Film production
How to plan and manage effective multi department strike days that dismantle sets while preserving reusable elements and documentation.
A practical, field-ready guide to coordinating cross-department strike days that safely dismantle sets, protect reusable components, and preserve essential paperwork for a smooth transition between productions on time and budgets.
Published by
Edward Baker
July 21, 2025 - 3 min Read
In any production, the day of a large strike demands precision, communication, and disciplined workflow. The goal is to dismantle structures without damaging valuable assets, while capturing every action for reuse or audit. Start by mapping every department’s tasks to a clear sequence, then assign roles with explicit responsibilities and fallback plans. Establish a central log where changes, measurements, and decisions are recorded in real time. Train crews on safety protocols that protect performers and crew while moving heavy elements. A well-documented approach speeds future rebuilds and minimizes the chance of overlooked items slipping into storage or landfill.
Preparation begins weeks in advance with a detailed inventory of all components that could be reusable, including materials, tools, and fittings. Create color-coded labels and a shared digital ledger that tracks location, status, and ownership. Schedule strike windows that align with available labor and weather, and communicate them through a concise, company-wide briefing. Each department should rehearse its cut list, securing necessary permits, licenses, and safety checks. The plan should also specify how temporary structures will be parked, how electrical panels will be de-energized, and who verifies that all hazardous materials are removed before moving forward.
Clear sequencing and risk controls guide efficient, safe dismantling.
The first principle is preventive organization. Before any tool lowers a single bolt, teams should confirm a master plan detailing where every element will go after removal. A live diagram or 3D model helps keep everyone aligned, preventing duplicate efforts or missed targets. Documentation should capture serial numbers, provenance, and refurbishing needs, along with photos for reference. Assign a lead scribe or digital notes coordinator who can timestamp events and attach notes to the corresponding asset. This reduces confusion when elements are reintroduced in a future build and supports cost accountability during wrap budgeting.
Simultaneously, risk assessment must be part of the daily rhythm. Identify pinch points where cables, scaffolding, or fragile sets could pose hazards and escalate as needed. Establish a mitigation ladder that moves from low-risk, routine tasks to higher-risk activities with extra supervision. Use checklists to verify that protective gear, fall-arrest equipment, and barricades are in place before anyone touches a single panel. By documenting risk mitigation, the crew demonstrates responsibility to the wider production and helps insure continuity if plans shift.
Documented reuse and careful handoffs sustain future productions.
Multidepartment synchronization hinges on timely communications. Build a cadence of short, focused huddles with representatives from every area: carpentry, electrics, props, and location management. Use a shared calendar to mark strike milestones, delivery windows, and staging areas. Any change—whether a new cut list or a modified storage plan—must be broadcast instantly so no one works in isolation. When possible, assign cross-trained crew to cover gaps during transition moments. This cross-pollination not only keeps work moving but also strengthens overall team cohesion and reduces downtime between phases.
After the strike, the emphasis shifts to material conservation and documentation integrity. Photograph every dismantled asset in its current state, attach the imagery to the asset ledger, and note decommission decisions. Implement a standardized handover protocol for reusable elements, ensuring that the receiving department understands condition, storage location, and cleaning requirements. A dedicated team should verify that all fragile components are cushioned and labeled for long-term storage. In parallel, reconcile the waste stream, separating salvageable pieces from non-recoverable materials and recording disposition in the project file.
Handoffs, labeling, and audits sustain reuse and safety.
A practical approach to reuse begins with consistent labeling. Each item should carry a durable identifier that travels with it through every stage of the lifecycle. When elements are relocated, update the ledger, adjust the physical map, and confirm the new location with the asset manager. Include maintenance notes, expected refurbishment cycles, and any supplier information for future sourcing. By creating a transparent trail, the team ensures that nothing is lost, damaged, or misallocated during the rush of a strike. The system also supports auditing and compliance with safety standards across departments.
Another key is establishing a disciplined handoff protocol. At the moment an asset leaves its original environment, a brief, documented transfer record should accompany it. The receiving team should verify condition, confirm inventory numbers, and sign off before placing items into storage. This practice reduces the risk of misidentification and ensures that reusable parts remain ready for rapid deployment. Regular audits of the storage area reinforce accountability and provide a clear path for future rebuilds.
Continuous learning and asset preservation guide future productions.
When it comes to budgeting, strikes should include contingency allocations for unexpected preservation needs. Allocate funds for additional packaging materials, climate control for sensitive items, and transport between storage sites. Track expenses against the reuse potential of assets to demonstrate value at wrap. A lean but flexible budget allows teams to adjust as priorities shift without compromising safety. Document every cost alongside its justification so future productions can compare scenarios and justify decisions. Transparency with finance fosters trust and helps secure support for reuse initiatives.
Finally, cultivate a culture of continuous learning around strike activities. Debrief with all departments to capture lessons learned, especially around timing, handling, and documentation practices. Record best practices for future reference and share them through a central knowledge base. Encourage crews to propose improvements and to celebrate efficient, safe completions. The objective isn’t only to dismantle; it’s to retain assets, preserve memories of the build, and build a blueprint that accelerates the next production cycle without sacrificing quality.
A durable archive is the backbone of a sustainable strike program. Develop a centralized, secure repository for plans, permits, and asset histories that is accessible to authorized personnel across departments. Ensure that high-resolution photographs, schematics, and material specifications are indexed with robust metadata. The archive should support searchability, version control, and long-term retention. Regular backups and periodic integrity checks keep information reliable. As teams grow, the archive scales, preserving the lineage of every element from original install to final reuse. This living resource becomes invaluable when schedules tighten or when approvals require precise evidence of compliance.
In closing, a well-structured multi department strike plan minimizes risk, maximizes reuse, and preserves critical documentation. By aligning preparation, safety, and communication, productions protect their assets and streamline transitions to new builds. The discipline of proper labeling, thorough handoffs, and comprehensive recordkeeping creates a resilient workflow that survives personnel changes and shifting creative needs. When executed thoughtfully, strike days transform from chaotic upheavals into productive, repeatable stages of production that save time, money, and materials while supporting sustainable practice across the industry.
