SIDELINE MOVIE MAKER GUIDE: OVERVIEW

A mentor of mine once said, “the best way to learn something in-depth is to teach it.”

We here at Sideline Pictures made our first feature film in 2016. We self-released to independent theaters and online.

The experience of producing our first feature film has taught us a massive amount about the process. Now it’s time to move onto movie number two. This time we’re going bigger and better; to do that I made this guide.

Originally the guide was for my own personal use to make sure I never missed a step learned during the first movie. A lot of these steps were things we didn’t do for our first movie, but maybe we should have.

Our mission is to find a balance between making movies on our own terms and making movies that can support a living as a creator.

Sideline Movie Maker will put a spotlight on every step we go through. Over time, the series will grow into a full guide that can help you make your own movies.

We love independent film and independent movies. If you use any of the advice on this blog, podcast, or videos please let us know! We’d love to hear from you and learn about what you’re working on.

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Here is a complete guide to the topics the Sideline Movie Maker Guide will cover:

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Comprehensive Sideline Production Guide 
​F- Financing S- Script Development PP- PreProduction P- Production E- PostProduction M- Marketing D- Distribution

1. S - Choosing Genre
2. S - Test Loglines & Plots
3. S - Steal Like A Great Artist
4. S - Writing Fests w/ Deadlines
5. F - Form LLC.
6. F - EIN
7. F - Bank Account
8. F - Lawyer
9. F - First Round Investors
10. S - Blacklist Analysis
11. S - Slated Script Analysis
12. F - Slated Financial Analysis
13. F - Biz & MRKTNG Plan
14. F - Budget
15. F - Escrow Account
16. F - Investors
17. F - Accountant
18. PP - Script Breakdown
19. PP - SAG Signatory
20. PP - Payroll & Deposits
21. PP - Insurance, Permits, ETC.
22. PP - Hiring Crew w/ Experience
23. PP - Casting (Casting Directors)
24. PP - Deal Memos
25. PP - Rehearsals
26. PP - Scheduling
27. PP - Donations & Sponsorships
28. PP - Locations Scouting
29. PP - Equipment Rental
30. PP - Prop & Wardrobe Collection
31. PP - Prop, Wrdrbe, SFX Fabrication
32. PP - Lodging Planning
33. PP - Catering Planning
34. PP - Transportation Planning
35. M - Website
36. M - Google Analytics
37. M - Email List(s)
38. M - Blogging
39. M - Guest Blogging
40. M - Social Media
41. M - Press Releases
42. M - Local Papers
43. E - Music Composition
44. P - Payroll Management
45. P - Contracts & Taxes​
46. P - Union Production
47. P - SAG Production
48. P - Call Sheets
49. M - On Set Photos
50. M - BTS Video
51. P - Communication
52. P - Equipment (Management)
53. P - Audio Considerations
54. P - Lighting Considerations
55. P - Production Design
56. P - Actors (Directors)
57. M - Interview Videos
58. P - Wrap Party!
59. E - Organization, Sound Sync
60. E - Editing (Rough to Picture Lock)
61. M - Influencers (Cold to Hot)
62. E - Feedback & Implementing
63. D - Family & Friends Screenings
64. M - Screen Captures
65. M - Design Elements
66. E - Color Correction
67. E - Sound Design
68. E - Visual Effects
69. E - Color Grading
70. E - Music Licensing
71. E - Trailer & Video Promo Elements
72. E - Closed Captions
73. D - Private Online Screeners
74. D - Sales Agents & Reps
75. M - Marketing Companies
76. D - Film Festivals
77. M - Reviews
78. D - Deals & Distribution (Collection Account)
79. D - On Demand Screenings
80. M - Radio & Podcasts
81. D - Physical Merchandise
82. D - Order Fulfillment
83. D - Cable & Other On Demand
84. D - Online Video on Demand
85. M - Paid Ads
86. D - Educational Speaking
87. D - Streaming Distribution

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As new videos, articles, and podcasts are made covering each of these topics, this list will be populated with links that can serve as your directory for filmmaking topics.

Bookmark this page sot that you can return frequently and work your way through every topic. 

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