I’ve created a database that essentially allows me to create a call sheet (sample here) using the page design app.
I currently have two tables:
Call sheet table - lists the date as the main column. For each date, I have information such as the location, linked crew member, status etc.
Crew table - this table lists each person’s name in the main column. There’s a linked record to the dates they’re working in the call sheet table, their email, cell, and role. I’d also like to add a column for the call time, but that will vary based on the date. On Tuesday their call time might be 9:00am but on Wednesday it’s 8:30am.
Since each crew member in linked to several call sheet dates, one person may be linked to 2-4 different days of work on set. The time that people need to report to set each day varies.
I’m trying to figure out a way, in the crew tab, to assign a call time for each person for each shoot day that they are assigned.
Would you be able to assist?
I then take all this information and pull it into the page designer app to build a call sheet with each crew member for that day and their corresponding call time.
The key was Docs Automator! I ended up revamping my setup a bit and integrated the amazing 3rd party site. I can't say enough good things about it, the best part is the reduction in possible errors from copying info from the system to the call sheet since it pulls in automatically. I then worked on learning interface setup to make something easy for my ADs to use
Sorry this took a while 🙂 So here is a link to my blank "Master" base. https://airtable.com/appdCoFfDrwWFQ0ei/shrbiqC30dFycUSdz
The idea is that you begin with the script breakdown....all scenes and details. Then move on to fleshing out characters, sets, etc. Then add your locations etc as required.
Finally you add actors and link them, crew and other details. And use the Shot List to organize shots (I have plans to create a DocsAutomator print port of this), and Scripty table to track on the day. Update the Positions to meet the needs of the current project. Etc etc.
BUT - the whole thing starts and ends on the backend with the Call Sheets. Everything eventually leads back to that table, and is intended to be able to create the call sheet. There are Interfaces on my main base to be used by the ADs for input, as well as a couple other ones. The plan is to have a full Template base I can copy for a new show.
The call sheet creation itself will be through a Google doc and the DocsAutomator system, which literally prevented me from pulling all my hair out trying to make the native AirTable options work. One click and it does the magic on the day, and the setup was easy to understand and really didn't take very long. I don't have a generic version of those at the moment, but I can work on creating that.
Might be some ghost information in the setup of my show, working on cleaning it up lol. If anyone really really wanted to see the whole setup in action with proper data maybe we could video chat or something lol.
I can literally run a whole production schedule and shoot from this base with DocsAutomator and a Google doc or two. I don't currently have a setup for proper HR because they generally have their own system.
@Shannon_Bradley I would absolutely be interested!
I work as a 1st AD Commercials, Toronto. Also working on my own short film and enormously put off by MM - pricing especially, for an essentially legacy system with minimal modernization. Studiobinder is utter and complete millennial tripe and Celtx has some silly limitations. Scenchronize is decent but also old school. I was DGC before Commercials (which are NU in Toronto).
I was deeply fascinated by AT until I ran into the buzzsaw of presenting the info in a callsheet, plus tracking and accounting for all the changes.
I'd love a link to your template, as an AD I fully understand discretion if there's ghost data.
My personal site, www.ConorMOBrien.tv.
Love to chat!
Whups looks like I need to re-link my revamped Master lol. Actually have made quite a few updates with the newest features DocsAutomator added in the last couple of months.
I've been playing around a bit with ThinkCrew, and to be honest I'm fairly impressed with it for what it does...may see about working with both. That said, you are absolutely right about all those other systems. They are just too expensive, or not flexible enough. The big draw for me with AT is that I can literally build whatever I want. Recently I was on set as Production Coordinator doing a wee bit of crafty, and last second had to cover for our missing Scripty. 5 minute build in AT and I was set to get the basics lol.