Step II Intro

Preproduction is the time to iron out all of the issues prior to going into production.

You need to lock and analyze your script, break it down, lock your schedule, lock your budget, lock locations, hire and fire your ensemble, rehearse, and complete all of the other tasks that an derail production before it begins.

This section focuses on tasks rather than roles. What's important is that everything get done, not who does it. Just be sure to give credit where credit's due. And have enough tricks in your pocket so if something does go wrong, you have options on how to fix it.

This section details the tasks and issues you need to cover for preproduction. Chapter 9, "Locking and Prepping Your Script" covers getting your screenplay ready to shoot. . While dialogue may change, your script's basic sequence of scenes and locations does not. You want to get to this point as early as possible in the prep stage. Using this locked script, you break it down, identifying every element required for the shoot, and fill out breakdown sheets so you know who and what you'll need and when.

Chapter 10, "Production Design" walks you through the process of planning and designing your project. This chapter helps you determine your color palettes, shot palettes, and other design decisions. Chapter 11, "Script Breakdown" teaches you how to properly break down your production script and generate lists to your preproduction crew so you're prepared for your first shoot day.

Chapter 12, "Locking the Schedule" asks questions you need to answer to create a realistic shooting schedule. This is a very important job, but many producers hand it over to volunteers who don't understand the moviemaking process. Scheduling is not typing. Along with your director and DP, you should create a schedule that is practical, efficient, and realistic. Your show will live or die by this schedule, so be thorough.

Chapter 13, "Locking the Budget" teaches you how to create a realistic budget for your project. Every producer knows it's easy to bleed money making a movie. This chapter helps you get a clear idea of how much money you'll need, when you'll have it, and when you'll begin spending it.

Chapter 14, "Scouting and Locking Locations" helps you determine appropriate locations that will satisfy your director, DP, and sound mixer. Some producers wait until the last minute, but I think this is a bad idea. Often, people are letting you use their homes and businesses. Good manners and clear communication will help them say yes. Locking locations will also help make scheduling and creating callsheets easier.

Chapter 15, "Build the Ensemble" helps you figure out how to build your ensemble in front of and behind the camera.. Hiring well is the key job for any producer, so you need to be clear about who you need, when you need them, and what kind of contract they need to sign.

Chapter 16, "Storyboards, Shooting Scripts, Shot Lists, and Rehearsals" discusses ways to create a concrete representation of you, or your director's vision, of the final movie. The chapter also discusses how to get the most from your rehearsals, and ends with a discussion of the necessary preproduction contracts and releases you'll need for your show.