Dailies

Definition

Dailies refer to the raw footage that is shot on a film or television set and processed for review on a daily basis. This process allows filmmakers, directors, and editors to view the previous day's work to assess performance, continuity, and technical aspects of the footage. Dailies are an essential part of the production workflow, providing immediate feedback that is crucial for making adjustments and ensuring the project stays on track.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dailies are typically viewed in a controlled environment with key crew members, such as the director and cinematographer, present to discuss the footage.
2. The viewing of dailies can influence immediate decisions about re-shoots or adjustments in performance based on what is seen.
3. Dailies can include notes on lighting, camera angles, and any potential issues that may arise in post-production.
4. Technology has evolved the process of reviewing dailies, moving from physical film prints to digital uploads that can be accessed remotely.
5. Timely review of dailies helps maintain momentum during production and can prevent costly mistakes later in the editing process.

Review Questions

• How do dailies impact the decision-making process during film production?
  • Dailies provide immediate visual feedback on the previous day's footage, which directly influences decision-making. Directors and cinematographers can assess performances, lighting conditions, and camera angles. If issues are spotted in the dailies, adjustments can be made quickly to improve the film's overall quality. This real-time evaluation helps keep production on schedule by allowing teams to address problems as they arise.
• Discuss how advancements in technology have changed the traditional process of viewing dailies in film production.
  • Advancements in technology have significantly transformed how dailies are produced and viewed. In the past, filmmakers relied on physical film prints that required careful handling and scheduling for screenings. Now, with digital formats, dailies can be uploaded immediately after shooting and accessed remotely by cast and crew. This shift not only streamlines the review process but also facilitates quicker feedback cycles and allows for collaboration from different locations.
• Evaluate the importance of dailies in maintaining creative vision throughout the filmmaking process and their role in collaboration between departments.
  • Dailies play a vital role in maintaining a project's creative vision by providing a platform for continuous evaluation and adjustment. They foster collaboration between departments such as direction, cinematography, sound design, and editing. By reviewing raw footage regularly, each department can align their efforts with the director's vision and make informed decisions about upcoming shoots or post-production work. This ongoing dialogue enhances the final product by ensuring that all aspects of production are cohesively integrated.

Related terms

Post-Production: The phase of filmmaking that occurs after shooting is complete, where editing, visual effects, sound design, and color grading are finalized.

Screening: An event where a film or video project is shown to an audience for feedback or evaluation, often used to gauge responses before final edits.

Rushes: Another term for dailies, referring specifically to the unedited footage that is made available shortly after shooting.