Starting a film

Bring the subject.
We can work on the script.

A useful brief identifies the people watching, what they need to understand and where the film will be used.

Describe the product, place, process or person. Explain what makes it relevant to this audience.

Name who will watch and what they already know. A film for a new customer differs from a film for an internal team.

List the website, presentation, social or other uses you have in mind. Include known format requirements.

Note the intended timing, access, approval process and existing materials. You can mark decisions that have not been made.

Questions before the first plan.

Do we need a finished script?

No. The subject, audience and intended use can lead to development work. A script is one possible output of that stage.

Can we start with existing footage?

Yes, the scope can begin in post-production. Its suitability, technical quality and rights need to be reviewed before agreeing the work.

How are timings agreed?

The plan considers scope, access, approvals and delivery. Production dates are agreed once those requirements are clear.

What about rights and usage?

Intended territories, channels, duration of use and third-party materials are discussed as part of the project scope.

A film starts with a brief

Tell us the subject, the audience and where the film will appear. The format can follow.