10 Steps to Make a Film

Making a film is a process that has many steps. Whether the script is 10 or 180 pages long, the basic steps are the same. The variation of steps is equivalent to the length of the script so: The longer the script, the more steps need to be taken to make it happen; and vice versa.

10 Basic steps to the completion of a film:

Story, script, finance/producers, pre-production, casting, marketing, production, post-production, Special effects and graphics, and distribution.

These steps have the following relationship:

Copyright Paula Navarro 2011

It is important to understand that there are steps that cannot be accomplished without the fulfillment of another. This can be called a dependent task. To find out more about constructing a network diagram click here. 

We have already discussed the story, so within this network diagram, there can easily be a separate one for each of the tasks. The story’s diagram would look the same but with the steps discussed about developing it.

In the future, I will break this down in increasing detail until we have the exact method for developing a film. Think of these graphics as a “To do list” where all the steps you need to take are drawn out. There are several ways you can organize your tasks, but knowing what to do is already half the battle, so never forget to plan what you are doing before executing your idea; otherwise, it is most likely to become your biggest nightmare.


If you do not plan, unexpected problems arise that are going to require you to come up with an unexpected solution. If you do plan ahead for possible errors, you can easily plan ahead for possible solutions and your work on the run will be much easier.  Project planning is one of the most important things you as a developer must understand. If you want to know more about how to make your project successful, read more about project management.

Remember that making a film requires your time and attention. Films have never been made by themselves. It takes hard work and perseverance to achieve your goals, and since you are already putting your effort into it, you might as well give it your best shot. So, start planning your great idea and if you follow the steps, it can become a reality. The next step will be writing the script.