ESSENTIAL PRODUCTION CHECKLIST FOR THE FILMMAKER

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTION CHECKLIST FOR THE FILMMAKER


1. What's the opening shot of your film and why? Will this set you apart as a filmmaker? How does it fit in with the rest of your film?



2. The introduction of a character can be an exciting visual moment, and an important opportunity for you as a filmmaker. How do you plan on introducing your protagonist and other important characters?



3. Identify the main character in your film. Are you assigning any elements of production design to be associated with your main character? Colors (hue, sat, temp), tones, lines, shapes, spaces, patterns, other? Please elaborate:



4. How does the production design scheme for the protagonist above contrast or combine with that of your antagonist and / or obstacle?



5. How does the production design scheme for your protagonist compare to that of your other characters (supporting or otherwise)?



6. Does your main character, or any other character undergo change? Are these changes reflected by changes in your production design? (Or does everything stay consistent)



7. If there are changes, how are these changes reflected by changes in your lighting design?



8. How will these changes be reflected by changes in your camera technique and shot design?



9. Identify key turning points in your script – as a director, how do you plan on supporting these key points visually, and / or with the use of sound?



10. Is there a place your character belongs? Or does not belong? How will you show this?



11. Are there uses of your camera, lighting and production design that could be interpreted as elements of plating and payoff?



12. How visually, will you convey important psychological moments and insights of character?



13. As your story progresses, how will you visually convey a sense of building tension... leading up to the all important moment of climax?



14. Do you plan to make the climax the most visually exciting moment of your film? If so then how?



15. Ideally, every shot should be in some way motivated. But sometimes we may want to try special shots just for fun, to show off a little, or to push ourselves and see if it can be done. Are you planning any kinds of special shots? If so are they motivated? Could they be?