Dailies

Definition

Dailies refer to the raw, unedited footage that is shot during the production of a film or television project, usually viewed the day after filming. This viewing allows the creative team to assess performances, technical aspects, and overall visual storytelling in real-time. Reviewing dailies is crucial for overseeing visual effects, sound design, and music composition, as it provides essential insights that inform the post-production process and help maintain the project's vision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dailies are generally viewed by directors, producers, and department heads to make immediate creative decisions about performances and technical quality.
2. The process of reviewing dailies helps identify any issues that may need reshooting or additional coverage before moving into post-production.
3. Dailies can include not just the raw footage but also audio recordings and preliminary visual effects that have been added during filming.
4. Some filmmakers prefer to review dailies on set using digital devices, while others may prefer to wait until they have a more polished version to view in a dedicated screening room.
5. The practice of reviewing dailies has evolved with technology; digital dailies can be shared instantly with team members who are not physically present during filming.

Review Questions

• How do dailies influence the decision-making process during the production phase?
  • Dailies play a significant role in shaping the production process by allowing directors and producers to assess performances and technical aspects in real-time. After viewing dailies, the team can make informed decisions about potential reshoots or additional shots needed. This immediate feedback loop is crucial for maintaining continuity and ensuring that the film aligns with its intended vision.
• Discuss the importance of dailies in relation to visual effects and sound design in a film project.
  • Dailies are vital for visual effects and sound design because they provide context for how scenes will ultimately look and sound. By reviewing raw footage, VFX artists can better understand how their effects will integrate with live action. Similarly, sound designers can analyze dialogue delivery and ambient sounds captured during filming, ensuring that their work enhances the overall audio experience in sync with what is being portrayed visually.
• Evaluate how advancements in technology have changed the process of reviewing dailies and its impact on production workflow.
  • Advancements in technology have transformed how dailies are reviewed by enabling faster processing and sharing of footage. Digital platforms allow teams to access dailies remotely, facilitating collaboration among crew members regardless of their location. This shift not only accelerates feedback loops but also enhances creative discussions around visual effects, sound design, and music composition, ultimately streamlining the entire production workflow.

Related terms

Rushes: Another term for dailies, typically used in the UK, which also refers to the raw footage processed after each shooting day.

Post-Production: The phase following filming where editing, visual effects, sound design, and music composition take place to finalize the project.

Screening: A presentation of a film or footage to an audience for evaluation, often used to gauge audience reactions and make necessary adjustments.