Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 14 tasks across 4 phases, about 17 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
Script lock
Budget and schedule
Casting
Location scouting and permits
Crew hiring
Shot list and storyboards
Table read and rehearsals
Principal photography
Pickups and b-roll
Editorial through picture lock
Music and sound design
Color grade
Sound mix
Deliverables and captions
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Script lock | 14 days |
| Development | Budget and schedule | 7 days |
| Pre-production | Casting | 14 days |
| Pre-production | Location scouting and permits | 14 days |
| Pre-production | Crew hiring | 10 days |
| Pre-production | Shot list and storyboards | 7 days |
| Pre-production | Table read and rehearsals | 3 days |
| Production | Principal photography | 5 days |
| Production | Pickups and b-roll | 2 days |
| Post-production | Editorial through picture lock | 21 days |
| Post-production | Music and sound design | 10 days |
| Post-production | Color grade | 5 days |
| Post-production | Sound mix | 3 days |
| Post-production | Deliverables and captions | 3 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this film production schedule
Short films, commercials and documentaries follow the same arc: pre-production locks the script, cast, crew and locations; production captures the footage; post-production edits, grades, mixes and delivers. Post is easy to underestimate, so it gets detailed rows here.
Durations fit a short film or branded video with a handful of shoot days.
Who it's for: Producers, independent filmmakers and video agencies.
How to use it
- Open the schedule. Click Open in the editor.
- Run pre-production tracks in parallel. Unlink casting, locations and crew so they run at the same time after script lock. In the task panel, remove the predecessor, then set the new start date. Then check that the task that came next still lists the earlier work as a predecessor, so delays keep cascading.
- Split the shoot by day. Break principal photography into individual shoot days by location.
- Share with the crew. Send a read-only link to department heads.
Planning tips
- Location permits can take longer than casting; start them early.
- Music licensing and sound design can start before picture lock.
- Confirm caption and delivery specs at the start, not at the end.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the stages of film production?
- Development, pre-production, production (the shoot) and post-production (edit, sound, color, delivery).
- Can I schedule individual shoot days?
- Yes. Split the production row into one bar per day or location.
- Can I export the schedule?
- PDF and CSV downloads are on Solo ($12/month).
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.