Why Every Filmmaker Needs a Deliverables List for Their Feature Film
Making a feature film is no small feat.
From pre-production to post-production and beyond, the sheer number of tasks can be overwhelming.
If you're not careful, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines, misplace essential files, or forget crucial deliverables.
This is why every filmmaker needs a Deliverables List—a comprehensive checklist that keeps your film’s production organized and on track.
In this post, I’ll show you why a Deliverables List is critical to your filmmaking journey, provide real-world examples from my current feature film WITH LOVE, and explain how it can save you time, money, and headaches.
Plus, I’m sharing my own Deliverables List Template that you can use for your film.
What Is a Deliverables List in Filmmaking?
In the simplest terms, a deliverables list is a comprehensive document outlining everything you need to complete your films:
Legal documentation: contracts, release forms, copyright paperwork.
Business documentation: LLC files, Secretary of State Registration, Banking.
Casting documents: Cast List, Data files and more.
Technical requirements: final film files (e.g., DCP, ProRes, 4K exports).
Marketing materials: trailers, posters, behind-the-scenes stills.
Metadata: synopses, credits, subtitles, and closed captions.
Without a deliverables list, it’s easy to miss critical items.
Why You Need a Deliverables List
1. Keeps You Organized
Filmmaking is chaotic, with endless moving parts. A deliverables list acts as your north star, helping you and your team stay organized amidst the chaos.
Imagine being in the final weeks of post-production and scrambling to find a missing actor release form or realizing you didn’t create closed captions. A deliverables list eliminates these last-minute crises by keeping all your tasks and requirements in one place.
Example:
On my current feature film WITH LOVE, I initially underestimated the sheer number of assets required by distributors. By creating a detailed deliverables list early in production, I was able to assign tasks to my team and avoid costly last-minute rushes.
2. Ensures You Meet Deadlines
Vendors, Crew, Cast, Partners, Distributors, festivals, and streaming platforms are sticklers for deadlines. If you don’t deliver the required materials on time, you risk losing opportunities.
A deliverables list keeps you on schedule by breaking down tasks into manageable steps. It also helps you prioritize what needs to be done first, so you’re not rushing to complete everything at the last minute.
3. Prepares You for Unexpected Challenges
Even the most organized filmmaker can encounter unexpected challenges, like the need to find emergency contact information for a crew member.
A well-prepared deliverables list includes contingency items—things you may not think you need but could save the day in a pinch.
4. Improves Collaboration with Your Team
Filmmaking is a team sport, and a deliverables list makes it easier to delegate tasks and track progress. It serves as a roadmap for everyone involved, from your partners to your legal advisor.
Example:
Using a shared version of my deliverables list for WITH LOVE, I was able to assign specific tasks (e.g., creating the trailer, preparing the press kit) to different team members. This ensured everyone knew their responsibilities and deadlines.
5. Boosts Your Professionalism
Having a deliverables list shows distributors, producers, and collaborators that you’re serious about your work. It demonstrates that you’ve planned every detail of your film’s production and delivery, which can help you secure future opportunities.
What Should Be on Your Deliverables List?
Here’s a general breakdown of the essential items:
Business Deliverables
Banking Documents
Pitch Documents
Tax Documents
Technical Deliverables
Final Cut (various formats: DCP, ProRes, H.264, etc.).
Subtitles and closed captions (SRT files, burned-in versions).
Audio deliverables (5.1 mix, stereo mix, stems).
Legal Deliverables
Contracts and agreements (actor release forms, music licenses).
Chain of title documentation.
Copyright registration.
Marketing Deliverables
Trailers (teaser and full).
Posters (in various sizes for web and print).
Behind-the-scenes photos and videos.
Metadata and Miscellaneous
Synopsis (short and long versions).
Credit list (including crew and cast bios).
Festival applications or distribution forms.
🎬 Get My Deliverables List Template
To help you stay on track, I’m sharing the exact Template Deliverables List I used for WITH LOVE. It’s packed with everything you need to prepare your film.
👉 Sign up now to download the template and start organizing your filmmaking process today!
