WHAT DOES… TO STRIKE A SET MEAN IN FILM? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Art Department Strike Requirements Schedule / Photo Credit: Bruce Bisbey

WHAT DOES… TO STRIKE A SET MEAN IN FILM? (In the Entertainment industry.)         

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What does to strike a set mean in film?  

(AS AN ART DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR OR OFFICE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR…REMEMBER WHEN CREATING A STRIKE AND WRAP SCHEDULE, NO TWO SHOWS ARE ALIKE – STUDIOS, PRODUCTION DESIGNERS, AND PRODUCERS ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND HAVE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND WORKING STYLES. BEND WITH THE WIND AND TAKE EACH SHOW AS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND HAVE FUN)

Set Deconstruction - Strike. Set deconstruction is also known as the strike. Sets are deconstructed in order to build up the next scene, but complete deconstruction and removal from the sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound equipment occurs when the show ends its run at the end of principal photography. This can mean breaking a set down to its stock pieces and returning them to storage, while throwing away anything built custom for the show. If the set was rented, or a location set, striking the set means breaking the set down into the individual pieces that will fit on the truck, then loading the truck

Creating a set plans strike schedule and a wrap order of deconstruction of the sets. This is or was one of my tasks as an Art Department Coordinator. Working closely with the AD’s, production designer, line producer and/or supervising producer or manager.

This is so important, that a strike schedule is followed. All department heads and coordinators must be on the same page, particularly when dealing with the shooting schedule for possible reshoots. The Art Department Coordinator and Office Production Coordinator are key in the break down, coding, labelling, and identifying all set continuity. Working in conjunction with all department heads or coordinators.

All props, set decoration, wardrobe, furniture, continuity photos and video must be labelled and predetermined how they will be packed, shipped, destination, follow-up and safe arrival of all material.

A detailed itemized breakdown of each box, tube or container must match with an inventory list of everything. As an Art Department Coordinator working with the Office Production Coordinator, I would make sure that the Production Designer, Art Directors, Key Accountant, Line Producer, Supervising Producer, Studio rep/producer who oversaw the production of the show all got a copies of the itemized lists. As well keep one in my file – backup.

Example: I received a respect from the Art Director on Bad Boys 3 for continuity, based on me being the Art Department Coordinator on Bad Boys 2, 15 years later. I still had most of the material requested.

Make a Plan

The strike plan will address the what, how, when, who, and safety of the deconstruction process. Since there are costs associated with deconstruction, the strike plan should be developed at the set design of the production, so the costs of the strike can be included in the production’s budget.

The strike plan defines how deconstructed items will be handled. The plan should identify what will be retained for reuse, what will be recycled through a formal recycling program or vendor, and what will go into the dumpster for landfill disposal. Identify where to obtain the storage containers for the items that will be retained for reuse and where they will be stored once the strike is completed. Identify what arrangements will be made to provide containers going into formal recycling and what arrangements need to be made to schedule the dumpster.

When

The strike plan stipulates when the strike will occur. The determination for the timing of the set strike is influenced by the scheduled use of the shooting schedule, the availability of the strike crew, the availability of the scene shop, labor contracts, and safety concerns. Multiple studies have shown that more injuries occur on night shifts and when personnel work extended or unusual hours. Scheduling the strike to occur the morning after the last performance reduces the risk of injury incidents related to fatigue and the inattention associated with fatigue.

Who

The written strike plan spells out who will be involved in the set strike and what responsibilities they are assigned. The strike should be supervised by a trained and qualified person. This may be the set designer, show carpenter, or art director. The strike supervisor/coordinator must remain on premises and actively supervise the strike during strike activities. Strike efficiency is increased when several crews are working safely in concert and that requires trained and qualified strike crew leaders to report and take direction from the strike supervisor. Identify who will serve as crew, students and/or paid professionals?

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Screen Play Scripts, Elements of Cinema, Script Doctor, ASCAP, Film Independent, Any Possibility, CTLsites, NYFA, Future Learn, Chad Bonaker, University of California,

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Art Department Strike Requirements Schedule / Photo Credit: Bruce Bisbey