Quick Takes: Pre-Production

Quick interview courtesy of Smoggy Blogspot featuring Scott Vogel, creator of the series, It's Always Smoggy In L.A. The focus was on pre-production, but it also gets into what it's like working on the micro cinema level.

Alissa Cohen: What are some of the things you focus on during pre-production?

Scott Vogel: I try to get familiar with the script all over again because usually by the time we move into production, it's been 3 or 4 months since the the script was finished and you get caught up in other things, like casting, wardrobe, shot lists and so on... Sometimes you forget to just sit down and really read the story again to remember where the important beats are, how to hit the dynamics and so on...

Beyond that, pre-production's about trying to find the right actors for those particular parts and, if possible, get in a good half-day rehearsal before the shoot.

AC: DIY filmmaking is never easy. At a minimum, what crew positions must you have on-set? What can you get away without? What would you like to have, but don't?

SV: Smoggy shoots are generally at the bare-bones minimum. We get by with just a camera man, sound mixer and assistant director. Sometimes there's a script supervisor or production assistant. Other times, not. What would I like to have? I've worked The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and to me, those shows have the perfect-sized productions: about 15-20 people covering the basics. Most shows have anywhere from 40 to 60 people or more. For what we do, that would be silly, but a crew of 10 would be bliss.

AC: What excites you most about It's Always Smoggy In L.A.?

SV: The most exciting thing about It's Always Smoggy In L.A. to me, is the formula. There are basically no rules beyond keeping the general themes of the show consistent. Other than that, the sky's the limit and we're starting to really explore.

© 2011 by TSV Productions, It's Always Smoggy In L.A.
Published with permission from Smoggy Blogspot