There’s a lot to think about when making your own film, but you can get ahead by having the essential paperwork ready to go.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this collection of free film production documents. All of them are in a guideline format, so feel free to edit and personalize them however you want.
⚖️ Video Collective accepts no legal responsibility for the use of these templates. All forms or contracts should be customized to suit each production and your country’s legislation.
Templates
| Document | Description | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice | To get paid as a freelancer, you must send an invoice. This is a simple one-page document that tells your client how to pay you. | PDF DOCX |
| Freelance Contract | Your client might not give you a contract. If so, you will need to create one and have them sign it. This is especially important for long-term projects. | PDF DOCX |
| Call Sheet | If you’re producing a film, you might want to use a call sheet. All cast and crew members receive one at the start of every shooting day. | PDF DOCX |
| Storyboard | As a filmmaker, you need to get your vision of the film from script to screen. But how can you share this vision with your film crew? The easiest way is through a storyboard. | PDF DOCX |
| Shooting Schedule | A shooting schedule is a plan that every film follows to ensure a smooth production. It’s a simple breakdown of the scenes, talent, time, cast, company moves, and day breaks. | PDF DOCX |
| Talent Release Form | If you’re working with actors or conducting interviews, then you’ll need everyone to sign a talent release form. You are legally obliged to get signed permission from everyone that appears in your film. | PDF DOCX |
| Film Resume | To apply for film work, you will need to create a resume. A film resume is different from an ordinary resume in that it consists of a list of film credits. | PDF DOCX |
| Cover Letter | In addition to a film resume, you’ll 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. | PDF DOCX |
| Location Release Form | A location release form grants permission to film in a location from the property owner. This can help you avoid future problems. If the owner of a property sees their site used without permission, they could take you to court. | PDF DOCX |
| Camera Shot List | Having a shot list allows you to communicate your vision with the rest of the crew. This is important for specialist shots where you need to hire equipment in advance. It also helps the 2nd AD create the schedule around your shooting plans. | PDF DOCX |
| Script Breakdown | 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. | PDF DOCX |
| Film Treatment | 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. | PDF DOCX |
| Film Synopsis | Before you can create a working schedule, you will need to complete a script breakdown. A script breakdown is a film synopsis, which is a one-page document summarising your film. Producers will ask for a movie synopsis before they read your screenplay. | PDF DOCX |
| Budget Breakdown | A film budget breakdown allows you to see exactly how much a film will cost to make. To begin with, list your cast and crew. Then, work your way through pre-production to post-production costs. | PDF DOCX |
| Equipment Rental Agreement | If you are renting equipment that you do not own, be sure to fill out a rental agreement. This form acts as a contract between the two parties. | PDF DOCX |
| Daily Progress Report | The daily progress report lets you know how long it takes 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. | PDF DOCX |
| Music Release Form | You need permission to use all music in your film, even if you don’t intend to release it commercially. | PDF DOCX |
