Careers in Location Production for Television and Video: Pre-Production, Part 2

By now maybe you are getting a better idea of what a producer is all about in the media industry. Whether it is film, television or video, a producer's role is crucial to get a project complete, on time and on budget. OK, now remember you are a producer who has a great idea for a pilot. At this point in the pre-production phase, you have acquired investors, developed and are writing a script. A Screenplay and Production Schedule will result from that. In the meantime, there are other things to do in pre-production. The list goes on.

At some point in time, you have to decide who will be in this masterpiece. Be it a leading role, a supporting part, or just someone in the background, they all have to be auditioned or recruited. You may find a place to hold auditions, send out announcements for casting calls, review photos and promo packages, or as in our case ask friends and coworkers if they are interested. Then there is the issue of legalities and copyrights. Everyone who is recognizable on screen must sign a talent release. This is a very important thing to remember. I do not care if you are making a video using your main squeeze and close friends in it. Get them to sign a talent release! Look at it this way. Say you upload the video on the web then break up with your girlfriend. She can then legally demand that you have no right to publicly display her likeness, and your video is off the site. A talent release will prevent this. It should list an agreement in detail of how their image will be used, and how much compensation (if any) they receive. You can write one up yourself, but there are sources where you can purchase professional packages containing a variety of production forms. Not only do you need talent releases, but you also need Property Releases for any location you shoot at. The same reasons apply here too.