My Exact Production Process in Under 5 Minutes

This is my go-to, systematized creative production process.

I’ve used this exact framework to direct and produce documentary films for Red Bull and Nike, and unscripted TV work for Reese Witherspoon's company Hello Sunshine and Prime Video.

The photo above is from my global film campaign with Nike, where I developed my go-to production process based on the industry standard.

I've been perfecting my framework over the past 5+ years across branded, film, and TV.

Most recently, my client at Red Bull gave me a testimonial about how my production process alone set me apart from other directors and producers she’s worked with. 

The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to build long-term relationships that translate into repeat business and referrals for any project, at any level.

My framework can be applied no matter where you are currently in your filmmaking journey.

Please note that the details in this production process are tailored to each project and client’s specific needs.

My 4-Step Production Process

Step 1. Creative development

Clear deliverables list: The number one priority before I begin a project is confirming a written, approved list of deliverables.

Even better if I can get on the phone with my client and talk through each one.

Sounds simple, but many do not do this.

Pitch deck & director’s treatment: A detailed overview of my project’s story, creative direction, and visual approach.

These materials are the roadmap for my team to ensure we’re on the same page before moving forward.

Mood board & look book: Sets the look, feel, and tone of my project. It communicates my desired aesthetic and vibe.

Shot list: I write out my shot list and pull more specific visual references that complement my mood board.

It demonstrates more detail on composition, framing, and focal length.

Pre-interview questions: Pre-interviews with my subjects are a non-negotiable part of my process that builds trust before the cameras turn on.

I stick to a set of baseline questions, and then tailor custom questions per interview.

I ask to record at least the audio on my pre-interviews every time, whether in person or on Zoom.

A lot of really great bites have come from this and help me in the edit.

Step 2. Pre-Production

Casting: Finalize my list of main and supporting characters.

Categorize them into A, B, and C storylines.

Beat sheets: My beat sheet outlines the key characteristics and basic plot lines of my characters and loose structure my scenes.

This ensures all key components necessary to make my film are captured.

Crew & equipment selection: I create a shortlist of key creative team members for each project, and I put the most emphasis on my DP and lead editor.

Sometimes client approval is necessary, sometimes not.

I work directly with my DP to create our ideal camera package within budget, and my producer will approve and source the equipment.

I also work directly with my editor to onboard them to the project and run them through the creative materials. 

Shoot game plan & production milestones: If I don’t have enough information to write my full schedule, at the very minimum I will outline the high-level weekly timeline for each stage of production. 

Step 3. Production

Call sheets: If I'm producing, I like to have the call sheet sent the night before at a reasonable hour.

Ideally before dinner time.

That way everyone has the opportunity to actually read it.

Daily team meetings: 1 at start of day, 1 at wrap.

I run through the schedule for the day, bring up any caveats that could impact the shooting schedule.

This is great in case people skimmed through the call sheet quickly or didn’t read it at all.

Field notes: My field notes document tracks real-time production details and can help me quickly adjust if anything goes off course.

I will send these field notes to my client and team at the end of each day.

Hot sheet: My hot sheet document summarizes what we shot each day.

It’s different from my field notes because it doesn’t include camera notes or technical detail, just story.

Dailies or screen grabs: Reviewing footage after each day ensures I’m not missing any important shots.

It also gives a visual representation of my field notes & hot sheets. 

A nice touch to get my team and client excited about what's to come.

Step 4. Post-Production

Transcripts & selects: By transcribing interviews and pulling selects, I make editing much more efficient.

Paper edit: Creating a general structure for my edit helps my editor visualize the story before diving into the project file.

Color References: I typically draft my color references in the creative development stage.

By defining the color grading look early on, I ensure consistency across shots, aligning the footage with the desired mood and tone.

Production wrap book: This is a recap that includes everything from an overview of the project, creative materials (including pitch deck, director’s treatment, shot list), call sheets, logs, notes, legal documents, credit list, and more.

I think of it as my final progress report.

What would i grade myself? I analyze what worked and what didn't, and apply that feedback to the next one.

Sometimes, you can request a post-mortem with your team and clients.

Be prepared for constructive feedback!

Summary

My standardized process is readily available for reference anytime, and can be customized per project.

And there are auto built-in checkpoints to get ahead of any issues.

But most importantly, it reduces risk for the client.

In my experience, this one skill can separate you from the pack on any project, at any level.