Is the story ready to build a film around?

Read the script, obtain coverage and agree any revisions. Identify the audience, genre and a realistic budget range.

What you need: Approved script, synopsis and script coverage.

Can you legally make and sell this film?

Establish ownership of the screenplay and any underlying material. Have production counsel review the rights agreements and chain of title.

What you need: Signed rights agreements covering the intended production and exploitation.

Who will help make the film and attract buyers?

Appoint the producers and director. Identify suitable cast and check their cost and availability. Record whether each actor is a target, interested or contractually committed.

What you need: Look book, team biographies and an accurate cast attachment register.

How, where and when will you make it?

Break down the script into scenes, locations, cast and production requirements. Build a schedule covering preparation, filming, post-production and delivery. Check the key dates against availability.

What you need: Practical production schedule and location plan.

What will it really cost to complete and deliver?

Cost the agreed schedule. Include preparation, filming, post-production, delivery, insurance, contingency, legal and financing costs. Prepare a cash-flow forecast showing when payments fall due.

What you need: Detailed budget and cash-flow forecast that agree with the production plan.

Does the commercial case support the cost?

Obtain credible sales estimates for the actual script and proposed cast. Review comparable films and discuss the release strategy with suitable sales agents or distributors. Distinguish estimates from contracted sales.

What you need: Supported sales estimates, conservative revenue assumptions and a release strategy.

Where will the money come from?

Identify equity, pre-sales, incentives and borrowing. Check eligibility, deductions, payment dates and the cost of bridging delayed receipts. Show repayment priorities and test lower revenues or delayed funding.

What you need: Finance plan covering the full cost, with no double counting, and a recoupment model.

What funding and commercial terms are actually agreed?

Convert expressions of interest into documented commitments. Agree fees, funding conditions, security, repayment priorities and delivery obligations. Identify what must happen before each source pays.

What you need: Signed financing and commercial agreements, plus a list of outstanding conditions.

What could still prevent the film being made or delivered?

Review rights, counterparties, contracts, incentives, budget, schedule, insurance and buyer delivery requirements. Arrange a completion guarantee if required. Assign an owner and deadline to every unresolved point.

What you need: Completed diligence review and a closing checklist showing any remaining blockers.

Are the decision-makers ready to authorise production?

Review the agreed script, package, budget, schedule, finance and risks together. Record approvals and any conditions. State separately whether preparation, spending and principal photography are authorised.

What you need: Written greenlight approval, approved document versions and clear limits on authority.

Can production proceed with money and controls in place?

Satisfy funding conditions, complete financial closing and confirm cash is available when needed. Finalise cast, crew and supplier arrangements. During filming, review footage, cost reports, cash and schedule progress.

What you need: Authority to draw funds, production contracts and regular production reporting.

Is the completed film accepted and reaching its audience?

Complete editing, sound, music, effects and final picture. Clear the material used and meet buyer delivery requirements. Coordinate release and marketing, complete incentive claims and report receipts and payments.

What you need: Accepted delivery, a release campaign and ongoing financial and investor reporting.