To help you kick off your film career, we have put together this collection of free film production forms. There is a lot to consider when starting out, but you can get ahead by having the essential paperwork ready to go. So, whether you are an independent filmmaker or freelancer, these resources will help you start your journey.
All of the free film production forms below are in a guideline format but feel to edit and personalize them.
To get paid as a self-employed freelancer, you will need to send out an invoice. Basically, this is a simple one-page document that lets your client know how to pay you. Invoices come in different styles, but they all must include some essential details. Firstly the word invoice must be included in the document. Then you need to add contact details, a description of the service, and date. Lastly, you need to include your bank/payment information.
As a freelancer, you might not be given a contract by your client. If so, then you will need to create one and have them sign it. This is especially important when it comes to long term projects. Furthermore, contracts can be used as evidence if you ever need to chase up money. The contract template download is a basic guideline. You will need to fill out the free film production forms text in bold and edit the template to meet your own needs.
If you are producing a film, you might want to use a call sheet. All cast and crew members will get a call sheet at the start of every shooting day. Additionally, call sheets have detail on breaks, crew parking and locations, and much more. On the whole, call sheets are the main point of communication for everyone working on set.
As a filmmaker, you need to get your vision of the film from script to screen. But just how can you share this vision with your film crew? The easiest way to do this is through storyboards.
Storyboard design makes it easier to share, explain and make people understand how you want your film to look.
A shooting schedule is a plan that every film, TV show, or commercial follows to make sure that the video production goes smoothly. It’s a simple breakdown of the scenes, talent, time, cast, company moves, and day breaks.
Developed by the 1st Assistant Director and producer during pre-production, the shooting schedule must accommodate changes in the shooting script, talent, locations, gear, as soon as they pop up.
If you are working with actors or conducting interviews, you will need everyone to sign a talent release/waiver form. You are legally obliged to get signed permission from everyone that appears in your film. This is significantly important when shooting a documentary where legal problems can occur if you fail to have the paperwork. Therefore make sure to download the free film production forms and keep any signed copies safe.
To apply for film work online, you will need to create a resume. A film crew resume is different from an ordinary job resume, in that it consists of a list of film credits. If possible, it should contain only work and skills relevant to your specific film job role. You can include student work on your film resume under a title such as ‘student projects’. Furthermore, if you currently don’t have enough film work, you can place non-film work until you do.
Applying for a job? then you need a cover letter. Basically your cover letter should explain who you are and why you are the best person for the job role. It should be kept as short as possible as the person hiring will only have a limited amount of time to read it.
A location release form grants permission to film in a location from the property owner. This additional paperwork can help you avoid future problems. If the owner of a property sees their site used without permission, they could take you to court. Also, it’s useful to have a few printed out form copies on you during production.
Having a shot list allows you to communicate your vision with the rest of the crew. This is especially necessary for specialist shots that would need equipment hiring out in advance. They also help the 2 nd AD create the schedule around your shooting plans. Not every director will use a shot list, even so, make sure to communicate your shot plans with the crew.
Before you can create a working schedule, you will need to complete a script breakdown. A script breakdown is when you list everything that appears in each scene. Your analysis includes everything that you need to gather before you can start production from cast to costume. On professional film sets, every department will complete a script breakdown.
A film treatment presents your entire screenplay idea on a couple of pages. It includes information on the title, genre, main characters, and a three-act structure synopsis. You don’t need to have a treatment when you make a film, but many filmmakers create one.
Before you can create a working schedule, you will need to complete a script breakdown. A script breakdown is A film synopsis is a one-page document summarising your film. Producers will ask for a movie synopsis before they read your screenplay. So, it is an essential skill for all screenwriters and filmmakers to learn.
A film budget breakdown allows you to see exactly how much a film will cost to make. Professional film sets use software such as Movie Magic, but it’s not essential. To begin with, list your cast and crew. Then work your way through pre-production to post-production costs. Don’t forget that a small production will need a budget to apply to film festivals or to self distribute.
If you are renting equipment that you do not own, be sure to fill out a rental agreement. This free film production form acts as a contract between the two parties. You must be both on the same page, especially if the equipment is expensive. Be sure to check any equipment for damagers before you rent, and if possible, get equipment insurance.
The script supervisor on set traditionally completes this. But the report may also be done by an assistant director. The daily progress report lets you know at a glance how fast it is taking to record each scene. It includes information on the call time, time of the first shot, breaks and wrap. As well as a breakdown of daily scenes, script pages and set-ups.
You will need to have permission for all music used in your film, even if not intended for commercial release. Film festivals and YouTube both require consent for all songs and background music. For independent filmmakers, it can be cheaper to have original music composed. However, if you want to use a pre-made song you will need to get the free film production forms signed with permission from the music’s owner.
