Ease your workload (and your mind) with these free templates for everything from storyboarding to contracts to accounting.
[Editor's Note: No Film School asked Adrijana Lazarevic to collect these 99 templates because of her expertise working with filmmakers at Filestage.io.]
No one really feels like doing paperwork, but let’s be honest: no good film comes without organization and planning. That’s where templates can help you out. I work at a startup that creates software for filmmakers, and we see how busy you are every day, so we collected the most helpful templates, guides, and checklists out there to make your life a little easier. They really help save time for what matters most: letting your creativity flow and producing breathtaking movies that won’t be forgotten. We've also covered the topic of free filmmaker documents before, as well as how you can use free templates for production reports.
The categories covered in this list are: Script Prep/Pre-production, Storyboard/Mood Board Templates, Shot List Templates, Script Breakdown Sheets, Budgeting, Accounting, Personnel/Cast Forms, Insurance Forms, Equipment Documents, Production/Shooting, and Music Releases.
Script Prep/Pre-production
Much of your planning happens well before production, including trying to get investors on board and starting to determine who your audience will be. Here are some templates for early steps, including a form for "optioning" a story that you want to produce, and a director's worksheet that lays out what you'd like to see happen in each scene.
Storyboarding is a cornerstone of the filmmaking process. A storyboard is a sequence of drawings that paint a picture of the your storyline, showing the structure of, and vision for, key scenes. We've also included a moodboard sheet for establishing the visual style of your film.
Organization is the key to a successful shoot. With the help of a shot list, you can easily arrange single shots within any given scene. You can determine, for example, the number of shots necessary to capture a particular action most effectively. Give it a try with one of these practical templates.
Here you can find helpful templates providing detailed descriptions of scenes, and the equipment and personnel assigned to each one. This way, you never lose sight, and can make sure everything is going according to plan.
While making a film, you or your producer have to keep a lot of things in mind and, before you know it, you can easily go over budget. This compilation of templates will help make sure that you don't lose sight of your financial statements. Some of them additionally provide examples of budgeting.
Once you have a budget, you have to actually do the accounting. Maintaining an overview of your finances and money flow is crucial. Check your financial resources by making notes of their movement. These forms will help you keep track.
From general contracts and agreements to crew templates, many of these forms are necessary to lay out a foundation for the business behind your film and get a good team on board.
So you found the most suitable locations to portray your vision. Now, as with everything else, you need to do the paperwork and take care of business These templates have you covered. But also don't forget to read our primer on locations in the first place!
Keep in mind that life doesn’t always have a bright side. Especially when it comes to accidents or health problems. Therefore, always insure your crew, yourself and the equipment. These templates will get you started.
A movie is usually not made by a smartphone in one hand and a music player in the other. You need a whole bunch of stuff, plus, you have to deal with it. Cameras, recorders, lights, a whole set, and so on; all this has its price and needs to be paid attention to. These forms can help.
You've got your cast & crew, locations, and equipment and now you're onto the shoot: the time when staying organized is most crucial. To avoid slip-ups, interruptions or any other negative factors that make your life as director harder than it should be, use these forms. This list includes call sheets, your essential tool for communicating requirements with everyone on set.
Imagine movies without any music—unthinkable! Music is an essential part of a film experience. But, just as films have their patents and rights of use and enjoyment, sounds and music do too. And the legal use of music can be complicated. Here are some of the papers that help you do things right.
Filestage is a web app for filmmakers to share, review and approve videos efficiently. Clients and co-workers comment directly in your videos and design-frames accurately. All visual projects can be managed at ease.
Last night I found this article and quickly printed them out. I was so excited, I was finally going to write, act, direct and produce my first feature! I lit my oil lamp on my desk and inked my quill. Alone in the dark I started filling out my name across the documents. I was getting to think filmmaking was hard work when I came across something strange... some of the dates were etched in the document. In the dark I fumbled for my magnifying glass, my hand came across a small glass box then I found it. I inspected the date, it read 2003. Confused, I read it again: 2003. I couldn't believe it. I glanced at my calendar which read 1878. Dumbfounded I walked outside and smoked my pipe. All I wanted to do was film a small project called "Horse In Motion." But I had stumbled upon something greater... Was I about to become the first filmmaker and lead a revolution of art? I'm sure there will be a sign somewhere saying EadWeard MuyBridge Productions! Everyone will come by and watch my films! Wait a minute... How did I access the internet? How did I get to this forum? Will I ever get to make "Horse In Motion 2: Money Never Sleeps"?
hey FilmBaker , im rying to download the templates but having some isse some time link open to an empty site or some time it crashes . if you have downlaoded all of them can you share google drive link with all of us thanks mate
I went to my nonprofit that specialize in documentary films recently and asked them for assistance in finding proper contracts/release forms and help with what is needed when having talent sign a release. To my complete surprise, they weren't able to provide ANY viable leads except for the Indie Film Clinic here in NYC. When I went to the Indie Film Clinic, I learned that apparently the director no longer worked there and the program was put on hold.
Needless to say, thank you NFS and Adrijana Lazarevic. This type of help goes a very long way. Also, I tell all my friends about NFS.
Thanks to No Film School & Thank You too, guys!
I am glad you can benefit from those great templates. Now you have more time to fuel your creativity :)
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!
I just have one question though. Since I am an independent filmmaker, not a production company, on the location agreement, should I simply change "company" to "human"? Or is there something else I should do?
Do you by chance have a template for a film marketing budget, separate from the usual production budget? If not, can anyone send me to a good source for one? Thanks :-)
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A lot of these links don't go anywhere. They're dead links to shady sites with no template in sight :( Anyway to update them?
Was able to get a few really great ones though!
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Your Comment
54 Comments
Awesome! Thanks so much for this!
August 1, 2016 at 12:06PM, Edited August 1, 12:06PM
You could also reference the call sheet / production report called Casper located at thinkcrew.com. They also have accounting forms as well!
August 1, 2016 at 12:45PM
Last night I found this article and quickly printed them out. I was so excited, I was finally going to write, act, direct and produce my first feature! I lit my oil lamp on my desk and inked my quill. Alone in the dark I started filling out my name across the documents. I was getting to think filmmaking was hard work when I came across something strange... some of the dates were etched in the document. In the dark I fumbled for my magnifying glass, my hand came across a small glass box then I found it. I inspected the date, it read 2003. Confused, I read it again: 2003. I couldn't believe it. I glanced at my calendar which read 1878. Dumbfounded I walked outside and smoked my pipe. All I wanted to do was film a small project called "Horse In Motion." But I had stumbled upon something greater... Was I about to become the first filmmaker and lead a revolution of art? I'm sure there will be a sign somewhere saying EadWeard MuyBridge Productions! Everyone will come by and watch my films! Wait a minute... How did I access the internet? How did I get to this forum? Will I ever get to make "Horse In Motion 2: Money Never Sleeps"?
August 1, 2016 at 1:18PM, Edited August 1, 1:18PM
hey FilmBaker , im rying to download the templates but having some isse some time link open to an empty site or some time it crashes . if you have downlaoded all of them can you share google drive link with all of us thanks mate
October 25, 2019 at 6:03PM
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August 1, 2016 at 1:22PM
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August 1, 2016 at 2:51PM, Edited August 1, 2:51PM
I went to my nonprofit that specialize in documentary films recently and asked them for assistance in finding proper contracts/release forms and help with what is needed when having talent sign a release. To my complete surprise, they weren't able to provide ANY viable leads except for the Indie Film Clinic here in NYC. When I went to the Indie Film Clinic, I learned that apparently the director no longer worked there and the program was put on hold.
Needless to say, thank you NFS and Adrijana Lazarevic. This type of help goes a very long way. Also, I tell all my friends about NFS.
August 1, 2016 at 8:08PM
Thanks, everybody! Let us know if you find more forms that we should add to this list!
August 2, 2016 at 6:53AM
Thanks to No Film School & Thank You too, guys!
I am glad you can benefit from those great templates. Now you have more time to fuel your creativity :)
August 2, 2016 at 7:37AM
Thanks so much Adrijana and to No Film School!!!!
August 11, 2016 at 2:34PM
Thanks for including the StudioBinder templates, here's a few more that filmmakers would find useful:
- Shot List Template: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/the-only-shot-list-template-you-need-w...
- Storyboard Template: https://www.studiobinder.com/storyboard-template/
- Model Release Template: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/model-release-form-template/
- Photo Release Template: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/photo-release-form-template/
August 2, 2016 at 12:01PM, Edited August 2, 12:06PM
great.. now i know more---- thx
August 3, 2016 at 11:13PM
How about a Do Not Disclose form?
August 6, 2016 at 7:03AM
Are you kidding me?! THIS IS INCREDIBLE
August 8, 2016 at 2:56PM
Thanks a ton!
August 18, 2016 at 6:44AM
Travel itinerary template specific to cast/crew, anyone?
December 9, 2016 at 6:06AM
Thank you very much for all these clarifications, they helped me very much to comprehend all what i need
April 13, 2017 at 6:42AM
AMAZING! Thank you SSSOOOO much!
June 6, 2017 at 10:22PM
Don't forget to copyright your work - another form for the list: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/motion-pictures/index.html
July 30, 2017 at 7:51PM
Amazing this helps out so much. I am also glad to see its from NB. I live in Toronto now but grew up in Moncton :)
December 14, 2017 at 12:46PM
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June 18, 2018 at 3:06AM, Edited June 18, 3:06AM
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!
I just have one question though. Since I am an independent filmmaker, not a production company, on the location agreement, should I simply change "company" to "human"? Or is there something else I should do?
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Do you by chance have a template for a film marketing budget, separate from the usual production budget? If not, can anyone send me to a good source for one? Thanks :-)
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A lot of these links don't go anywhere. They're dead links to shady sites with no template in sight :( Anyway to update them?
Was able to get a few really great ones though!
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Thanks, everybody! Let us know if you find more forms that we should add to this list!
November 23, 2019 at 4:46AM
Wondering if anyone downloaded some of the templates from FilmContracts.com before it disappeared.
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