Typical stages for film creators

1. The Idea

   The strongest films often begin with a single image, a question or a story that won't leave you alone. Capturing that first concept gives you a reference point for every creative decision that follows.

   What this stage means

   The strongest films begin with a single, clear impulse — an image, a question, or a story that demands to be told. That first instinct is the truest version of the film you want to make. Everything that follows is a negotiation between that impulse and the practical reality of making it.

   Questions to consider

   • Can you articulate the core idea in a single sentence?
   • What draws you to this particular story — what is the personal connection?
   • Have you documented the idea before it starts to evolve?
   • Is this a short or feature, fiction or documentary — and does the format serve the idea?

   Practical ideas

   • Write down the idea in its rawest form before you start developing it
   • Create a Creative Record to timestamp the original concept
   • Test the idea by explaining it simply to someone unfamiliar with it
   • Keep a reference file — images, sounds, films that share the feeling of your idea

   Pro tip

   The original idea is a compass — when the process gets complicated, it's worth returning to what you first felt.

   Reached a meaningful milestone? Create another Lyricsmit Record and continue building your Creative Record Archive.

2. The Screenplay

   A screenplay turns an idea into a structure that others can read, evaluate and build from. It's common for writers to go through multiple drafts, each one bringing the story closer to what it wants to be.

   What this stage means

   The screenplay is the first public version of the film — the document from which everyone else on the project works. Writing it takes the film from imagination into a form others can read, evaluate, and begin to build from. Most screenplays go through many drafts before they are production-ready.

   Questions to consider

   • Have you completed a full draft before revising heavily?
   • Does the structure serve the story, or is it constraining it?
   • Have you shared it with at least one trusted reader for feedback?
   • Is this draft worth creating a Creative Record?

   Practical ideas

   • Create a Creative Record for each significant draft
   • Read the screenplay aloud — dialogue reveals itself differently spoken than read
   • Give feedback time to settle before deciding which notes to apply
   • Study the structure of films you admire — not to copy, but to understand what works and why

   Pro tip

   A screenplay is finished when it stops improving with each draft — that point comes later than most writers think.

   Reached a meaningful milestone? Create another Lyricsmit Record and continue building your Creative Record Archive.

3. Pre-production

   Pre-production is one of the most important investments a filmmaker can make. This stage typically covers casting, locations, schedules and budgets — the framework that allows the creative work to happen.

   What this stage means

   Pre-production is where the film becomes a plan. Casting, locations, schedules, and budgets are put in place so that when the camera rolls, the conditions for creativity are as good as possible. Thorough preparation doesn't remove spontaneity — it creates the space for it.

   Questions to consider

   • Are the right people in every key role?
   • Has every significant location been confirmed and scouted?
   • Is the schedule realistic, with space for the unexpected?
   • Are there outstanding financial or logistical issues that could affect production?

   Practical ideas

   • Hold a creative alignment meeting with all department heads before shooting begins
   • Visit every location before the shoot day
   • Build contingency time into the schedule for every day of production
   • Document the pre-production period — the decisions made here shaped the film

   Pro tip

   Problems that aren't solved in pre-production become much more expensive to solve on set.

4. Production

   Principal photography is when the film is actually made. Each day of shooting is an opportunity to capture something meaningful as the project continues to evolve.

   What this stage means

   Production is where the film is made. Every day on set is an opportunity — and every day creates material you cannot recreate. The decisions made in the moment, under pressure, often define the final film more than any plan.

   Questions to consider

   • Are you capturing enough coverage to give yourself options in the edit?
   • Is the creative vision being preserved, even as practical constraints require adjustments?
   • Are you creating a record of significant production moments?
   • Is the team communicating well under pressure?

   Practical ideas

   • Create a Creative Record when a significant scene is completed
   • Keep a daily production journal — decisions made on set are often forgotten quickly
   • Back up all footage at the end of every shooting day without exception
   • Protect the energy of the set — morale affects the work

   Pro tip

   The best performance is usually in the first few takes — plan the camera to be ready before you start rehearsing.

   Reached a meaningful milestone? Create another Lyricsmit Record and continue building your Creative Record Archive.

5. Post-production

   Editing, colour grading, sound design and music bring the raw material to life. Post-production often takes as long as the shoot itself, and the decisions made here shape the final experience for every viewer.

   What this stage means

   Post-production is where the film is assembled, shaped, and finished. Editing discovers the film that exists in the footage — which is often different from the film that was planned. Colour grading, sound design, and music complete the experience the audience will have.

   Questions to consider

   • Are you editing from the footage you have, not the footage you wish you had?
   • Has the cut been reviewed by at least one trusted person outside the project?
   • Is the sound design and music serving the emotional tone of the film?
   • Is the film the right length — not the length you planned, but the length it needs to be?

   Practical ideas

   • Watch the cut on a different screen before finalising — a smaller screen reveals pacing problems
   • Get a rough cut reaction from someone unfamiliar with the project
   • Create a Creative Record when the picture is locked
   • Leave time between the final cut and the final grade — fresh eyes always help

   Pro tip

   A cut is finished when removing anything makes the film worse — not when you've run out of things to change.

6. Distribution

   Getting a film in front of audiences takes planning. For independent filmmakers, festival submissions are often a natural starting point — a way to build recognition and open doors to wider distribution.

   What this stage means

   Distribution is how the film reaches its audience. For independent filmmakers, the path varies enormously — from festival submission to streaming platforms to self-distribution. Each path has different implications for the film's reach and visibility.

   Questions to consider

   • Have you identified the festivals or platforms that are the right fit for this film?
   • Are your delivery materials — screener, poster, press kit — ready for submission?
   • Is there a realistic timeline from submission to potential screening?
   • Have you considered both online and in-person distribution channels?

   Practical ideas

   • Research submission deadlines for target festivals six months ahead
   • Prepare a press kit and screener before you need them
   • Talk to other filmmakers who have navigated distribution about what they learned
   • Consider a small in-person premiere event even before wider distribution

   Pro tip

   Film festivals are networking events as much as screening events — approach them as opportunities for connection, not just selection.

   Reached a meaningful milestone? Create another Lyricsmit Record and continue building your Creative Record Archive.

7. Promotion

   The story of how a film was made is often as compelling as the film itself. Press, interviews and social media offer filmmakers opportunities to build an audience before and after release.

   What this stage means

   Helping an audience find a film is a creative act in itself. The story of how a film was made is often as compelling to audiences as the film — and sharing that story thoughtfully is one of the most effective things an independent filmmaker can do.

   Questions to consider

   • Are you talking about the film in a way that connects with its intended audience?
   • Have you identified the communities most likely to care about this film?
   • Is there a consistent visual identity across all promotional material?
   • Have you prepared for the question every filmmaker is asked: what is it about?

   Practical ideas

   • Create behind-the-scenes content during production that can support promotion later
   • Identify three communities or platforms where this film naturally belongs
   • Write a director's note — it helps audiences connect with the work
   • Reach out to outlets that covered films similar to yours

   Pro tip

   The most compelling promotion for an independent film is usually the filmmaker talking honestly about why they made it.

Things to Consider

• Have you reached a meaningful milestone?
• Is this a version you’d like to remember?
• Have you organised your project files?
• Are you ready for the next stage of your creative journey?

What You Could Do Next

Once this stage of the work is complete, these are some possible directions to explore. Choose what fits your project.

• Exploring further editing passes
• Colour grading
• Sound design refinement
• Submitting to film festivals
• Exploring distribution opportunities
• Building a portfolio and showreel
• Industry networking
• Applying for grants and funding
• Beginning the next project