top of page
Search

So You Want to Make a Short Film: Guide to Production Paperwork

Congratulations on starting your short film production journey! Let's Make sure you have all of the paperwork needed during the pre-production phase.


1) Script Break Down Sheet: A script breakdown sheet is one page (or one group of pages) from your scene breakdown. Each breakdown sheet corresponds to just one scene in your film. The script breakdown sheet usually has a bunch of boxes, each one containing a list of elements in a category.a

Read this guide on how to properly fill these pages out.


2) Call Sheet: A call sheet is a document sent out to the cast and crew that outlines where they need to be for the following shoot day. It also outlines the daily shooting schedule for the day, informs the cast and crew of weather conditions, parking regulations, and all other pertinent details.





Read this guide on how to properly fill this page out.


3) Cast Deal Memo: A Cast Deal Memo is a somewhat less formal employment contract, usually implemented by independent producers. Because they are less formal, they generally contain significantly less wording than traditional contracts, but are still binding.




Take a look at this resource to learn more.


4) Crew Deal Memo: a form that provides protection between the production company (or financier) and crew. Remember to be careful with using those you find online because they often use certain stipulations favoring one party over the other. Be discerning with your selections.



Learn more about this paperwork and other steps in the pre-production process here.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page