Planning a short film is planning a real production compressed into a smaller package. You still need a breakdown, budget, schedule, and call sheets — they are just simpler and faster to create.
Step 1: Lock Your Script
Before any planning begins, your script must be finished. Not "mostly done" — finished. Locked. Scene-numbered. Every production document depends on the script, so changing it after planning starts means redoing work.
If you are still revising, keep revising. Do not start pre-production on an unlocked script.
Step 2: Break Down the Script
Read your script scene by scene and tag every production element using a script breakdown:
- Cast — who appears in each scene (speaking and non-speaking)
- Props — objects characters interact with
- Wardrobe — specific clothing mentioned or implied
- Locations — where each scene takes place
- Time of day — day vs. night affects scheduling and lighting
For a 10-page short, this takes 1-2 hours. The result is a complete list of everything you need to acquire, borrow, or arrange before your shoot.
Step 3: Create a Budget
Short film budgets are simpler but still essential. Common expense categories:
| Category | Typical Range | |----------|--------------| | Food/catering | $100-500 | | Equipment rental | $0-2,000 | | Props & wardrobe | $50-300 | | Location fees | $0-500 | | Transportation | $50-200 | | Hard drives | $50-150 | | Insurance | $300-500 |
Track these in a budget tool so you know where the money goes. Many filmmakers are surprised to find that food is their largest expense.
Step 4: Schedule Your Shoot
For most shorts, you are looking at 1-3 shoot days. Group scenes by location to minimize moves. Consider:
- Daylight scenes — schedule early in the day when light is consistent
- Night scenes — save for the end of the day or a separate night shoot
- Complex scenes — give them more time than you think they need
- Buffer time — everything takes longer than planned; add 20% to your estimates
Step 5: Assemble Your Crew
A minimal short film crew:
- Director (you, probably)
- DP / Camera operator
- Sound recordist
- Production assistant (someone to handle logistics)
- Makeup/wardrobe (if your story requires it)
You can shoot a short with as few as 3 people. You cannot shoot well with fewer than 3 — someone needs to handle camera, someone sound, and someone everything else.
Step 6: Scout Locations
Visit every location before your shoot day. Check:
- Available light at the time you plan to shoot
- Sound issues (traffic, HVAC, neighbors)
- Power availability for lights
- Parking for crew vehicles
- Permission requirements (owner consent, permits)
Step 7: Prepare Your Shoot Day Documents
Create a shot list for each scene. Create a call sheet for each shoot day — even if your crew is five friends. The call sheet communicates professionalism and prevents confusion.
Plan your short film in Seikan — screenplay, breakdown, budget, shot list, and call sheets in one workspace. Free to start.