Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Develop script and lock shooting script
2–3 weeks (2–3 hrs/day)
Develop a screenplay or documentary treatment to a shootable draft. For fiction: a full-scene shooting script with scene headings, action lines, and dialogue. For documentary: a treatment (600–1000 words) plus interview question set and proposed visual sequences. The script must be locked before production design begins.
Proof required
Submit your locked shooting script (fiction: formatted to industry standard; documentary: treatment + interview questions) as a PDF, annotated with any significant changes from the development draft and why they were made.
What gets checked
- Shooting script is formatted to industry standard (Courier 12pt, correct scene heading format)
- All major story beats are locked — no scenes marked 'TBD' or 'improvised'
- Annotations explain structural decisions made in the final draft, not just surface changes
Common mistakes
- Script development runs into production — story problems get 'fixed in edit' and make post-production twice as long
- Documentary treatment is so loose that the interview questions don't connect to a clear film argument
- Script looks polished on page but has not been read aloud — pacing and dialogue issues not discovered until onset
Resources
Foundationstart here
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Check script is formatted to industry standard — incorrect formatting indicates lack of professional familiarity
- Verify all scenes are locked — 'TBD' or 'improvise here' markers indicate script development is not complete
- Ask student to read one page of dialogue aloud — rhythm and pacing problems become audible
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Produce storyboard, shot list, and production schedule
1–2 weeks (2–3 hrs/day)
Storyboard every significant scene (minimum 20 panels for a short film, or all interview setups plus 10 insert shots for a documentary). Produce a shot list for every scene (shot number, framing, camera movement, notes). Build a production schedule covering all shoot days with call times, locations, and crew assignments.
Proof required
Submit your storyboard (minimum 20 panels, photographed or scanned), shot list (all scenes, formatted as a table), and production schedule (all shoot days) as a single PDF or multi-document pack.
What gets checked
- Storyboard panels are legible and indicate shot framing — stick figures are acceptable but framing must be clear
- Shot list covers every scene — not only the 'important' shots
- Production schedule is realistic — location transitions, setup time, and meal breaks are accounted for
Common mistakes
- Storyboard is aspirational rather than operational — drawn for visual interest, not as a shooting reference
- Shot list covers only setups, not coverage — missing reverse angles, cutaways, and insert shots
- Production schedule is a wish list — crew is double-booked or locations require more travel than allowed
Powstik Guide
A 20-panel storyboard, a shot list and a schedule.
Steps
- Board every key shot, 20 panels minimum.
- List all shots by scene in a table.
- Group scenes by location for the schedule.
- Assign dates and crew to each day.
Template
| Scene | Shot | Size | Movement | Location | |-------|------|------|----------|----------| | Day | Date | Scenes | Crew | |-----|------|--------|------|
What gets sent back
- Fewer than 20 panels.
- Scenes missing from the shot list.
- No schedule.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Count storyboard panels — minimum 20 for short fiction, all interview setups + 10 inserts for documentary
- Check shot list covers all scenes — missing scenes means coverage was not planned
- Ask student to walk through one day of their production schedule and account for setup and travel time — unrealistic schedules indicate planning has not been tested against reality
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Submit pre-production package for review before shooting
1 week
Submit your complete pre-production package (script, storyboard, shot list, production schedule, plus a one-page production design notes covering locations, costume, and props) for review by a tutor or experienced filmmaker before shooting begins. Document review feedback and any changes made to the package.
Proof required
Submit: (1) complete pre-production package PDF, (2) review record (date, reviewer, specific changes required), (3) revision note documenting what was changed after review.
What gets checked
- Review was completed before any footage was shot — not retroactively
- Review record documents specific changes required, not just approval
- Revision note confirms changes were implemented or explains why specific feedback was not followed
Common mistakes
- Review happens after shooting starts — pre-production package becomes a documentation exercise, not a planning tool
- Review record says package was approved without documenting what was reviewed
- Revision note is 'I made the changes' without specifying what changed
Powstik Guide
A reviewed pre-production package, revised before shooting.
Steps
- Combine script, storyboard, shot list and schedule.
- Add a one-page production plan.
- Get a tutor or producer to review it.
- Make the changes and list them.
Template
Package includes: script ☐ storyboard ☐ shot list ☐ schedule ☐ plan ☐ Reviewer name and role: Changes required: | Change | Done? | |--------|-------|
What gets sent back
- Missing package parts.
- No reviewer record.
- Shooting before revisions.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm review was completed before shooting began — date on review record must precede shoot dates on production schedule
- Check review record documents specific changes, not just sign-off
- Ask student: what was the most significant change made after the review? If they can't name one, the review was likely rubber-stamped
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
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