Pre-Production Simulation Exercises
Form into Film Production Teams. Each Film Production Team will need the following roles fulfilled:
Director
Cinematographer (1-2)
Talent/Actors (2-3) — use 1-2 of the actors who are cast in the movie, and the rest can be understudies or stand-ins
Sound Engineers (1-2) — Boom and/or Lapel Mic
Script Supervisor — checks continuity and lines
Production Designer/Prop Designer/Costuming — Visualizes and creates the set, props, and costuming
Marketing Director — Behind the Scenes Photo/Video
Film Production Teams will rotate through different pre-production scenarios (listed below). Following the end of the simulation, Film Production Teams will submit a Pre-Production Debriefing so that each member of the team will reflect upon ways to improve their role and the overall filmmaking experience.
1. Simulated Production Day
Overview:
Create a “mini production” day where the class simulates the entire process of filming a scene.
How to Implement:
Pre-Production Meeting:
Assign Roles: Before the rehearsal, assign each student a role (or let them choose from a prepared list) such as director, assistant director, camera operator, sound mixer, script supervisor, production designer, props master, lighting technician, costume coordinator, etc.
Department Meetings: In small groups, let each department meet to plan their responsibilities for the day. For instance, the camera team discusses shot composition and camera movements while the art department plans the set layout and props.
Collaborative Storyboarding: Have the director and assistant director lead a session where everyone collaborates on a rough storyboard or shot list for the scene.
Rehearsal Run:
On-Set Simulation: Use a classroom or a designated space to simulate the film set. Actors (who might be fellow students or even role-playing within their departments) rehearse the scene while the production team performs their tasks.
Live Adjustments: Encourage departments to communicate in real-time. For example, if the lighting isn’t quite right, the lighting team makes adjustments while the director calls for a quick reset.
Debrief:
After the run-through, hold a debrief session where each department discusses what went well and what challenges they encountered. This reflective practice reinforces learning and encourages cross-departmental understanding.
2. Department Rotation Workshop
How to Implement:
Station Setup:
Create Production “Stations”: Set up several “stations” around your rehearsal space, each representing a key production area (e.g., Camera, Sound, Art/Design, Lighting, Script & Continuity, Production Assistance).
Task Cards: At each station, provide a brief description of a challenge or task (e.g., “Set up a shot using a specific camera movement” or “Design a quick set piece that matches the scene’s mood”).
Rotation:
Divide the students into groups (ensuring each group has a mix of roles from the previous assignment if possible). Allow each group 15–20 minutes per station, then rotate. This ensures every student gets hands-on experience with different aspects of production.
Cross-Feedback:
After each rotation, have a quick feedback round where the group discusses what they learned and any difficulties they encountered.
3. Live Blocking & Technical Rehearsal
Overview:
Combine a traditional scene rehearsal (blocking for actors) with a behind-the-scenes technical run. This exercise emphasizes on-set coordination between the acting and production teams.
How to Implement:
Assign Roles:
Clearly designate roles for both on-camera talent (actors) and the production crew (camera, sound, lighting, script supervision, etc.).
Rehearsal Process:
Blocking the Scene: Begin with a table read and then move to blocking, where the actors rehearse their movements and positioning.
Technical Integration: As blocking occurs, have the production crew position cameras, set up microphones, and adjust lighting. This simultaneous process mirrors real set conditions.
Role Interaction: Encourage communication—for example, the director might ask the camera operator to adjust framing based on the actor’s movement, or the sound team might flag ambient noise.
Post-Rehearsal Discussion:
Gather everyone to discuss how the coordination worked. Ask questions like, “Did the camera team feel they had enough time to adjust the shot?” or “Were there any moments where communication broke down?”
4. Mock Production Meeting & Crisis Management
Overview:
Simulate a production meeting where each department presents their plan for shooting the scene, then introduce a “crisis” (like unexpected weather or a missing prop) to see how the team adapts.
How to Implement:
Production Meeting Simulation:
Role Assignments: Each student or small group presents their department’s plan (e.g., camera angles, lighting setups, sound considerations).
Discussion & Q&A: The rest of the class acts as consultants or problem-solvers, questioning decisions and offering alternative solutions.
Crisis Introduction:
Halfway through the meeting or the subsequent rehearsal, introduce an unforeseen challenge (e.g., “The main prop is missing!” or “We lost our location due to weather”).
Team Problem-Solving: Allow the groups a few minutes to regroup and revise their plans under pressure. This exercise builds real-world problem-solving skills and stresses the importance of communication.
Debrief:
Review how each department handled the crisis. Discuss what strategies worked, what didn’t, and how future planning might include contingency strategies.
5. Production Role-Play Game
Overview:
Turn the rehearsal into an interactive game that mimics the unpredictability of a film set. This adds an element of fun while reinforcing production skills.
How to Implement:
Game Setup:
Role Cards: Prepare cards with different production roles and responsibilities. Each student draws a card, ensuring every key role is represented.
Task Challenges: Develop a series of production “challenges” (e.g., “Set up a complex tracking shot in 5 minutes” or “Resolve a continuity error discovered during rehearsal”).
Gameplay:
Work in teams to complete challenges. The game could be structured with rounds, where each round focuses on a different aspect of production (technical setup, creative problem-solving, interdepartmental communication).
Scoring & Rewards: Optionally, introduce a light competitive element with scoring for effective problem-solving or creativity. Ensure that the focus remains on learning and collaboration.
Reflection:
After the game, discuss which roles felt most challenging, what communication strategies were most effective, and how these skills translate to an actual production set.
Additional Tips for Success
Role Rotation:
Ensure that over the course of several rehearsals, students have the opportunity to rotate through different roles. This cross-training helps build empathy for each position and a better overall understanding of the production process.Clear Instructions & Objectives:
Before each exercise, clearly outline the goals. Whether it’s mastering a technical skill, effective communication, or quick problem-solving, having defined objectives helps focus the rehearsal.Debrief Sessions:
Always end with a debrief or reflection period. Encourage students to share what they learned and how they might apply these lessons on an actual film set.Real-World Constraints:
Try to incorporate real-world limitations such as time constraints, budget limitations, or unexpected challenges to simulate the pressures of a real production environment.
