Dailies

Definition

Dailies are the raw, unedited footage that is filmed each day during production and is reviewed by the director, cinematographer, and other key crew members to assess performance and technical quality. This process allows filmmakers to evaluate the shots captured in real time, ensuring they are on track with the vision of the project. Dailies play a critical role in the communication loop between production and post-production, as feedback on the footage can influence immediate adjustments and decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dailies are typically viewed the day after filming and can be projected in a screening room or viewed digitally by the production team.
2. The feedback gathered from viewing dailies can lead to immediate changes in shooting schedules, locations, or techniques to enhance storytelling.
3. In addition to performance evaluation, dailies help ensure technical aspects like lighting, focus, and framing meet the desired standards.
4. While traditionally reviewed on film prints, modern productions often use digital formats for faster and more convenient access.
5. The habit of reviewing dailies fosters better collaboration among the director, cinematographer, and crew by allowing for constructive criticism and dialogue.

Review Questions

• How do dailies contribute to the effectiveness of communication among key production members during filming?
  • Dailies serve as a vital tool for communication among directors, cinematographers, and other crew members. By reviewing the raw footage shot each day, team members can discuss what worked well and what didn’t, leading to informed decisions about how to adjust performances or techniques moving forward. This ongoing dialogue helps ensure that everyone remains aligned with the project's vision and goals.
• Discuss the role of dailies in influencing immediate production decisions based on daily filming outcomes.
  • Dailies play an essential role in shaping immediate production decisions because they allow filmmakers to assess daily footage before moving on to subsequent scenes. If certain shots or performances are not meeting expectations, adjustments can be made quickly—whether it be changing lighting setups or re-evaluating actor directions. This iterative process helps maintain continuity and coherence throughout filming.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on how dailies are produced and reviewed in contemporary filmmaking.
  • Technological advancements have significantly transformed the production and review of dailies in modern filmmaking. With digital cameras and editing software, filmmakers can now access and review footage almost instantly after it’s shot. This immediacy allows for quicker feedback loops and more agile decision-making during production. Moreover, digital platforms enable remote viewing for teams that may not be present on set, fostering collaboration across locations and making it easier to keep everyone informed about the project's progress.

Related terms

Rushes: Another term for dailies, used primarily in the UK, referring to the same raw footage reviewed after each shooting day.

Video Assist: A technology that allows filmmakers to view footage on a monitor immediately after it has been shot, helping in real-time assessment and adjustments.

Post-Production: The phase of filmmaking that occurs after shooting is complete, where editing, sound design, and visual effects are added to create the final product.