Joe The Filmmakers Guide: From Script To Screen
November 20, 2008
FILM MAKERS PRE-PRODUCTION – PRODUCTION OUTLINE
Updated and Revised By: DT Productions of Upstate NY
Style Credit: Cinema Workshops
1. SCHEDULE PITCH.
A pre-meeting must be scheduled with the film studio, producer or director in interest of your pitch prior to the meeting at which you plan to deliver your pitch.
2. PITCH.
Members pitching a project must bring to the meeting:
a. A one-page synopsis of the story and an overview of the project containing as
many details as the filmmaker can provide about how he or she envisions the
project unfolding. Multiple copies should be provided.
b. A typed screenplay in standard format. One copy should be supplied for each
speaking part plus one for the narrator. More copies may be supplied if the
filmmaker wishes.
3. PROJECT GREEN LIGHT
If the project is greenlit, the filmmaker should hire a producer. The
filmmaker is also expected to meet with the film studio staff to pitch the full filming project.
* If the project is not greenlit, the filmmaker may choose to work on the script and
re-pitch, in which case the script will need to be rewritten, and once completed, reschedule another pre-meeting to pitch your story again.
4. HIRE PRODUCER.
If the filmmaker chooses, he or she may also produce their project. If they would
like help bringing all the elements together on a potentially complex project, he or
she should recruit a producer with notable credits of films he/she has produced.
5. PRE-PRODUCTION PAPERWORK
The producer should obtain a copy of the script from the filmmaker and work with
the director to complete the breakdown sheets, storyboards, budget outline, and
rough shooting schedule. If the producer would like to do any of the paperwork, he or she should meet with a film production consultant to insure all paperwork is filled out correctly.
6. CHOOSE DATES
Upon completion of pre-production preparations, the filmmaker will be expected
to meet with the film studio for approvals and to choose their shooting dates.
7. SCHEDULE EQUIPMENT RENTALS AND CREW.
Filming equipment rental and filming crew needs to be scheduled in advance for, product availability and cost preparation. You must also hire notable film crew members who’s availability coordinate with your production dates and time.
8. SHOOT.
Make sure a all site locations and permits are secured for shooting locations. A site hazard list and potential site complications should be noted and take into consideration reduce complications. A specified shooting time table must be constructed to reduce film cost and site availability restraints.
9. FILM PROJECT DEADLINES
The filmmaker is also expected to meet with the film studio’s deadlines. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to provide updates on a regular basis. If a filmmaker misses a step the project could easy go from GREEN light to RED light which means your film can be canceled at any time. Organization and time keeping are essential in the process of productive film making.
10. DELIVERABLES
The filmmaker must insure that the film stock has been well maintained during filming and prepared for delivery. The film deliverables must be available for delivery on the specified ending film date for proper editing and final distribution.
