Filmmaking / Directing : When to do what... by Jamie Black

I have no experience at this, just a touch of common sense and a little project management experience. I wouldn't want to start pulling a cast and crew together until my script was done. It's going to be difficult enough managing all that goes into a film without having rewrites on your plate too. You want to be able to get through your set-ups and scenes pop, pop, pop, as fast smooth and organized as possible. You don't want cast and crew waiting around while you work out script issues.

The time to start is after your script is done and you've secured financing, because even no money movies cost money. That's just the way it is. Good luck.

Definitely budget everything out, figure out what kind of locations you will need and how much you're willing to spend on this project. In addition if you need to pull favors from friends I would throw that feeler out soon so that you can gage what connections you have available. You really should be meticulous with the planning process and be prepared for unexpected things to happen. Also I agree with Mark, if this is your first film shoot make sure the script is done before moving forward with getting cast/crew.

OK, I will wait until all of the revisions are finished. I've begun to do some of the things that you suggested like list locations, etc. Is there someplace that has an outline of everything that I'll need or some kind of a guide so that I don't forget anything? This is my first shoot behind the scenes. I'm used to being in front of the camera! :)

I would start ASAP. Secure and follow up with all the people involved. You will find it rewarding to have developed a small relationship with those involved. This way they can get a feel for you and vise verse. Tell them upfront you are securing people and an estimate of shooting. IF you find yourself needing to pre emp it, let them know as well. PROFESSIONALISM goes further then ACTING like one.

The sooner you start with these things, the better, in my opinion. Independently funded films always seem to hit bumps in the road, as most everybody involved works a day job usually, so if you get a jump start on things, you're that much ahead if you hit a set back.

The only thing I can tell you, and this is based on what happen with my short film that just finished filming in New York. Make sure you check on insurance for where ever you film. I know that was a problem with my film. Just something to put on your check list.

As someone who often works on no/low budget movies I suggest you wait until you have a start date. I have agreed to work on project "sometime soon" and then wait and wait and wait. By the time I hear back I have lost interest or taken another gig. And then I feel bad because I committed and can't follow through. Set a start date and THEN assemble the crew and audition actors. That way I can commit to those, specific dates rather than "sometime soon".

Finish the script first. The script will change, no doubt, as you move along, but get the most solid draft complete before moving forward. Then get some of the above the line crew to help get the breakdowns done to figure out the shooting schedule. There are a lot of steps and lot of people get involved, so always get the script done first!

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I have to agree with Erin Dalian on this one. Get the script done first. This way it makes it a little easier for you as well as your crew and staff. Also, it's awesome you want to film the movie yourself. However to distribute it you may have to find someone to greenlight the distribution of your film. Hope it goes wonderful for you and if you need someone for a part don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you all for the advice!!

My advice is get the script done, get a producer right away, then work on getting your key crew members, then worry about actors. Good luck!

Go ahead and get FILM SCHEDULE by Ralph S Singleton to budget out your film.

you need to get with a producer who has a crew or small crew of people who will produce if for you.Im a producer and so my friends and some student writers bring me shorts and script ideas all the time, if I like it and it's within my budget to produce it, then Ill make it.

you dont' have to finish the whole script to produce it. You can write enough of it to where a decent trailer can be done, and pitch a hook with the trailer, but it is best to have a full script if you going to try to get a literary agent to push it to networks.