1. Crew and equipment. The production coordinator or PA might be required to book the crew and equipment for the production. In a large company, these facilities would be booked through an appropriate department, filling in booking forms as required. In a small company you might well be negotiating directly with the people concerned. If this is the case, it is important to find out from the director precisely what is required. For example, do you need extra electricians on certain days? If the director does not know exactly what is needed, try to discuss the technical aspects of the booking with someone who is an expert in that area. A lot of money and time can be saved in this way.
When booking crews always make the conditions clear. For example, is it an ‘all-in’ deal, or will overtime be paid and if so, at what rate? Is tape or film stock included in the deal, and, in particular, what sort, or should you purchase it separately? If so, how much should you buy? All these questions must be settled at the outset. You should agree the working hours and travel times and always confirm a booking with a letter giving the precise nature of the booking and the agreed fee, as well as the dates and times required.
2. Post production. The production coordinator, PA or post production coordinator might be required to book the post production editing and graphics. It is essential that you take expert advice on this as it can be a minefield. You might find it useful to read the section on Post Production at the back of this book for some initial basic guidance.
Crew and Equipment
If the director doesn’t know exactly what is needed, try to discuss technical aspects of the booking with someone who is an expert in that area.