Why Your Shoot Day Keeps Falling Apart

Brain snack: “The difference between a good shoot and a great shoot is often in the clock.” Most filmmakers dread the clock on set. They wing it. They hope for the best. They end up in overtime, burni

Brain snack: “The difference between a good shoot and a great shoot is often in the clock.”

Most filmmakers dread the clock on set.

They wing it.

They hope for the best.

They end up in overtime, burning cash and crew.

But after years on set, this simple formula works best for me. And yes, you can steal it.

Why this formula is your secret weapon:

Here’s the one simple tip:

Calculate your shot time with precision using this formula:

Setup Time + (Estimated Script Time + 5 min Buffer) * Estimated # of Takes = Total Shooting Time for a Shot

Let’s break it down:

Example in Action:

Imagine a close-up of an actor delivering a 45-second monologue.

Calculation: 20 min + (0.75 min + 5 min) * 7 = 20 + (5.75 min * 7) = 20 + 40.25 = 60.25 minutes.

Round up to 65 minutes. Now you know that one shot needs over an hour. This isn’t just a number; it’s a commitment. It allows you to plan your day, manage expectations, and avoid that sinking feeling when you’re behind before lunch.

Want to apply this level of precision to your entire creative business, from client acquisition to project delivery? Check out the No BS Filmmaker OS Notion template. 👇

Get the No BS Filmmaker OS

Make your day (and everyone else’s), George

PS: ​My favorite part of any shoot day? Getting home before the sun does. Almost.​ (just for laughs)