- 1). Develop your concept and put it into an outline. Discuss the idea with others to get feedback on what sounds interesting, what someone would want to see and what could be improved. Adjust your outline as needed. Write the script. Or find a script you like and acquire the rights, either through purchase or a back-end deal where the writer is paid upon production of the film when funding is in place.
- 2). Hire an assistant and co-producers to handle the majority of the paperwork and legwork. Break down and budget the script. Acquire funding from investors or find other means of funding the project, such as personal savings, grants or loans.
- 3). Scout locations for each scene. Secure permits and pay all the applicable fees for the locations you select.
- 4). Arrange casting sessions (or have your casting director do so). Hire your cast. Begin rehearsals on set (if possible). If set rehearsals aren't possible, then arrange a couple table reads at an office location to get your actors on the right track and make shooting easier.
- 5). Prep the scenes from a directing perspective so you know exactly what you want to achieve and can work the performance out of the actor. Direct the actors each day.
- 6). Oversee editing of the project to ensure it has the look and tone you had planned. Films are made in the editing room so it's important that you stay involved.
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