That is a nice question, Austin.

I like to know everything about the project. including the aesthetic part. The more I know about the project, the more I can do a good job on the set. Of course that a technical part is important but when we know about the concept we can mix the technical with aesthetical 

and suggest the best equipment for the job. But it also helps on set. When you know what you are doing you can predict situations, be faster and help your DoP.

I like to starts the conversation months before the shooting but it depends of the production and the DoP. I like to include the Grips on the talks. It is important they know what we need. Also is important a good conversation with the post production manager or DIT so you know what settings you can use or not. And with Steadycam or gimbals and something like that it is important a meeting on a rental house to see everything ready to shot. If is missing something you are still on rental house and you can take it.

And of course that I like to choose the rental house that we will take the equipment but not every production can give us this choice.

The locations are very important to be able to make a list of equipment that works. If I can, I like to visit the locations with Dop and Grip. About the camera, lenses and stuffs I like to hear what DoP want's and make my suggestions for the tests.

Well, that's what I like to do on prep but of course that is not possible on every job.