlingtheset,returningproprentalsandshippingpropsbacktothestudio,the constructioncrewbreaksdownequipmentandrepaintsandrestoresanylocationsthat havebeenaltered. Alwaysthankwhoeverscoutsyourarea,whethertheyshoothereornot.They couldhaveanotherprojectcomingupthatmightworkforyourarea.Dontforgetyour localcontacts.Remembertothankthosewhoassistedwithlocationsandthescout. Ifthereareanypartingwordswedlikeyoutokeepinmind,theyareBE FLEXIBLE.Somanyfactorsgointoshootingonlocation:thescriptcouldberewritten,the leadactorcouldgetpneumonia,itcouldrain,equipmentcouldfail...ithelpstoexpect thingsnottogoasexpected. Remember,ifyoueverrunintotroubleorhavequestions,callus,ortheMFO, wereheretohelp.

40

EconomicImpact
Questionaire

Thesequestionscanbeusedtodeterminetheexpendituresofaproductioncompanythathasshot onlocationinyourarea.Theunitproductionmanagerwillbeabletoprovidethemostcomplete andaccurateinformationneeded. Howmuchdidyourproductioncompanyspendonthefollowingitems? 1Hotelrooms $__________ #ofrooms_________ #ofdays___________ 2.Carrental $__________ #ofcars___________#ofdays___________ 3.Cateringandotherfooditems $_______________________________ 4.Hardwareandlumbersupplies $______________________________________ 5.Officerental $____________________________ 6.Secretarialpersonnel $__________________________________ Equipment $______________________________________ 7.Drycleaning $ _____________________________________ 8.Gasoline $______________________________ 9.Locationfees $_________________________________ 10.City/County&othergovernmentpermitfees $_______________ 11.LocalExtrashired $__________ #ofpeople_________#ofdays____________ 12.Localsecurityhired $__________ #ofpeople________ #0fdays__________ 13.Localdrivershired $__________ #ofpeople_________#ofdays____________ 14.Otherlocalhires:(Carpenters,painters,electricians,etc.) $__________ #ofpeople________ #ofdays____________ 15.Otherrenals $__________ #ofdays____________ 16.Otherpurchases: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 17.Totalamountspent: $________________________________________________________ 18.Totalnumberofdaysonlocation:____________________________________________ 19.Majorlocationsused(towns,residences,schools,etc.): ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 20.Didyouencounteranyproblems? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

38

41

RESOURCESFORYOU

fromtheMichiganFilmOffice
General WhatistheMichiganfilmincentive?
Thefilmincentive,officiallycalledthefilmproductioncredit,isarefundable,assignabletaxcreditofupto42%ofthe amountofaproductioncompanysexpenditures(dependingupontype)thatareincurredinproducingafilmorother mediaentertainmentprojectinMichigan.

FilmIncentiveFAQs

Whoqualifies?

Thefilmproductioncreditisavailabletoeligibleproductioncompanies;thatis,entitiesthatareinthebusinessof producingqualifiedproductions.Thetermproductionpopularlymeansanentiremovieormediaentertainment project.Thetermproductioncompanythereforereferstothecompanythatbearstheoverallresponsibilityformaking (orproducing)themovieorotherentertainmentprojectasawhole.Companiesthatarevendorstoaproductioncompany donotqualifyforthecredit.

Whatisthedifferencebetweenthe40%creditandthe42%credit?

QualifyingexpendituresmadeinadesignatedCoreCommunityinMichiganareeligiblefora42%credit.Qualifying expendituresmadeinanon-corecommunityinMichiganareeligiblefora40%credit.TheMichiganFilmOfficehasthe listofqualifyingCoreCommunitiesontheirwebsite,alongwithaMichiganmapshowingtheirlocations.

Isabovethelinetalentcoveredaswellasbelowtheline?

Yes.Compensationpaymentsmadetoabovethelinepersonnel,suchasproducers,directors,writers,andactors,are directproductionexpenditureseligibleforthe40%-42%creditamount.Compensationpaymentsmadetobelowthe linepersonnel,suchastechnicalcrewmembers,maybeeitherqualifiedpersonnelexpenditureseligibleforthe30% creditamount,ordirectproductionexpenditureseligibleforthe40%-42%credit.

Whoqualifiesfor30%?

CompensationpaymentsmadebyaproductioncompanytobelowthelinepersonnelwhowerenotresidentsofMichigan foratleast60daysbeforeapprovaloftheagreementbetweentheproductioncompanyandtheMichiganFilmOfficewill bequalifiedpersonnelexpenditureseligiblefora30%credit.

Whoqualifiesfor40%?

Compensationpaymentstoabovethelinepersonnelregardlessofresidency,aswellascompensationpaymentsmadeto belowthelinepersonnelwhowereresidentsofMichiganfor60daysormorebeforeapprovaloftheagreementbetween theproductioncompanyandtheFilmOffice,willbedirectproductionexpenditureseligiblefora40%-42%credit.

Whatdoesitmeantobearesident? WhendoIgetmycredit?

AbelowthelinecrewmemberwillbeconsideredaresidentiftheyareinMichiganformorethan60daysbeforean agreementisapproved.ResidencymustbeprovenwithaMichigandriverslicenseoraMichiganvotersregistrationcard. Oncetheproductioncompanyhascompletedallproduction-relatedworkinMichigan,itmustrequestapost-production certificatefromtheMichiganFilmOffice.Afterallsubmittedexpenditureshavebeencertifiedtoqualifyforthecredit,the FilmOfficewillissuethepost-productioncertificate,whichsetsforththeamountoftheproductioncompanyscredit. TheproductioncompanymustthenfileaMichiganBusinessTaxreturnattheendofitstaxyeartoclaimitscredit, attachingacopyofthepost-productioncertificatetoitstaxreturn.Error-freereturnsclaimingrefundablefilmproduction creditsareexpectedtobeprocessedin3-4weeks.Aproductioncompanymayalsoassignalloraportionofthecredit receivedtootherparties.

DIRECTPRODUCTIONEXPENDITURES Whatisdirectproductionexpenditure?

Aqualifyingdirectproductionexpendituremustsatisfyfourcriteria.Itmustbei)madeinthisstate,ii)notaqualified personnelexpenditure,iii)directlyattributabletotheproductionordistributionofaqualifiedproduction,andiv) subjecttotaxationinthisstate.

Whatdoesmadeinthisstatemean?

Inageneralsense,itmeanstheexpendituremustdirectlybenefitMichiganseconomyinsomeway,andthatMichiganbasedbusinessesarebenefitedratherthanour-of-statebusinesses. Inamorespecificsense,madeinthisstateimpliesthefollowingstandards:i)tangiblepersonalpropertyandservices mustbeacquiredbytheproductioncompanyfromasourcewithinMichigan,andii)servicesmustbewhollyperformed withinMichigan. 43

WhatdoesasourcewithinMichiganmean?CanitbeanyonewhoisdoingbusinessinanywayinMichigan?

fromtheMichiganFilmOffice

FilmIncentiveFAQs

No.InordertoqualifyforfilmproductioncreditpurposesasourcewithinMichiganmusthaveanestablishedphysical presencethatincludedbothanon-temporarybricksandmortarstorefrontandatleaseonefulltimepermanent employee.

Canitbeabusinessthatjuststarted,say,amonthago?

Possibly.Therequirementsofnon-temporaryandpermanentmean,generally,apresenceofatleastoneyear.Theone yearstandardcouldbemetwithapriorpresenceaswellasaplannedfuturepresenceevidencedbyadocumented commitment,suchasenteringintoaoneyearleaseforofficespace.

Whataboutpassthroughs?

Simplepassthroughtransactionswillnotqualifyasdirectproductionexpendituresmadeinthisstate.However,in general,theexistenceofanaddedmarkupbythepermanentMichiganbusinessthatisconsistentwithindustrynorms wouldsuggestthatthetransactionhaseconomicsubstanceinMichiganandisnotmerelyapassthroughtransaction. Thereforeitislikelytoqualify.

PAYROLLPROCESSINGSERVICES CanIobtainacreditforpayrollprocessingservicesperformedoutsideofMichigan?
No,onlyservicesperformedentirelywithinMichiganqualifyforthecredit.

WoulditqualifyifthepayrollprocessingcompanyhadanemployeeinMichigantohandlethedatatransfer?

No,becausetheservicestillisnotbeingperformedinMichigan.Thepayrollprocessingbusinesswouldqualifyonlyifthe payrollserviceswereentirelyperformedinMichigan.

Doestheanswerchangeifthepayrollprocessingbusinessistheemployerofrecordfortheemployeeswhosepayrollis beingprocessed?

No,thenatureofthetransactionremainssubstantiallythatofpayrollprocessingbecausethetrueemployerofthe employeeswhosepayrollisbeingprocessedisthefilmproductioncompany.

FRINGEBENEFITS ArefringebenefitspaidtocrewmemberssuchastheemployersshareofFICA,healthinsurance,andsofortheligiblefor theFilmProductionCredit?

Yes,thedescribedfringebenefitsareeligiblefortheFilmProductionCredit.

Aresuchexpendituresconsidereddirectproductionexpenditureseligiblefora40%-42%credit,oraretheyqualified personnelexpenditureseligiblefora30%credit?

Thatdependsonwhetherthecrewmembersareaboveorbelowtheline,andforbelowthelinecrewwhethertheyare residentsofMichigan.
Whichtypequalifiesforthe40-42percent?

Fringebenefitspaidtoabovethelinecrewmembers,suchasproducers,directors,writers,andactors,aswellasfringe benefitspaidtobelowthelinecrewmemberswhowereresidentsofMichiganfor60daysormorebeforeapprovalofthe agreementbetweentheproductioncompanyandtheFilmOffice,willbedirectproductionexpenditureseligiblefora40% -42%credit.

Andthe30percent?

FringebenefitspaidtobelowthelinecrewmemberswhowerenotresidentsofMichiganforatleast60daysbefore approvaloftheagreementbetweentheproductioncompanyandtheMichiganFilmOfficearequalifiedpersonnel expenditureseligiblefora30%credit. Totalpaymentstoanyoneemployeearecappedforpurposesofthecreditat$2,000,000-regardlessofwhetherthe employeeisaMichiganresidentornot.

Whyisthereadifference? Arethererestrictionsontheamountspaidtoanyofthesepeople?

ToencourageproductioncompaniestoemployMichiganresidents,particularlywhenhiringbelowthelinecrewmembers.
INCOMETAXWITHHOLDING Doesaproductioncompanythatfailstowithholdorinsurethatthepersonalservicescompany(PSC)orprofessional employmentorganization(PEO)withholdsloseanotherwiseavailablefilmcredit?
44

Yes.Aneligibleproductioncompanythatfailstoproperlywithholdwouldbeconsidereddelinquentonanobligationto thestateofMichigan,disqualifyingitforthetaxcredit.AneligibleproductioncompanymustalsoensurethatanyPSCor PEOthatitemploystoprovidepersonnelwithholdforthepersonneltoobtainthecredit.ThismeansthatifthePSCor PEOdonotwithholdindividualincometaxthentheeligibleproductioncompanymustwithholdtoqualifyforthecredit. AneligibleproductioncompanywillbeconsidereddelinquentifneitheritnorthePSCorPEOwithhold.Theeligible productioncompany,however,maycureadelinquencybypayingthewithholding.Uponpaymentitsentitlementtothetax creditwillbereinstated.

PRODUCTIONINSURANCE Doesproductioninsurancepurchasedfromanout-of-stateinsurancecompanythroughaMichiganbasedbroker/agent qualifyasadirectproductionexpenditure?

fromtheMichiganFilmOffice

FilmIncentiveFAQs

Yes,thelawspecificallyprovidescreditforthistypeofexpenseaslongasthecompanyisindeedMichiganbased.
DefineMichigan-basedforinsuranceagents.

AninsuranceagentisbasedinMichiganiftheinsuranceagenthasabricksandmortarstorefrontinMichiganwithatleast onefulltimeemployeeandatleastaoneyearMichiganpresence.
NON-MICHIGANPURCHASES DoesthepurchaseoftangiblepersonalpropertypurchasedfromasourceoutsideofMichiganqualifyforthecreditifthe sellercollectsandremitsMichigansalesorusetax?

No.OnlypurchasesfromMichiganvendorsqualifyforthecredit.Generally,thatmeansavendorthathasbeeninbusiness withabricksandmortarstorefrontforatleastoneyearandhasatleastonefulltimeemployee.Additionallypurchases mustbesubjecttoMichigantax.Payingtaxonthetransaction,initself,isnotenoughtoqualifyforthecredit.

RENTALS IstherentalofspecializedmotionpictureequipmentfromavendorlocatedoutsideMichigan(andwhoseinventoryisalso locatedoutsideMichigan)aqualifieddirectproductionexpenditure?

No.

WhatiftherentalishandledbyaMichiganbasedrentalvendor?

Yes,inthatcase,ifthetransactionoccursbetweenthequalifiedfilmproductioncompanyandaMichiganbasedrental businesstheexpenditurewouldqualifyforcredit.However,thetransactionmusthaveeconomicsubstanceandnotmerely beapassthroughtransaction.

Howisthatdetermined?

AtransactionhaseconomicsubstanceifthereisanindustrynormmarkupbytheMichiganvendor,andwouldbefurther demonstratediftheMichiganvendorandthenon-Michiganvendorwereunrelated.
INFRASTRUCTURECREDIT Donon-permanentfixturessuchashoneywagons(atypeofmulti-roomtrailerusedbyfilmandtelevisionproductions) andstartrailers(largertrailerstypicallyusedbycelebrities)qualifyfortheinfrastructurecredit? TAXRETURNFILING IsataxpayerrequiredtofileanMBTtaxreturninordertoobtainafilmcreditorrefund?

No,thecreditisnotavailableformobiletangibleassets,suchashoneywagonsandtrailersthataredesignedtobemoved fromlocationtolocation. Yes,ataxpayerisrequiredtofileanMBTreturninordertoobtainafilmcreditorrefund.

Ifso,maythereturnbefiledearly(beforetheendofthereturnyear)?

No,theMBTreturnmaynotbefiledbeforetheendofthereturnyear.Ataxpayermustfileitsannualreturnattheendof thereturnyeartoclaimthecredit,andanyrefund.
Ifthetaxpayerfilesattheendofthereturnyear,assumingtherearenoglitcheswiththereturn,whencantherefundable taxcreditbeexpected?

Youcanexpectanerror-freereturntobeprocessedwithin3-4weeksoffiling.

45

EcomomicFactsfrom OtherLocations
LosingaFilm: Californialosesmorethan$10millionintaxrevenuewhenalarger-budgetmoviecostingabout$70 millionismadeelsewhere. Amid-sizefilm,costingabout$32million,shotoutofstatemeansabout$4millioninlosttaxes.Fora 12-episodedrama,statecofferslosemorethan$3million. In1999areportcommissionedbytheScreenActorsGuildandtheDirectorsGuildofAmerica concludedthatabout$2.8billionindirectfilmandTVworkfledtheU.S.in1998,costing23,500 entertainmentjobs.

Benefits: HereareexamplesofthenumberofjobsandtaxesgeneratedinCaliforniabyeachtypeofproduction. ProductionNumberStateTypespendingofjobstaxes Commercials$561,000$47,000 Movieoftheweek$4,400,000$640,000 1-hourdrama(12episodes)$26,800,000$3,100,000 Low-budgetfilm$1,700,000$215,000 Small-budgetfeature$15,400,000$1,784,000 Mid-budgetfeature$31,600,000$4,060,000 Larger-budgetfeaturefilm$69,700,000$10,590,000 Oneofthemajoreconomicbenefitsandfactorsoffilm-inducedtourismisthatviewingpastlocationscanbean all-year,all-weatherattraction,thusspreadingouttheseasonalityinherentinsomanytouristattractions. Filmingwillbringaflurryofdirectandindirecteconomicactivity,includingmoresalesforlocalbusinesses, newjobsandassociatedincreasesinsalesandpersonalincometaxrevenuetothestate.Astudyfrom Connecticutsfilmtaxcreditprogramshowsthefollowing: 13filmproductionsthatfiledfortaxcreditsinConnecticutpriortoSeptember30,2007thatwereincludedin thestudyincurred$282millioninexpendituresandwillclaim$86millionintaxcredits.Duringthestudy period,Connecticutsfilmtaxcreditprogramstimulated: -$55.1millioninfilmproductionspending -$20.72millioninnewrealgrossstateproduct(RGSP) -395full-timeequivalentjobs -$6.58millioninnewrealdisposablepersonalincomethroughmultipliereffects Accordingtothestudy,the$16.5millionworthoftaxcreditsthatConnecticuthasorisissuingforproductions thattookplaceinthestateduringtheJanuary2006toSeptember30,2007periodwillindirectlygenerate$1.25 millioninpresentvaluestatetaxrevenueoverfiveyears.Inaddition,eachtaxdollarspent(taxrevenue forgone)onthefilmtaxcreditgeneratesmorethanonedollarofadditionalrealgrossstateproductinpresent valueterms.Thestudysfindingssuggestthatthetaxcreditincreaseseconomy-wideactivitybyagreater amountthanthecostofitsimplementation.

46

From Finance to Exhibition

Type of Project Feature Film TV Show
Network, Cable licence fee Rights to broadcast Studio, Private

Commercial

Financing: What They Buy:

Ownership, Distribution rights

Ad Agency hires Production Company

Client (who hired ad agency) owns

Primary Distribution:
Movie Theaters, Film Festivals, Straight to Video Free TV, Cable, PPV, Airlines, Video/DVD 2-6 months or more

Free TV, Cable, PPV

Free, TV, Cable TV

Secondary Market: Average Production Schedule: Budget Range:

Syndication

None

Live, depends of genre: Comedy: 5days Drama: 7-8 days $1-100 million hour: $650,000 -$1 million Drama: $1.5 million MOW: $2.5-$5 million Mini-Series: $8-&25 million Documentaries News, sports, PBS, Infomercials

One - multiple weeks

$10,000 -$1 million

Other Types:

Industrials

47

FilmTerminologyGlossary
Above-the-LineExpenses ArtDirector
-Themajorexpensescommittedtobeforeproductionbegins,includingstory/rights/continuity (writing);salariesforproducers,director,andcast;travelandliving;andproductionfees(iftheprojectisboughtfroman earliercompany).Everythingelsefallsunderbelow-the-lineexpenses.

-(AKA:ProductionDesigner)Thepersonwhooverseestheartistsandcraftspeoplethatbuildthesets.The

ArtDirectormustworkcloselywiththeCostumeDesignertomakesurethecostumesworkwiththesets.

AspectRatio

-(AKA:Aspect,AcademyRatio)Ameasureoftherelativesizesofthehorizontalandverticalcomponentsof

animage.AcademyRatiois1.33:1.

AssistantDirector

-(AKA:AD,FirstAssistantDirector,1stAssistantDirector,2ndAssistantDirector)Anassistant

directorsdutiesincludetrackingtheprogressoffilmingversustheproductionschedule,andpreparingcallsheets.A AssistantDirectorisresponsibleforthepreparationoftheshootingscheduleandscriptbreakdownusedtoplanthe

First

shootingofafilmortelevisionshow.TheADworksdirectlywiththeDirectortomanagetheminute-to-minuteoperations onthesetduringtheprocessoffilming,aswellascoordinatingthenecessarycommunicationofdetailsoffuture operationsasthefilmingprogresses.Otherdutiesincludetrackingtheprogressoffilmingversustheproductionschedule, observingallrulesrelatedtounioncrafts,laborcontractsandlocationagreements,maintainingsafetyontheworkingset, andworkingwiththeUnitManagertokeepoperationalcostswithinthebudgetedplan.A

Second

AssistantDirectoris

responsibleforinformationdistributionandreporting,castnotificationandpreparationsduringtheshootingprocess, recordingalldatarelativetotheworkinghoursofthecrewandcast,managementofthebackgroundcast(atmosphereor extras),preparationofcallsheets,productionreportsandotherdocumentation.Whenneeded,theSecondAssistant DirectorcanassumethedutiesoftheFirstAssistantDirectoronatemporarybasis.

AssociateProducer B-Movie

-Thepersonwhocantakeoverfortheproducerifthatpersonbecomesill,otherwiseknownasatop

assistant.TheassociateProducerisusuallytheintermediarybetweentheproducersandtheactualshootingcrew.

-Alow-budget,second-tiermovie,frequentlythesecondmovieinadouble-featurebilling.B-filmswerecheaper

forstudiosbecausetheydidnotinvolvethemosthighlypaidactorsorcostlysets,andwerepopularwiththeaterowners becausetheywerelessexpensivetobringintotheirtheaterswhilestillabletodrawrevenue.

Below-the-LineExpenses BestBoy Billing

-Allphysicalproductioncostsnotincludedintheabove-the-lineexpenses,includingmaterial

costs,musicrights,publicity,trailer,etc.

-thisistheheadelectricianresponsibleforgettingpowertotheset.TheBestBoyworkswiththegaffer.

-(AKA:TopBilling,DiagonalBilling,EqualBilling)Agreatdealofimportanceisplacedontherelativesizes,

positionsandorderofnamesandthemoviestitleinprintedpublicitymaterialaswellastheopeningcredits.Generally, higherpositionsdesignatehigherimportance.Additionally,thereissignificancegiventonameswhichappearbeforeor abovetheactualtitleofthemovie.Thepersonwhosenameisshownfirstinthecreditsorwhosenameisatthetopofan advertisementissaidtohavereceived theyaresaidtohave

equalbilling,

topbilling.

Ifmorethanonenameappearsatthesametimeoratthesameheight,

withtheimportanceofthepeopleconcerneddecreasingfromlefttoright.Insome

movieswithalargenumberofstars,thepublicitydepartmentmustgotogreatlengthstosatisfythedemandsofvarious parties.

Diagonalbilling

iswhereadifferentnameappearsfirst,dependingonwhetherthematerialisreadfromtopto

bottom,orfromlefttoright.Insomeextremecases,multiplestarsinthesamemoviehaveeachdemandedtopbilling,in whichcaseanequalnumberofdifferently-billedadvertisementhavebeencreated.

Blockbuster Blocking

-(AKA:Hit)Amoviethatisahugefinancialsuccess.Incommonusageablockbusterisamoviethathasa

box-officeofmorethan$100millionuponreleaseinNorthAmerica.

-Aprocessduringwhichthedirectorandactorsdeterminewhereonthesettheactorswillmoveandstand,so

thatlightingandcameraplacementsmaybeset.

Bluescreen

-Aprocesswherebyactorsworkinfrontofanevenlylit,monochromatic(usuallyblueorgreen)background.

Thebackgroundisthenreplacedinpostproductionbychromakeying,allowingotherfootageorcomputer-generated imagestoformthebackgroundimagery.Seealsogreenscreen.

48

BoomMicrophone BoomOperator BounceBoard

-(AKA:BoomMic,Boom,Fishpole,Giraffe)Alongpolewithamicrophoneontheend.Theboom

isextendedoutneartheactors.Ideally,themicrophoneattheendshouldbeplacedinthecamerassafearea.

-Amemberofthesoundcrewwhooperatestheboommicrophone.

-Alargewhitecardmadeoffoamorposterboardusedtoreflectsoftlightandforthesoftkeyandfill.

BreakdownScript
crew.

-(AKA:Breakdown)Adetailedlistofallitems,people,props,equipment,etc.requiredforashoot

onaday-by-daybasis.Recordingsuchlistsaidsincontinuityandallowsoptimizationofthetimeofactorsandthe

Camp CGI

-(AKA:Campy)Aformofcomedicparodywheretheclichdconventionsofadramaticformlikeadventureare

deliberatelyexaggeratedtothepointofridiculousness.Oftenunfairlyusedtodescribesuperherofilmsandshows,as Batmanisaprimeexampleofthisformofcomedy.

-(AKA:ComputerGeneratedImagery)Theuseofcomputergraphicstocreateorenhancespecialeffects.

Choreographer-

Apersonwhoplansanddirectsdancesequenceswithinamovie.

Chromakeying- CinemaVerit

Anelectronic/computerizedtechniquethatallowsforspecificcolorelements(chroma)tobereplaced

withdifferentpictureelements.Seealsobluescreenandgreenscreen.

-Literally:CinemaTruth.Adocumentarystyleinwhichnodirectorialcontrolisexerted.Thetermis

frequentlymisusedtodescribenew-wavehandheldcameratechniques.

Cinematographer- Clapboard-

(AKA:Cinematography,Cin)Apersonwithexpertiseintheartofcapturingimageseither

electronicallyoronfilmstockthroughtheapplicationofvisualrecordingdevicesandtheselectionandarrangementof lighting.Thechiefcinematographerforamovieiscalledthedirectorofphotography.

(AKA:Clapper,Slate)Asmallboardthatholdsinformationidentifyingashot.Ittypicallycontainsthe

workingtitleofthemovie,thenamesofthedirectoranddirectorofphotography,thesceneandtakenumbers,thedate, andthetime.Itisfilmedatthebeginningofatake.Onthetopoftheclapboardisahingedstick,whichisoften clappedtoprovideaudio/visualsynchronization.

Claymation- Colorist

Animationofmodelsconstructedfromclayorplasticine.

-Animageartistwho,duringpost-productionofamovieortelevisionshow,utilizescomputer-based

alteration/correctionprogramstogothroughthemovie/showframebyframetoinsurecolorandlightcontinuity.The coloristmayalsotweakcolorstostylisticallyheightenthem(thinkSinCityorKillBillI).

Compositing-

Thecombiningofvisualelementsfromseparatesourcesintosingleimages(orsequencesofimages),

oftentocreatetheillusionthatallthoseelementsarepartsofthesamescene.Examplesmightbeincorporating rendered3Dimages(CGI)intofilmedmaterial,orextractingelementsshotinfrontofblue/greenscreen.Todaymost compositingisachievedthroughdigitalimagemanipulation.

Co-Producer-

Aproducerwhoperformsasubstantialportionofacreativeproducingfunction,orwhoisprimarily

responsibleforoneormoremanagerialproducingfunctions.Aco-producerhaslessresponsibilitythanaproducerfor thecompletionofaproject.Notethatifaprojecthasmorethanoneproducer,itdoesntmeanthattheseindividuals areco-producersinthetechnicalsenseofthatterm.

ConstructionCoordinator-

(AKA: Construction Foreman, Construction Manager)

Financialresponsibilitiesincludebudgeting,trackingcosts,generatingreports,etc.Aconstructioncoordinatoris directedartisticallythroughdrawingsbytheProd

Continuity

-(AKA:ContinuityError)Thedegreetowhichamovieis

self-consistent.Forexample,ascenewhereanactoriswearingahatwhenseenfromonecameraangleandnotfrom anotherwouldlackcontinuity.Apersonisoftenemployedtocheckthatcontinuityismaintainedsincere-shooting embarrassinglapsesincontinuitycanbeprohibitivelyexpensive.Seealsocontinuityreport.Inmoderntimes,some continuityerrorscanbecorrectedthroughdigitalcompositing.

49

CraftService

-(AKA:CraftsService)Theperson(orpeople)availabletoassisttheothercraftswhichincludecamera,

sound,electricians,grips,props,artdirector,setdecorator,hairandmakeup,servicetheothercraftsduringtheactual shootingofamotionpicture,withtasksincludingprovidingsnacksandcleaningtheset.

CraneShot- Crosscut Cut-

Ashottakenbyacameraonacrane;oftenusedtoshowtheactors/actionfromabove.Cranesusuallycarry

boththecameraandacameraoperator,butsomecanbeoperatedbyremotecontrol.

-Thetechniqueofinterweavingpiecesoftwoormorescenes,usuallyinordertoshowsimultaneousactionsor

illuminatethemes.

Achangeineithercameraangleorplacement,locationortime.Cutiscalledduringfilmingtoindicatethatthe

currenttakeisover.(Seealsoshot,action.Acutofamovieisalsoacompleteeditedversion.)

Dailies

-(AKA:Rushes)Thefirstpositiveprintsmadefromthenegativesphotographedonthepreviousday.During

filming,thedirectorandsomeactorsmayviewthesedailiesasanindicationofhowthefilmingandtheactors performances are progressing.

DeepfocusShot- DepthofField-

Ashotinwhichboththeforegroundandthebackgroundareinfocus.Inotherwords,ashotwith

exceptionaldepthoffield..

(AKA:DOF)Ameasureoftherangealongacameraslineofsiteinwhichobjectswillbeinfocus.Seealso

aperture,shutterspeed.

Diegeticsound-

(AKA:Actualsound)Asoundthatiscreatedbysomethingorsomeonevisibleonthescreenorwhose

sourceisimpliedtobepresentbytheactionofthefilm.

DigitalCompositing-
withopticalprinting.

Atechniquewherebyseparatelyfilmedcomponentsarecombinedthroughdigitalediting.Contrast

Director-

Theprincipalcreativeartistonamovieset.Adirectorisusually(butnotalways)thedrivingartisticsource

behindthefilmingprocessandcommunicatestoactorsthewaythathe/shewouldlikeaparticularsceneplayed.A directorsdutiesmightalsoincludecasting,scriptediting,shotselection,shotcompositionandediting.Typically,adirector hascompleteartisticcontroloverallaspectsofthemovie,butitisnotuncommonforthedirectortobeboundby agreementswitheitheraproducerorastudio.Insomelargeproductions,adirectorwilldelegatelessimportantscenestoa secondunit.

DirectorofPhotography-

(AKA:DP ,DoP)Acinematographerwhoisultimatelyresponsiblefortheprocessofrecordinga

sceneinthemannerdesiredbythedirector.TheDirectorofPhotographyhasanumberofpossibleduties:selectionoffilm stock,camerasandlenses;designingandselectinglighting,directingthegaffersplacementoflighting;shotcomposition(in consultationwiththedirector);filmdevelopingandfilmprinting.

Dissolve

-Aneditingtechniquewherebytheimagesofoneshotaregraduallyreplacedbytheimagesofanother.

Distributor

-Theorganizationresponsibleforcoordinatingthedistributionofthefinishedmovietoexhibitors,aswellas

thesaleofvideos,laserdiscsandothermediaversionsofmovies.

DolbyNoiseReduction
processes.

-DolbyLaboratories,Inc.,hasproducedanumberofnoise-reductionandsound-enhancement

Dolly

-(AKA:DollyShot,DollyUp,DollyIn,DollyBack,Pullback)Adollyisasmalltruckthatrollsalongdollytracks

carryingthecamera,someofthecameracrewandoccasionallythedirector.Dollyisalsotheactionofmovingthe cameratowards(dollyup/in)orawayfrom(dolly/pullback)theobjectthatitispointingat.Thetermoftenappearsin screenplays.Thereisasubtledifferencebetweentheresultsofazoomshotandadollyshot.Inazoom,therelative positionsandsizesofallobjectsintheframeremainsthesame,whereasinadollyshotthiswillchangeasthecamera moves.(AlfredHitchcocksmuch-imitatedshotinVertigousedacombinationzoom-inanddollyback,resultingina dramaticchangeinperspective.)

DollyGrip

-Agripthatmovesadolly.

50

DollyTracks Draftsman- Driver

-Asetoftracksuponwhichacameracanbemoved.

Apersonwhocreatestheplansforsetconstruction.

-(AKA:TransportationCaptain)Apersonwhodriveseitherequipmentorpassengertrucks,typicallybetween

locationshootings,setsandthestudio.Thechiefdriveriscalledthetransportationcaptain.

Dubbing

-(AKA:Dubs,Dubbed)Thetechniqueofcombiningmultiplesoundcomponentsintoone.Thetermisalsoused

torefertoautomaticdialogreplacementofanewlanguage.

ElectricalDepartment Establishingshot
willtakeplace.

-Thedepartmentinchargeofallelectricalmatters(primarilylighting)forproductions.

-Thefirstshotofanewscenethatintroducestheaudiencetothespaceinwhichtheforthcomingscene

ExecutiveProducer Exposition

-Aproducerwhoisnotinvolvedinanytechnicalaspectsofthefilmmakingprocess,butwhoisstill

responsiblefortheoverallproduction.Typicallyanexecutiveproducerhandlesbusinessandlegalissues.

-Backgroundinformationnecessarytotheadvancementofthestorylineortoaugmentrichnessordetail.

EyelineMatch Fade

-Atechniqueusedinvisualeffectstomakesureanactorislookingatthefaceofthecharacter/creatureto

beinsertedlater.

-(AKA:FadeToBlack,FadeIn,FadeOut)Asmooth,gradualtransitionfromanormalimagetocompleteblackness

(fadeout),orviceversa(fadein).

FastMotion Festival

-(AKA:SkipFrame)Ashotinwhichtimeappearstomovemorequicklythannormal.Theprocessis

commonlyachievedbyeitherdeletingselectframes(calledskipframes)orbyundercranking.

-Aneventatwhichfilmscanoftenpremiere.Festivalscanbeusedasbystudiostoshowtheirwaresandsellrights

todistributors,ortoofficiallymarkamoviesreleasesoastomakeiteligibleforawardceremonieswithharddeadlines thatcantbemetiftheywaitedforageneralrelease.Somefestivalsarecompetitive,givingawardsfromajuryorselectedby theaudiences.

FilmDeveloping FilmMagazines
camera.

-Aprocesswherebyimagesrecordedonfilmstockaretransferredtoanegativeprint.

-Areeloffilmstockreadyforuseinacamera.Theclapper-loaderisresponsibleforinsertingtheseintoa

FilmNoir

-Literally:BlackFilm;describesagenreoffilmwhichtypicallyfeaturesdark,broodingcharacters,corruption,

detectivesandtheseedysideofthebigcity.

FilmStock Foley

-Thephysicalmediumonwhichphotographicimagesarerecorded.

-Theartofrecreatingincidentalsoundeffects(suchasfootsteps)insynchronizationwiththevisualcomponentofa

movie.NamedafterearlypractitionerJackFoley,foleyartistssometimesusebizarreobjectsandmethodstoachievesound effects,e.g.snappingcelerytomimicbonesbeingbroken.Thesoundsareoftenexaggeratedforextraeffect-fight sequencesarealmostalwaysaccompaniedbyloudfoleyaddedthudsandslaps.

FrameRate-

(AKA:FramesPerSecond,FPS)Moviesarecreatedbytakingarapidsequenceofpictures(frames)ofaction.

Bydisplayingtheseframesatthesamerateatwhichtheywererecorded,theillusionofmotioncanbecreated.Frame Rateisthenumberofframescapturedorprojectedpersecond.Thehumanopticalsystemisonlycapableofcapturing about20imagespersecond;hencetogivearealisticillusionofmotionaframerategreaterthanthisisrequired.Most modernmotionpicturesarefilmedanddisplayedat24fps.Earlierfilmsusedlowerframerates,andhencewhenplayed backonmodernequipment,fastmotionoccursduetoundercranking.Seealso:slowmotion,fastmotion,undercranking, overcranking,judder,motionartifact.

Gaffer

-(AKA:ChiefLightingTechnician)Theheadoftheelectricaldepartment,responsibleforthedesignandexecution

ofthelightingplanforaproduction.In16thCenturyEnglish,thetermgafferdenotedamanwhowastheheadofany organized group of laborers.

51

Gel

-Athin,tintedplastic-likesheetplacedoveralighttochangethecoloroftheprojectedlight.Cleaningthegelsisa

practicaljokeusuallygivenasajobtoaninexperiencedcrewmember.

Greenscreen Grindhouse Grip

-Anewertechniquesimilartobluescreen,howeverutilizingakeygreenbackground.Researchshowedthat

substantiallybetterresultscouldbegainedbyfilmingongreeninsteadofblue,aseffectsstockwasmoresensitiveto separatingkeygreenfromother(foreground)colors.

-AtermusedtodescribemovietheaterscommonintheU.S.fromthe1950sonward,whichspecializedin

showing,orgrindingoutasmanyBmoviesastheycouldfitintotheirschedules.Thetermisalsousedtodescribethe typeofBmoviescommonlyviolent,exploitative,orjustplainracythatwereshowninsuchtheaters.

-IntheUSA,agripisaskilledpersonresponsibleforthesetup,adjustmentandmaintenanceofproduction

equipmentontheset.Theirtypicaldutiesinvolvecameramovement,lightingrefinementandmechanicalrigging.IntheUK, gripsworkexclusivelywithequipmentthatthecameraismountedon.Contrastwithswinggang,seealsokeygrip.

HighConcept Hold

-Describesafilmthatincludesand/orexploitscertainelements(e.g.fastaction,big-namestars)inorderto

attractalargeaudience.

-Awordusedonacontinuityreporttoindicatethataparticulartakeshouldbekept,butnotdeveloped.

Honeywagon HotSet

-Usuallyatrailer,ortruckand-trailercombinationoutfittedforandusedasthedressingroomforactors

whenonlocationshootsawayfrompermanentsoundstages.

-Asetwheresetdressersandproppersonshavefinalizedplacingfurnitureandpropsforfilmingasceneandon

whichasceneisintheprocessofbeingshot;labeledthustoindicatethatitshouldnotbechangedordisturbed.

IndependentFilm Ink Insert Jib

-(AKA:Indie)Amovienotproducedbyamajorstudio.

-Verb:tosignacontract.Noun:presscoverage.

-Aclose-upshotofanobject,oftenproducedbythesecondunit.Thetermprobablycameabouttoreflectthefact

thatthisshotwillbeinsertedintothefinalversionofthemovieduringediting.

-Thearmofamechanicalcrane.

JumpCut KeyGrip Kickoff

-Acutinvolvinganinterruptiontothecontinuityoftime,wheretheimageinashotcloselymatchestheimageof

the previous shot.

-(AKA:Key-Gripthechiefofagroupofgrips)Oftendoublingforaconstructioncoordinatorandabackupfor

thecameracrew,thatalsomovesadolly.Keygripsworkcloselywiththegaffer .

-Thestartofproductionorprincipalphotography.

Leadman Lighting

-Memberoftheartdepartmentwhoisinchargeofswinggangsand/orsetdressersandreportstotheset

decorator.

-Mostproductionsuseartificiallightingwhenfilmingforvarioustechnicalandartisticreasons,eitheronlocation

oronaset.Lightingisdesignedbythedirectorofphotographyinconsultationwiththedirector,andistheresponsibility oftheelectricaldepartment.

LineProducer

-Aproducerwhoisresponsibleformanagingeverypersonandissueduringthemakingofafilm.Line

producersonlyworkononefilmatatime.

LocationManager

-Apersonwhomanagesvariousaspectsoffilmingamovieonlocation,suchasarrangingwith

authoritiesforpermissiontoshootinspecificplaces.TheLocationManagerisnotbasedonsetandthereforehasan AssistantLocationManagerwhorepresentsthedepartmentandmanagesthedepartmentsinterestsonsetwherethe LocationManagerspermissionisnotrequiredorwhereelementsoftheLocationManagersjobhasbeendelegatedtothe AssistantLocationManagertooversee.

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LocationScout Lockitdown Magichour Majors-

-Apersonwholooksforsuitablelocationsforfilming.

-Adirectiongivenbytheassistantdirectorforeveryoneonthesettobequiet,moveoutofframeandto

securethesetagainstanythingoroneinterruptingtheshotasitishappening.Itiscalledjustpriortospeed.Thephrase canalsobeusedtosecuringalocationforfilming.

-Theminutesjustaroundsunsetandsunrise,wherelightlevelschangedrasticallyandquickly,lendinga

warmorangeglowtoearliershots,andaclearerblueinlaterminutesthatallowsacrewtoshootnightsceneswhilelight stillremains.

ThemajorHollywoodmovieproducer/distributorstudios(MGM/UA,20thCenturyFox,SonyPictures,Warner

Bros,ParamountPictures,Universal,andDisney).

MatteArtist

-(AKA:Mattematician)Apersonwhocreatesartwork(usuallyforthebackgroundofashot)thatis

includedinthemovieeitherviaamatteshotoropticalprinting.

MethodActing

-AstyleofactingformalizedbyKonstantinStanislavskywhoisbelievedbysometocreatemorerealistic

performances.Essentially,thetheoryrequiresactorstodrawexperiencesfromtheirownpersonallivesthatcorrelateto thecharactertheyareplaying-anextremelydemandingprocessemotionally.Insomecases,methodactorstakethe theoryevenfurtherbyarrangingeventsintheirprivatelivestoresemblethelivesoftheircharacters.

Mise-en-scene

-Literallytranslatedaswhatsputintothescene,thisisthesumtotalofallfactorsaffectingtheartistic

lookorfeelofashotorscene.Thesecanincludeshotselection,shotcomposition,productiondesignandset decoration,aswellastechnicalcamerapropertiessuchasshutterspeed,aperture,framerateanddepthoffield.Mise-ensceneisoftencontrastedwithmontage,wheretheartisticlookofasceneisconstructedthroughvisualediting.

Montage

-Anartisticdeviceforcreatingtheartisticlookorfeelofascene,throughtheuseofvisualediting.Often

contrastedwithmise-en-scene.

MotionPictureAssociationofAmerica

-(AKA:MPAA)TheMotionPictureAssociationofAmericaanditsinternational

counterpart,theMotionPictureAssociationserveasthevoiceandadvocateoftheAmericanmotionpicture,homevideo andtelevisionindustries,domesticallythroughtheMPAAandinternationallythroughtheMPA.Throughthe ClassificationsandRatingsAdministration(CARA),theMPAAissuescertificates.

Movematch

-(AKA:Matchmove,Matchmoving,CameraTracking)Theuseofcomputerprogramstocombineand

synthesizerealfootagewithCGIeffects.ThepersonthatmakestheintegrationpossiblebetweenCGwithliveaction footageiscalledMatchmoveartist,Matchmover,IntegrationartistorCameratrackingartist.

MusicSupervisor NTSC

-(AKA:MusicalDirector,MusicalDirection,MusicDirector,MusicDirection)Apersonwho

coordinatestheworkofthecomposer,theeditorandsoundmixers.Alternately,apersonwhoresearchesobtainsrightsto andsuppliessongsforaproduction.

-ThestandardforTV/videodisplayintheUSandCanada,assetbytheNationalTelevisionStandardsCommittee,

whichdelivers525linesofresolutionat60half-framespersecond.

OpticalSoundtrack Option

-Acompositeprintinwhichthesoundtrackisrecordedviathevaryingwidthofatransparenttrack

thatrunsbesidethesequenceofframesonaprint.

-(AKA:OptioningaScript)Tobuytheexclusiverightstoascript,withinaspecifiedtimeatasetprice,effectively

guaranteeingthatduringtheindicatedtimeperiodthewriterwillnotsharetheideawithanyoneelse.

Overcranking

-Theprocessofspeedingtheframerateofacameraup,sothatwhenthecapturedpicturesareplayedatthe

normalframeratetheactionappearstobeinslowmotion.Historically,cameraswereoperatedbyturningacrankata constant,requiredspeed;henceovercrankingreferstoturningthecranktooquickly.

Over-the-Shouldershot

-Acamerashotoverthefirstcharactersshouldercapturingthesecondcharacteroppositethem;

commonlyusedtoshowaconversationfromthefirstcharactersperspective.

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P&A Pan Pen

(Printsandadvertising,)themajorcostsoffilmdistribution.

-Theactionofrotatingacameraaboutitsverticalaxis.

-Towrite,especiallyascript.

Pickups

-(AKA:Pickedup)Moviesmadebyonestudiothathavebeenacquiredbyanother.Alternately,anyfootageshot

after production wraps.

Pipeline

-Ascheduleofmovieprojectsinproduction.

Pixelation

-Visualsquare-likedigitalbreakupthatappearsonthemonitorwhenplayingbackavideofromadigital

mediumsuchasaminiDVoraDigibetaresultingfromsomesortofcorruptionofthevideo.Also,avariantofstopmotionanimationwhereactorsaretheobjectsbeingfilmed.

PointofView
position.

-(AKA:POV)Acameraangleinwhichthecameraviewswhatwouldbevisiblefromaparticularobjects

Post-Production
effects.

-Workperformedonamovieaftertheendofprincipalphotography.Usuallyinvolveseditingandvisual

Pre-Production Premiere

-Arrangementsmadebeforethestartoffilming.Thiscanincludescriptediting,setconstruction,location

scoutingandcasting.

-(AKA:Bow,Debut)Thefirstofficialpublicscreeningofamovie,markingtheopening.Theaffairisoftenagala

eventattendedbythefilmmakers,starsandothercelebrities.

PrincipalPhotography Print

-(AKA:PrincipalFilming,Principal)Thefilmingofmajororsignificantcomponentsofamovie

thatinvolveleadactors.

-Aprojectableversionofamovie,usuallyconsistingofoneormorereels.Whenreferringtoaparticulartakeona

continuityreport,printindicatesthatthetakeshouldbedeveloped.

Producer

-Thechiefofstaffofamovieproductioninallmatterssavethecreativeeffortsofthedirector,whoisheadofthe

line.Aproducerisresponsibleforraisingfunding,hiringkeypersonnelandarrangingfordistributors.

Production

-(AKA:InProduction,ProductionDate)Inthemovieindustry,thistermreferstothephaseofmoviemaking

duringwhichprincipalphotographyoccurs.Popularly,however,productionmeanstheentiremovieproject.Seealso pre-production and post-production.

ProductionCompany ProductionDesigner Prop

-Ageneraltermforacompanythatisassociatedwiththemakingofamovie.

-Anartistresponsiblefordesigningtheoverallvisualappearanceofamovie.

-Anythinganactortouchesorusesontheset;e.g.phones,guns,cutlery,etc.Movieanimalsandallfoodstyling

(foodseenoreatenonset/screen)alsofallintothisdomain.Seealsopropertyassistantandsetdresser.

PropertyMaster Quarter
issues.

-(AKA:PropMaster,Props,Property,AssistantPropertyMaster)Thepersonresponsibleforbuying,

acquiring,and/ormanufacturinganypropsneededforaproduction.Thepropertymasterisresponsibleforallaspectsof propuseonthesetand,inconjunctionwiththescriptsupervisor,formaintainingsetcontinuity.Contrastwithsetdresser

-Aquarterofayear;threemonths.Usedbyproductionaccountantsandpublicitydepartmentsforfinancial

RailroadConsultant

-Apersonwhoadvisesaproductiononrailroadhistory,architecture,businesspractices,economics,

equipment,locationsandstrategiestoattainmaximumon-screenproduction/artisticvalues.

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Re-recordingMixer

-Amemberofthesoundcrewresponsibleformixingthefinalsoundelements(dialogue,music,

soundeffectsandfoley).Inmostfeaturefilmsandsometelevisionshowsthereisacrewofthreere-recordingmixers(one fordialog,oneforsoundeffectsandfoleyandoneformusic).Sometimesintelevisionthemusicmixermixesthefoleyfor expediency.Therearealsotwo-personcrewsinwhichthedialogmixer(generallyconsideredtheleadmixer)mixesmusicas well,withtheotherpersonmixingsoundeffectsandfoley.

Reel

-Astripoffilmwoundonametalwheel.Typicalreelshold15-25minutesoffilm.

ReverseShot Rigger

-(AKA:ReverseAngle,HollywoodReverse)Ashottakenata120-180degreeanglefromtheprecedingshot.

Whenusedindialoguescenes,reverse-shoteditingusuallyalternatesbetweenover-the-shouldershotsthatshoweach characterspeaking.

-Workersresponsibleforthesetting,hangingandfocusingoflightinginstrumentsandconstructingscaffolding

usedinmakingfilmsets.

Rotoscoping ScenicArtist

-(AKA:Rotoscope)Ananimationtechniqueinwhichimagesofliveactionaretraced,eithermanuallyor

automatically.

-Amemberofthecrewresponsibleforworkwhichincludesthepreparation,paintingand/orcolorationofall

textures,plastering,appliqueingonscenery,setsandproperties;theapplicationofalldecorativewallorsurfacecoverings; allletteringandsignwork(includingsignsandmurals;miniaturesetsand/ormodelsandpropertiesandthepaintingand aginginthe(construction)studiooronthesetofcostumesandcostumeaccessoriesasspecifiedbythecostumedesigner.

Score

-Themusicalcomponentofamoviessoundtrack.Composerswritemanyscoresspecificallyformovies.

ScreenTest Seamstress
etc.

-Aformofauditioninwhichanactorperformsaparticularroleoncamera,notnecessarilywiththecorrect

makeuporontheset.

-Apersonwhomakesthecostumes.

SecondUnit Serial

-Asmall,subordinatecrewresponsibleforfilmingshotsoflessimportance,suchasinserts,crowds,scenery,

-Amultipartfilmthatusuallyscreenedachaptereachweekatacinema.Thestorystructureusuallyhaseachchapter

endingwithacliffhangertoensuretheaudiencewouldliketowatchfollowingchapteratitsrelease.

SetDesigner SetDresser

-Thepersonresponsiblefortranslatingaproductiondesignersvisionofthemoviesenvironmentintoaset

thatcanbeusedforfilming.Thesetdesignerreportstotheartdirector.

-ApersonwhomaintainsthesetpertheSetDecoratorsrequirements,placingelementssuchascurtainsand

paintings,andmovesandresetsthesetdecorationtoaccommodatecamera,gripandlightingsetups.

ShootingScript Shotlist

-Thescriptfromwhichamovieismade.Usuallycontainsnumberedscenesandtechnicalnotes.

ShotComposition

-Thearrangementofkeyelementswithintheframe.

-Alistgiventothefilmproductioncrew,whichindicatesthesequenceofscenesbeingshotfortheday.Thislist

mayincludethescenenumber,thelocationofwherethesceneisbeingshot,adescriptionofthescene,thelengthofascene (listedbynumberofpagesfromthescript),alistofactorswhowillbeinvolvedinthesceneand,specialnotestoall departmentsofwhatwillbeneededorrequiredforaparticularscenebeingshot.

ShutterSpeed Silk

-Thelengthoftimethatasingleframeisexposedfor.Slowershutterspeedsallowmorelighttoenterthe

camera,butallowmoremotionblur.

-Alargesectionoftranslucentwhiteclothusedtofilterandsoftenahard-lightsource.

Slate

-Therecordedidentificationofsceneandtakenumbers,usuallydonewithaclapboard.Mosttakesareidentifiedat

thebeginning;atailslatemarkstheendinstead.Alsousedinanaudition,toidentifyanactorsname,representation(if any)andthescenetheywillbeperformingintheaudition.

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SwingGang Syndication

-Setdresserswhodressandstrikesets,aswellaspickupandreturnthedressing.Theyworkapartfromthe

shootingcrew,astheyarealwayseitherpreppingasetforshootingorstrikingitafteritsbeenshot.

-Apackageofoffnetworkprogramssoldorbarteredtoindividualtelevisionstationsinalocalmarket,either

strip(daily)orweeklyepisodic(series).Apackageoftitlesmayrequirecashpurchase,barteredorsponsored programming.Mostpackagedsyndicatedcontractsofferexclusivitytoamarketforlimitednumberofairings.Contracts aregenerallydesignedforonetotwofullseasonruns.

Synopsis Take

-Asummaryofthemajorplotpointsandcharactersofascript,generallyinapageortwo.

-Asinglecontinuousrecordedperformanceofascene.Adirectortypicallyorderstakestocontinueuntilheorsheis

satisfiedthatallofhisorherrequirementsforthescenehavebeenmade,betheytechnicalorartistic.Acontinuityreport storesthestatusofeachtake.Oftheonesthatdontcontainobviouserrors,thedirectorwillordersometobeprinted.

Talent

-Ageneral,informaltermforactors(andpossiblyextras).

TechnicalAdvisor
production.

-(AKA:Consultant)Apersonwithexpertiseinaparticularfieldwhoprovidesadviceforthe

Telecine

-Theprocessoftransferringmovingimagesfromfilmtoavideosignal,includingframerateandcolor

corrections.Alsotheequipmentorfacilityusedtodoit.

Teleplay

-Ascriptwrittentobeproducedfortelevision.

Telewriter
gravel.

-Awriterwhoeitheradaptsanexistingworkforproductionontelevision,orcreatesanewteleplay.

Terra-Flite Tilt

-Acrossbetweenasteadicamandaloumacrane,usedtosteadyimagesofrunninghorsesorcarsdrivingover

-Theactionofrotatingthecameraeitherupordown.

Timecode

-Electronicguidetrackaddedtofilm,videooraudiomaterialtoprovideatimereferenceforediting,

synchronization,etc.

TitleDesign Titleist

-Theprocessduringwhichthetitleistdesignshowtitleofamovieisdisplayedonscreen.

-Thepersonwhodesignshowafilmstitleappearsonthescreen.Themannerinwhichtitleofamovieisdisplayed

onscreeniswidelyconsideredanartform.

Topline Track

-Tostarinamotionpicture;thiscansometimesincludetheplacementofaperformersnamebeforethetitleonthe

creditsandpromotionalitems.

-Asinglecomponentorchannelofasoundtrack.

TrackingShot
beingfilmed.

-(AKA:Tracking,Trucking)Theactionofmovingacameraalongapathparalleltothepathoftheobject

Undercranking

-Theprocessofslowingtheframerateofacameradown,sothatwhenthecapturedpicturesareplayedat

thenormalframeratetheactionappearstobeinfastmotion.Historically,cameraswereoperatedbyturningacrankata constantspeed;henceundercrankingreferstoturningthecranktooslowly.

UnitProductionManager

-(AKA:UnitManager,UPM)Anexecutivewhoisresponsibletoaseniorproducerforthe

administrationofaparticularmovie.UnitProductionManagersonlyworkononefilmatatime.OnlyDGAmemberscan becalledUnitProductionManagers.

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UnitPublicist

-Memberofthepublicitydepartmentwhoworksonlocationduringtheproductionofamovie.Duties

includesworkingwiththeresidentsofthelocationwherethefilmisbeingmade,aswellassettinguppressvisitsand electronicpresskitinterviews.Inaddition,theunitpublicistassemblesthebiographicalmaterialsandnotesaboutthe makingofthemoviethatarelaterturnedintothemoviepresskit.Unitpublicistsareitineranttheymovefrom productiontoproductionandareontheproductionpayroll.Theyreporttothefilmmakersand,ifthefilmhasareleasing studio,theyalsoreporttothepublicitydirectors.Onceprincipalphotographyisover,theunitpublicistmovesonto anotherjob.

UtilityPerson Vertigoeffect

-Thepersonresponsibleforvariousmanualtasks,runningerrandsorperformingwhateverjobsother

membersoftheircrewassignthem.

-AcameratechniquecreatedbyAlfredHitchcockduringhisfilmVertigothatinvolvestrackingbackwards

whilesimultaneouslyzoomingin,makingthepersonorobjectinthecenteroftheimageseemstationarywhiletheir surroundings change.

VisualEffectsRigger Voice-Over Walk-On Walla

-Thepersonthatpreparestheminiaturemodels,creaturepuppetsorwhateverthecamerasubjectis,

toperformwhatevertheobjectissupposedtododuringtheshot.

-Indicatesthatdialoguewillbeheardonamoviessoundtrack,butthespeakerwillnotbeshown.The

abbreviationisoftenusedasanannotationinascript.

-Aminorrole,usuallywithoutspeakinglines.

-(AKA:Rhubarb)Backgroundconversation.Historically,whenascriptcalledforcrowdunrestormurmuring,

theextraswouldberequiredtomumblethewordrhubarb,asthisproducedtherequiredeffect.

WardrobeDepartment WhipPan

-Thesectionofaproductionscrewconcernedwithcostumes.Individualjobtitlesinclude:costume

designer, costumer and costume supervisor.

-Anextremelyfastpan,incorporatingmuchmotionblur .Thetermreferstothewhippingactionthatthe

cameraoperatorusestomovethecamera.

Widescreen

-Amoviethathasanaspectratiogreaterthanacademyratiowhenprojected.

WildSound Wipe

-(AKA:WildTrack,WildSound,MOS,MitOutSound)Scenesthatarefilmedwithoutthesoundbeing

recordedatthesametime.Dialogand/orsoundeffectsmaybedubbedinlater.

-Aneditingtechniqueinwhichimagesfromoneshotarefullyreplacedbytheimagesofanother,delimitedbya

definiteborderthatmovesacrossoraroundtheframe.

WorkingTitle Xerography ZoomShot

-Thenamebywhichamovieisknownwhileitisbeingmade.Thisissometimesdifferentfromthetitlewith

whichitisreleased.

-Thetechniqueusinganelectrostaticprocesstocopyortransferanimage,commonlyfoundinofficecopiers

and used in cartoon production.

-(AKA:Zoom,ZoomIn,Zooming,ZoomBack,ZoomOut)Ashotinwhichthemagnificationoftheobjects

bythecameraslensesisincreased(zoomin)ordecreased(zoomout/back).Thereisasubtledifferencebetweentheresults ofazoomshotandadollyshot.Inazoom,therelativepositionsandsizesofallobjectsintheframeremainsthesame, whereasinadollyshotthiswillchangeasthecameramoves.AlfredHitchcocksmuch-imitatedshotinVertigouseda combinationzoominanddollyback,resultinginadramaticchangeinperspective.

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