Use this free checklist from first decision through final delivery. Your checks stay in this browser and are not submitted to Spotlight Drive. Print or use your browser’s Save as PDF option before leaving the page.

Development Define the audience, purpose, and realistic finish line.
Lock a script that fits the available time, money, locations, and team.
Identify stunts, intimacy, minors, animals, vehicles, weapons, effects, music, and other special risks.
Confirm who owns the script and any underlying material.

Pre-production Build and approve the budget, contingency, and payment plan.
Create the shot list, schedule, call sheets, contact plan, and backup plan.
Confirm cast, crew, locations, permits, insurance, releases, transport, meals, accessibility, and emergency information.
Test camera, sound, lighting, media, batteries, and data workflow.

Production Hold a safety briefing and identify the person empowered to stop unsafe work.
Record room tone, clean dialogue, insert shots, and necessary coverage.
Track continuity, releases, media cards, batteries, and schedule changes.
Back up footage to at least two controlled locations before cards are cleared.

Post-production and release Lock picture, edit and mix sound, grade color, and review titles and credits.
Clear music, artwork, footage, fonts, and other third-party material.
Create captions, master files, review files, stills, synopsis, and backup copies.
Confirm the release or festival plan, deadlines, fees, and premiere restrictions.

Project notes and owner of the next action

Use the checklist with the full production path

Pair this tool with the Film Budget Template, Shot List Template, Production Schedule Template, and Call Sheet Template. Read How to Make Your First Short Film for the reasoning behind each stage.

Powered by Spotlight Drive. Want a clearer view of projects, cast, crew, and next steps? Explore Spotlight Drive.

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