ABSTRACT

You have the camera, time, money (or credit card), so why don't you just start shooting? Preparing for Takeoff will give you the tools you need to fully prepare for your independent film.

This book features:

  • Vital preproduction tips on scheduling, previsualization, script analysis, location scouting, budgeting, hiring vendors, and clearing permits
  • A detailed analysis of the role both producers and directors play in the preproduction process
  • Crucial advice on how to prepare for postproduction and distribution while still in the early stages of making a film
  • Lessons from the field in how to avoid mid-shoot changes, unhappy actors, fostering a resentful crew, wasted days and dwindling finances
  • An accompanying website that includes sample script analyses, storyboards, beat sheets, editable budget forms, and more

part 1|66 pages

Early Days and the Big Picture

chapter 1|6 pages

The Film Life Cycle

chapter 2|7 pages

Fixing the Script

chapter 3|17 pages

Preparing Your Business

chapter 4|15 pages

Working with Other People

chapter 5|21 pages

Marketing

part 2|32 pages

The Director's Path

chapter 6|15 pages

Script Analysis

chapter 7|7 pages

Gathering Materials

chapter 8|10 pages

Preparing for Casting

part 3|106 pages

The Producer's Path

chapter 9|19 pages

Breaking Down the Script

chapter 10|33 pages

Budgeting

chapter 11|9 pages

Thinking Strategically

chapter 12|17 pages

Vendors, Equipment, and Negotiations

chapter 13|12 pages

Unions, Guilds, and States

chapter 14|16 pages

Rights and Contracts

part 4|58 pages

Joint Preparation

chapter 15|16 pages

Casting

chapter 16|8 pages

Hiring the Crew

chapter 17|9 pages

Scouting

chapter 18|7 pages

Staying Organized

chapter 19|10 pages

Previsualization

chapter 20|8 pages

Rehearsals/Working with Actors

part 5|39 pages

The Shoot and After

chapter 21|20 pages

Routines for Success in Production

chapter 22|11 pages

Preparing for Post

chapter 23|6 pages

Preparing for Distribution

chapter 24|2 pages

Beyond Basic Planning