The Pre-Production Checklist
Most production overruns happen because something obvious got missed in pre-production. Not the strategic stuff — the obvious stuff. A permission form not signed. A location not confirmed for access on the day. A backup card that wasn't formatted.
The checklist below is what I run through before every shoot, in order.
The 22 items
Brief and creative: 1. Written creative brief signed off by client. 2. Shot list complete with priority tags. 3. Storyboard or shot reference document shared with crew. 4. Single message and audience confirmed.
Talent and permissions: 5. Talent confirmed and time-blocked. 6. Talent permission/release forms signed in advance. 7. Wardrobe direction shared with talent. 8. Hair and makeup booking confirmed where relevant.
Location: 9. Location confirmed in writing with primary contact. 10. Location access window confirmed. 11. Permits or council approvals obtained where needed. 12. Backup location identified if weather-dependent.
Kit and tech: 13. All cameras, lenses, batteries, cards confirmed and packed. 14. Audio kit checked: lavaliers, boom, backup recorder. 15. Lighting kit checked: practical lights, modifiers, stands, sandbags. 16. Drone kit checked: airspace cleared, batteries charged, CASA log updated. 17. Backup data drives formatted and ready.
Logistics: 18. Crew call sheet sent 24 hours in advance. 19. Catering or food breaks planned. 20. Travel and parking confirmed for crew and talent. 21. Weather forecast checked 24 hours before.
Insurance and admin: 22. Public liability current, certificate sent to client/location if requested.
Download the checklist
Download the Pre-Production Checklist (PDF)
Why it works
Three things make this checklist useful in practice. It's exhaustive but flat — no nested categories, no project management software. It's structured around the order of failure — items higher up cause bigger problems if missed. It's portable across project sizes — a $5,000 shoot uses the same checklist as a $50,000 shoot.
If your next shoot is on the calendar and you'd like a second pair of eyes on the brief — drop me a note. The first 30 minutes is free.
