0) Pipeline Overview (the whole chain)
Development → idea, script, package, attachments.
Pre-Production → plan the film so it can be executed.
Production → capture footage safely and efficiently.
Post → edit, sound, color, VFX, music, final master.
Delivery → legal + technical requirements for distribution.
Distribution → marketing, release, revenue collection.
Reality: A movie isn’t “done” when you finish editing. It’s done when you can deliver what the buyer requires.
1) Development (turn a story into a package)
Development is about clarity and viability. The outputs of development should be shareable and financeable.
Script(s): feature script or pilot + series bible.
Pitch materials: logline, one-page, deck, tone comps.
Attachments: producer, director, cast targets, key crew.
Business logic: budget band + distribution strategy.
Legal: chain-of-title, rights, releases (as needed).
Development mistake: over-building materials without building attachments or a distribution plan.
2) Pre-Production (design the shoot so it won’t collapse)
Pre-production is where competent producers save money and protect safety.
The best shoots look “easy” because the hard work was done here.
Core pre-production outputs
Locked script (or controlled revision system)
Budget + cashflow plan
Schedule + stripboard
Locations, permits, insurance
Crew hires + deal memos
Cast contracts + rehearsal plan
Operational protection
Safety protocols + medical plan
Equipment packages (camera/sound/grip/lighting)
Production design + wardrobe continuity
Transportation + lodging (if needed)
Call sheets + contact lists
Producer truth: Every unknown in prep becomes a crisis on set. Prep buys freedom.
3) Production (capture the movie)
Production is where time becomes money. The set has one job: produce usable footage daily.
Daily objectives: shoot the scheduled scenes safely and cleanly.
Daily outputs: dailies, sound reports, camera reports, production report.
Continuity: script supervisor protects the edit.
Money control: line producer / UPM tracks actuals vs budget.
Most indie disasters are caused by schedule drift and overtime spirals.
If you’re “just one more take” all day, you will burn cash.
4) Post-Production (where the film becomes watchable)
Post is not “fixing it later.” Post is a full pipeline with specialized crafts.
Edit: assembly → rough cut → fine cut → picture lock.
Sound: dialogue edit, ADR, foley, sound design, mix.
Color: correction + grade to create consistent look.
VFX: shots tracked and delivered (even if minimal).
Music: score + licensing + cue sheet planning.
QC: technical checks (audio, color, subtitles, sync).
Picture lock means you stop changing edit timing before final sound and color work.
Moving scenes after sound mix burns money.
5) Delivery (this is where amateurs get stuck)
Delivery is the set of legal and technical items required by a distributor, platform, or festival.
If you can’t deliver, you can’t get paid.
Legal deliverables
Chain-of-title documents
Talent agreements + releases
Music licenses + cue sheets
E&O insurance (often required)
Technical deliverables
Master file(s) per spec
Audio stems (dialogue/music/effects)
Subtitles / captions
Artwork, trailer, promo materials
Many filmmakers finish a film and then realize they cannot legally use the music, logos,
or footage they included. Clear rights early.
6) Distribution (where money becomes real)
Distribution is not one thing. It’s a plan: where the film is released and how viewers find it.
Festivals: discovery + press + sales opportunities (not guaranteed).
Streamers: platform fit + deliverables + buyer relationships.
Theatrical: marketing spend and booking strategy required.
TV/AVOD: long-tail revenue with specific content needs.
Pipeline discipline increases investor confidence because it reduces production risk.