Set safety and compliance are top priorities for any professional film or television production. The daily production report (DPR) is the most critical document for tracking these activities and ensuring that the project remains safe and compliant.
Tracking Safety on a DPR
The DPR includes several key safety-related items:
- Safety Meetings: The time and topic of the daily safety meeting held by the 1st AD.
- Incident Reports: A record of any illnesses, accidents, or injuries that occurred during the shoot day.
- Safety Equipment: Whether specialized safety equipment was used for stunts or special effects.
- Medical Personnel: The presence of a set medic or other medical professional.
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
The production report is also used to track compliance with industry standards and government regulations:
- Union and Guild Rules: Ensuring that all work hours, meal breaks, and travel times are recorded.
- Health and Safety Standards: Recording adherence to local health and safety guidelines.
- Safety Hotlines: The presence of a safety hotline number for crew and cast members.
Accuracy as a Legal Requirement
Accuracy is of the utmost importance when preparing a production report, as this document is used as a legal record. The line producer and UPM must sign off that all information on the DPR is accurate. It is the final word on what occurred on set and is used by the studio or production company's physical production, post, and VFX executives to monitor the health and safety of the project.