A Guide for Good: The Inside Track to Jumpstart Production Abroad
The pandemic has added critical considerations for a producer to wade through when determining how to execute a project brief abroad. The COVID guide to live-action shoots that PSN released at the start of the pandemic has proven a valuable resource for producers navigating travel restrictions, remote streaming feasibility and overall safety on set.
As the industry ramps up, PSN have followed up that initiative by compiling spec sheets for the production industry’s reference. This guide of production parameters worldwide will provide invaluable, up-to-date local knowledge and information to help productions get off the ground in this ever-changing landscape, during COVID and beyond.
Why do we need this guide?
“We are one of the first calls producers make when determining where best to shoot and who to rely on for local production support,” explains Michael Moffett, founding director at PSN. “What better way to tap into some of the production knowledge of our boots on the ground in 50 countries? Certainly, each production has its unique challenges. But there are a number of questions which we are asked repeatedly. The sheet of Top Line Specs of each PSN Partner country puts answers to many of those queries at producer’s fingertips.”
“The popularity of our COVID Shoot Status page amongst producers demonstrated the thirst for knowledge accessible around the clock and around the globe. The Top Line Specs are a solid step forward from this, providing producers with the necessary ins and outs on live action shoots abroad. We’re offering an unfiltered first look at production realities in 50 major film hubs that is uncluttered by advertising. We tell it like it is.”
What information is included?
Each sheet of Top Line Specs lists the nuts and bolts of practical information that producers need at a glance, such available talent, specialist crew and equipment, and installations. “We could call it a living production almanac,” Michael says. “For example, the number of days required for permits to shoot with minors, fly a drone inside or outside city limits, and block street traffic. The Specs inform producers about several dozen critical criteria in major film hubs worldwide that can help determine the most suitable shoot location.”
The Specs also reveal the local and regional availability of commonly used tools and resources. “So if a country’s Specs show a Russian Arm or an Animal Wrangler as not available locally, a producer can also consult that same sheet of Specs to see if it makes sense or if there is a precedent of bringing either, or both, in from a neighboring country.”
How often are the Top Line Specs updated?
“The integrity of the local information is securely in the hands of our local Partner companies in each territory,” Michael states. “With a few strokes of the keyboard, each Partner can access and update production parameters in its territory as they change.
“We aim for this resource to answer frequent producer questions. We're sure to add new criteria drawn from our future work with producers. By way of example, we chose to identify which PSN Partner companies are minority or woman-owned because some producers have recently asked. That said, the Top Line Specs are no substitute to talking it through with us. They are a first step. A unique tool that helps producers hone in on what will work for their projects.”
How can we gain access?
PSN’s Top Line Specs are available for anyone to view: “There is no paywall. Knowledge share is a cornerstone of PSN. We believe it is a great way to establish and build a working relationship of trust with producers that can move forward into actual production. We invite producers to simply sign up for access to the Top Line Specs through the PSN website.”
Please click here to check it out.
