Call Sheet Explanation

[Tanner Field]

Hey all,
I recently got the job of 2nd AD on a independent short for my school, and truthfully feel slightly over my head. I've been working hard to get my head around as much as possible, so that I feel slightly more prepared when I hit the ground running next week. As I've been researching, one thing I've been trying to understand are call sheets. I understand the basic idea of the call sheet, and for the most part how to read it (I better given I'm going to be making one soon!uke but I've gotten really confused as to some of what some of the categories mean and as to how to read some of the info. I know that this is a poor post since I don't have any examples of the sheets that I can post, but I was wondering if anyone could/knew where I could get a better understanding on all things call sheet. hah thanks!
Also I'd be happy to take any tips you had for a green 2nd AD

 

[david_winters]

For what you are doing, just list any important information which needs to be distributed to everyone involved in the particular shoot day. Cast, crew names, positions, start times, contact info (if open to all recipients), vendors / rental house contacts, summary of shooting schedule, any company movies with address and time, closest urgent / emergency room care. Any other day specific information which needs to be distributed to everyone. And try to keep it to one page.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

A Call Sheet can be executed in various formats as to fit the need of each individual production, but as listed on wikipedia in general there is standard info the will have to appear such as described below:

What a Call Sheet contains

Project title
Date
Day out of days (e.g. "day 3 of a 5 day shoot")
Location(s) for the day
Parking details
Contact details for (at least) the principle members of the crew (e.g. Producer, Production Manager, 1st AD, Location Manager)
Recommended clothing (e.g. "wear black" or "wear full waterproofing")
Scenes to be shot for the day
Broad schedule (the call sheet doesn't usually include the shot-by-shot schedule)
Call times
Makeup and wardrobe times
Scenes
Travel
Breaks
Estimated wrap time
Weather forecast
Details of the local hospital
Details of the local police
Equipment details
Hire company details

What is also important for you as an AD is to learn all the terms in their abbreviated appearance, as to make it easy to read and understand.

There are many great books, and tone of stuff on the net, just Google "Call "Sheet.

ciao

 

[Tanner Field]

Hey guys, thanks for all the help! I've been doing a lot of prep in order to get ready for this job, and I think I've gotten a lot figured out (always still a lot left to learn ) anyway I need a little more help on the call sheets... I am confused by this one part on it (see attachment) see where the Day/Night (D/N) section is it says D4 for all those except the last where is says D3... this isn't for the shooting day because obviously they all take place in one shooting day. So, would this D4 mean it is day 4 in the script? or please enlighten me if I'm incorrect about that one... also is it common to see the day of the script in the call sheet? is this supposed to be for make up and costumes so they know what look to go for? I will have to break down the script into days now, Which shouldn't be hard given there are only 3 days I believe in the script... alright thanks for any help!