Production Management Software
There is plenty of filmmaking software to help you break down, schedule and budget your movie. The industry standard software is produced by Entertainment Partners, and it’s called Movie Magic. The only downside to Movie Magic is the cost. To get both the scheduling and budgeting programs, you will shell out over $500.
A few years back, I was one of the beta testers for a scheduling and budgeting program from Jungle Software called Gorilla. If you are creating an indie feature on a budget, this software will do the trick.
Gorilla usually includes BOTH a scheduling program and a budgeting program for a lot less money than some of the other software tools.
As an alternative to desktop-based software programs, there are quite a few Internet-based tools gaining popularity. One of the latest programs to enter the scene is called LightSPEED eps. In addition to being an awesome script breakdown and scheduling program, LightSPEED eps allows you to centralize your production information and provide secure access from your computer, wireless device, from anywhere in the world.
With this web-based production management software, you can provide your your production team with current information from anywhere in the world. In practical terms, let’s say you are based in LA, but your First AD is based in NYC. You will now have the ability to oversee all aspects of your project. And if something changes, you will be able to notify your staff of critical updates in real time.
According to the LightSPEED website, the production management software provides you with the following features:
1. Script import and breakdown. LightSPEED allows you to quickly and easily import your screenplay into the system, break it down into scenes, and from there you can identify and associate elements with the scenes. The scenes are then highlighted with industry standard colors representing interior, exterior, and the time of day.
2. Track every element. With LightSPEED every element of your production is tracked. All the elements are laid out before you but can be filtered by element type. You will see how many scenes each element appears in and which department is responsible for getting the element. Color coded icons provide status – has a location been locked or are we still scouting?
3. Revise your breakdown. With LightSPEED, it’s easy to revise your script breakdown without starting from scratch. New scenes and scene parts can be inserted between old ones, and can be identified by industry standard or custom scene numbering. Revisions are effortless and precise, every time.
4. Stripboard management. Stripboards in LightSPEED are keyed to script pages, scenes, and elements. Additionally, if you are working with multiple units, Lightspeed allows you to create separate stripboards and calendars for each unit.
After getting a face-to-face demo with the management team, I left the meeting convinced that LightSPEED represents the future of script breakdown and production management. And because these guys are very indie filmmaker friendly, they have provided Filmmaking Stuff readers with a free trial.
In full disclosure, since getting the demo, I have created an affiliate deal with these guys, so should you wish to try out the system beyond the free trial for one of your bigger projects, we will receive compensation. So please conduct your own due diligence.
To find out more about this filmmaking tool, goto: IndieProductionTool.com and register for a FREE account.
About Jason Brubaker
Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.