Checklist for a shoot day on a film set

Permits and insurance

Indoors on a hired set, you make the arrangements with the owner. If you also shoot outside on public roads, place objects in the street or reserve parking spaces, you often need a notification or filming permit from the municipality. Rules and lead times differ by municipality: Utrecht asks you to apply for a filming permit at least three weeks ahead, Baarn lists eight weeks for a permit. A film commission can advise, but the producer applies for the permit.

Ask the owner whether you need to provide proof of liability insurance or a deposit, and check whether your own insurance covers damage to a hired space and hired equipment. With many owners, you as the hirer are responsible for everyone on set. See terms, cancellation and damage.

People on set

• Children: if a child aged 12 or under takes part, you need an exemption from the Netherlands Labour Authority (Arbeidsinspectie). According to the Labour Authority, you submit the application at least five working days ahead, and the authorisation needed to apply can also take up to five working days. Separate rules apply to ages 13 to 18.
• Extras: ask whether the set itself supplies extras or specialists. At the hospital set in Uithoorn, ambulances and extras are available on request.
• Catering: ask where people may eat, because food and drink are not always allowed on the set itself. Some owners offer lunch; RadarLAB lists €19.50 per person (indicative).

Loading, power and effects

• Loading: how close can the van get to the door, is there street-level loading, are there stairs or narrow corridors, and where does the crew park? In historic buildings this is often harder than in a studio. Filter studios for street-level loading.
• Power: ask how much power is available, which connections (for example 16A, 32A or three-phase) and whether you may use a generator. See also lighting setups.
• Smoke, fire and prop weapons: ask for the house rules in advance. Smoke machines can trigger a fire alarm, and many municipalities have extra rules for violent scenes or special effects in the street.

Put everything in a schedule with times for build, shooting and wrap, and share it with the owner. How to work back from the end time is in planning your shoot day.