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Film Pre-Production Checklist Guide

The film pre-production checklist outlines 13 key steps to prepare for a film shoot, including finalizing the script, creating boards and lists, budgeting, location scouting, hiring crew, securing permits and legal documents, developing a shooting schedule, and arranging for equipment rentals and catering. Proper planning through these pre-production steps is essential for organizing all aspects of the film and ensuring a smooth production process.

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1K views1 page

Film Pre-Production Checklist Guide

The film pre-production checklist outlines 13 key steps to prepare for a film shoot, including finalizing the script, creating boards and lists, budgeting, location scouting, hiring crew, securing permits and legal documents, developing a shooting schedule, and arranging for equipment rentals and catering. Proper planning through these pre-production steps is essential for organizing all aspects of the film and ensuring a smooth production process.

Uploaded by

Trinadh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • 7. Secure Locations: Emphasizes the need to secure filming locations early and resolve any legal or logistical issues swiftly.
  • 12. Catering and Restrooms: Details considerations for arranging catering and restroom facilities during production to support the cast and crew.
  • 3. Create a Shot Deck: Encourages creating a shot deck as a visual representation of the film, aiding in the visualization and planning of every scene.
  • 6. Cast the Roles: Details the casting process as a crucial step in pre-production, highlighting the need for appropriate actor selection.
  • 13. Set Safety Measures: Outlines the importance of implementing safety measures to protect all participants during filming.
  • 4. Create Storyboards: Outlines the process of storyboarding to visualize each scene, providing a reference for filming and directing.
  • 8. Create a Shooting Schedule: Advises on developing a robust shooting schedule to optimize resources and ensure timely project completion.
  • 10. Props & Wardrobe: Discusses the importance of organizing and preparing props and wardrobe, ensuring alignment with story context.
  • 1. Finalize the Story & Script: Advises on completing the story and script fully before starting other production steps, emphasizing clarity and completeness.
  • 9. Hair & Makeup: Highlights the preparation and planning necessary for hair and makeup, ensuring design aligns with story and character needs.
  • 11. Special Effects: Covers pre-planning and logistical arrangements required for special effects use during production.
  • 14. Start Shooting!: Encourages effective deployment of all pre-production planning activities and beginning the shooting process with confidence.
  • 2. Create an Estimated Budget: Discusses the importance of creating a detailed budget to guide production costs and resource allocation.
  • 5. Hire Main Crew: Stresses the importance of hiring the main crew early to facilitate effective planning and collaboration.

FILM PRE-PRODUCTION CHECKLIST

DATE STARTED: COMPLETION DEADLINE: PROJECT NAME:


DONE?

1. FINALIZE THE STORY & SCRIPT ( Before you can begin planning your film, you need to have your script and story as complete as
possible before moving on to the next steps. Sit down with a writing partner, listen to music, read a book, or watch some of your favorite
films if you need help getting your creative juices flowing.)

2. CREATE LISTS & BOARDS FROM YOUR SCRIPT ( Create lists and boards using the story from you script to help organize all of the
important information about your film. Create a character list, shot list, location list, mood boards, music playlist, potential gear that will
need to be rented, and storyboards.)

3. CREATE AN ESTIMATED BUDGET ( Once you have a better idea of the size and scope of your project, you can start to put together an
estimated budget for you film. Include known expenses for things like hiring crew, location permits, props, gear rental, catering and
more. As the project moves along be sure to refine and adjust your budget as needed.)

4. CREATE A PITCH DECK ( Once you have all of the lists, boards, financial information, potential cast and crew lists, moods themes and
more nailed down for your film, you can put everything together in a visually appealing pitch deck that helps convey the moods and
themes of your film, while also delivering key information to potential investors and collaborators.)
5. CREATE A PRODUCTION COMPANY (Depending on the size of your project you may need to create a production company, and run the
creation of the film like a legitimate business. Research how to form an LLC or production company in the area where you live and get
legal advice if needed. Now would also be a good time to get any legal documents ready to go; like cast and crew contracts, 1099 forms,
location permits and more.)
6. HIRE MAIN CREW (Now would be a great time to start hiring your main crew members so that they can be involved in the creative
process from early on. Depending on the size of the project, you can research online film production websites, post job listing on social
media groups, and ask friends if you have additional spots to fill.)
7. LOCATION SCOUTING (using your settings and locations list that we created in STEP 2, start searching for real-world locations that can
serve as filming locations for the settings in your film. Once a potential location has been found, contact the owners of the locations and
negotiate fees, timing, access and more. Don't forget to have both parties sign a location agreement and be sure to secure permits to
film at the location, if needed.)

8. CASTING (Now is a good time to start thinking about casting your film. Hold casting calls, browse online talent sites, post listings at
local theatre or acting groups or ask you friends if you think they'd be a good fit for any roles you have.)

9. ART DEPARTMENT (By now you should have a good idea of any set dressings, props and costumes that you might need for your film
project. Whether you have a hired a dedicated art department crew, or if you're just doing things yourself, now is the time to start
figuring out everything that you will need to help bring your film to life visually. Involve the art department early on so that you don't
run into any unforeseen issues with trying to find the right props, or costumes late in the game.)
10. LEGAL DOCUMENTS (Now is a good time to make sure that you have all legal documents that will be needed in order before shooting
starts. Contracts, insurance, permits, and more. Make sure that everything is legal and in order before you start filming. Be sure to seek
out legal advice if you are unsure about something.)

11. SHOOTING SCHEDULE (By now you should start talking to your cast, crew, and location owners about time and availability. Once you
have good dates where all the needed players can work and be present, you can start formulating a shooting schedule of time and dates
for everyone to report to work.

12. GEAR AND RENTALS (Once you have a shooting schedule in place, now you can start looking into renting gear, props, costumes or
any other equipment that you might need for the shoot. Having a good idea of when and how long you might need to rent for will help
alleviate some stress during this step.

13. CATERING AND RESTROOMS (Using your shooting schedule, be sure to have catering, snacks, and restrooms readily available for the
cast and crew at the appropriate locations and times for the shoot.

14. START SHOOTING! (Even though you've planned everything out the best you can, things can still change and go wrong at the last
minute! Don't stress, learn to problem solve on the fly, make the most out of any situation, and roll with the punches! You've got this!
Have fun!

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