Film Directing 124: The Director's Tech Survey

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LEVEL 100 blogs are for film students and first-time directors taking on the directing role for a short film. The series is designed to help and guide new filmmakers through the director’s prep duties, pre-production activities, and principle photography dynamics.

Let's get this show on the road!

A good tech survey is a beautiful thing.

It can be so much more than just a walkthrough of the locations and the general shooting plan – it’s an opportunity for you to showcase all of the prep that’s been done; the locations, the schedule, the shotlist, blocking ideas, technical concerns, the mechanics of the production, etc.

Like any road trip, you need a plan:

  •  a time for departure,

  • a map,

  • an itinerary of stops,

  • a timeline for each stop, and

  • an estimated time for return.

The tech survey is usually a day, or a couple of days, before principal photography begins so that every department has time to make any final adjustments. 

All of the key players have a ticket to ride: the director of photography, the gaffer, the key grip, the design and art team, the location manager – and they will all be listening closely to the directing team. 

Make-up, hair, and sound are not always included – but having the sound mixer along can be helpful to avoid any audio problems. Especially at the low-budget/student level where people may be new to their role and the equipment.

The survey begins with everybody getting on the bus, or into a vehicle convoy. The first stop for most productions is a coffee-to-go. Then it’s time to hit the road.

At each location, the directing team explains their best-laid plans. 

The 1st AD (asst. director) provides a location overview and the important details: 

  • safety concerns,

  • the script name for the location,  

  • the number of scenes,

  • the page count for each scene, 

  • the script time of day for each scene, 

  • the type of action or effects that will happen, 

  • the number of days at the location, 

  • the projected start times, 

  • the times for the art team to load in and out, 

  • the days and times the production team will be working, 

  • parking, 

  • lunch, 

  • washrooms,

  • actor holding area,

  • make-up/hair areas, and

  • any sensitivities or things for certain departments to note.  

After the 1st AD’s introduction, the director provides further details – scene by scene, shot by shot. 

This is your chance to get the team excited about your directing style, your storytelling ideas, and your visual plan. Make the most of this opportunity. It will serve you well. 

Starting with the first scene to be shot at the location, physically walk through all of your directorial intentions: 

  • where the camera goes,

  • what the camera sees,

  • where the camera moves, 

  • the actor action, 

  • the type of shots planned, 

  • how much time you’re expecting to take, 

  • your concerns, 

  • your priorities,  

  • your hopes – and dreams.

The more details and precision, the better. Thoroughness and clarity are key.

Missing something on a tech survey can cause unexpected problems. 

It’s a given that things may change, and likely will. Still, the proposed plan for the work is the foundation for the schedule and budget. That’s what this safari is all about.

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The tech survey is also an opportunity for every department to ask questions or point out concerns. Take your time here and focus on solving any points that are raised with input from your 1st AD and department heads.

Questions and answers help everyone understand the schedule, the scope of work, and the challenges of getting the work done on time.

Keep in mind that if someone has a problem, they may also have a solution. Ensuring a smooth-running production is the goal of the tech survey.

If you don’t have a solution at the ready, side-bar the discussion and solve it later to keep your day on schedule.

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The tech survey is where the rubber hits the road for the directing team: laying out the plans, all the moving parts, the schedule, the start and stop times, the equipment load-in, where craft service can set up – and everything that’s going to happen for each day of shooting.

When the directing team maps out a smooth, workable plan, it garners support from everyone involved. People want to see that you know your stuff. And that you’re ready.

Bringing your best helps you grease the wheels of production. Your energy, enthusiasm, and confidence are all on display. 

The tech survey sets the tone for your shoot. 

Make it a beautiful thing.