Pitching, Pre-production & the “7 Ps”

Well, things are moving forward pretty quickly; I pitched my drama concept yesterday and it was met with quite a lot of enthusiasm. (People want to work with me yay!)
So, we are all “crewed up”(after a great deal of negotiation, muttering and misunderstandings) and as it stands now there are four documentaries and four dramas green-lit.

I am Writer/Director of ‘Replacement’ and I am Producer on another short drama called ‘Lights’

Replacement	Lights
Director: Alice Reynolds	Director: Rosy Pearce
Producer: Simona Hrusovska	Producer: Alice Reynolds
DOP: Vicky Rouine	DOP: Vicky Rouine
Sound: Rosy Pearce	Sound: Christine Pigott
Editor: Natasha Mitson	Editor: Natasha Mitson

In regards to Television Drama, everything I have read or heard indicates that  Pre-Production is the critical stage to ensure a drama production is organised and successful. Therefore, I think my mantra for the next two weeks will be one I have learnt from my Dad: The 7 “Ps” : Prior preparation and planning prevents piss poor performance.

Therefore, with this sentiment in mind I have already held three production meetings; two for Replacement and one for Lights.

For Replacement, I have drafted a schedule, posted casting call outs, discussed the storyboard,  secured a ‘Continuity Supervisor’, discussed the production budget.... ( I could go on!)

In terms of Lights, I have requested for the script to be finalised, discussed location scouting, asked that the budget and distances between locations be kept to a minimum, enquired about casting and props and I have also put out a request for paperwork!

Pre-production is “firing on all cylinders” me thinks!