This checklist covers every task for a short film production — organized by phase, sized for 1-5 day shoots with small crews. Print it, check it off, and nothing falls through the cracks.
Script Phase
- [ ] Final draft complete and proofread
- [ ] Script formatted to industry standards (screenplay editor)
- [ ] Scene numbers assigned
- [ ] Script distributed to all key collaborators
- [ ] Logline and synopsis written (for festival submissions later)
Breakdown Phase
- [ ] Script breakdown completed — every scene tagged
- [ ] Cast list finalized — who appears in which scenes
- [ ] Props list compiled from breakdown
- [ ] Wardrobe needs identified per character per scene
- [ ] Location requirements listed per scene
- [ ] Special requirements noted (effects, stunts, animals, extras)
Budget Phase
- [ ] Budget created from breakdown elements
- [ ] Equipment rental quotes obtained
- [ ] Food budget calculated ($15-25/person/meal × crew size × shoot days)
- [ ] Transportation costs estimated
- [ ] Location fees confirmed (permits, donations, insurance)
- [ ] 10% contingency included
- [ ] Total budget approved
Crew Phase
- [ ] DP / Camera operator confirmed
- [ ] Sound recordist confirmed
- [ ] Production assistant(s) confirmed
- [ ] Makeup/hair confirmed (if needed)
- [ ] Additional crew as needed (gaffer, grip, art)
- [ ] Crew contact sheet compiled
- [ ] Crew meeting scheduled (1 week before shoot)
Casting Phase
- [ ] Auditions held or offers extended
- [ ] Cast confirmed and committed to dates
- [ ] Cast measurements sent to wardrobe (if applicable)
- [ ] Rehearsal scheduled
Location Phase
- [ ] All locations scouted and confirmed
- [ ] Location agreements signed
- [ ] Permits obtained (check local requirements)
- [ ] Parking identified for each location
- [ ] Power availability confirmed for lights
- [ ] Sound issues identified and planned for
- [ ] Nearest hospital noted for each location
Gear Phase
- [ ] Camera and lens package confirmed
- [ ] Lighting kit arranged (rental or borrowed)
- [ ] Sound equipment confirmed (recorder, boom, lavs)
- [ ] Grip basics (tripod, sticks, C-stands, flags)
- [ ] Gear list compiled with serial numbers
- [ ] Media cards and hard drives purchased
- [ ] Backup hard drive purchased (never rely on one copy)
- [ ] Batteries charged and spares available
Shot List Phase
- [ ] Shot list completed for every scene
- [ ] Shot list reviewed with DP
- [ ] Shooting order determined (by setup, not script order)
- [ ] Time estimates calculated (15-30 min per setup)
- [ ] Storyboards created for complex sequences (optional)
Day-Before Phase
- [ ] Call sheet created and distributed by 6 PM
- [ ] Equipment loaded and transport arranged
- [ ] Food and craft services purchased or ordered
- [ ] All departments confirm readiness
- [ ] Weather checked (exterior shoots)
- [ ] Charged phone, alarm set, get sleep
Shoot Day Phase
- [ ] Arrive early, set up base camp
- [ ] Confirm all crew and cast arrivals
- [ ] Brief the team on the day''s plan
- [ ] Execute shot list, track progress
- [ ] Backup footage at lunch and wrap (double backup)
- [ ] Log any equipment issues
- [ ] Distribute next day''s call sheet before wrap
Wrap Phase
- [ ] All equipment returned and accounted for
- [ ] All rental returns on time
- [ ] Locations cleaned and restored
- [ ] Hard drives labeled and stored safely (two copies, two locations)
- [ ] Thank-you messages to cast, crew, and location owners
- [ ] Budget actuals updated — compare to estimates
Check off your short film production in Seikan — screenplay, breakdown, budget, shot list, call sheets, and gear tracking in one workspace. Free to start.