Mastering Pre-Production: Setting Your Film Up for Success

In filmmaking, the saying holds true: "A failure to plan is a plan for failure." That’s why pre-production is essential—every successful production starts long before the cameras roll. From ensuring a safe and efficient set to having the right props ready at the right moment, mastering this stage is key to bringing your vision to life.

In this dynamic four-week live online course, you’ll learn how to create a solid production plan and navigate the critical steps that take a project from greenlight to “action.” Designed for non-studio, independently financed productions, this course will help you make informed decisions during soft prep and pre-production—strengthening your entire production process while avoiding common pitfalls that can compromise your creative vision.

What you bring to the course:

• An interest in learning more about the pre-production process
• A project that you are planning to move into production (you do not need to have a project to participate).

What you’ll get from the course:

• An understanding of the difference between “soft prep” and “pre-production”
• An approach to creating a production plan and pre-production schedule
• Best practices for involving the creative team and production crew in pre-production (who, why, how, and when)
• Tips to ensure the production team is aligned with the project budget and scope
• Best practices for securing locations, renting equipment, hiring cast and crew, and preparing a production-ready script
• Safety considerations and risk mitigation strategies to maintain a hazard-free production

This course will:

• Provide tools and techniques to apply to any project.
• Connect you with other creators via a discussion board where you can discuss core concepts.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the course registration form.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.