7 Best Film and Video Production Management Software
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When making a short film on an amateur level, it is not a very difficult task to lock in and finalize a story (after taking notes and re-working the script) before moving on to the production aspects of the short film.
All things considered, the director of an amateur short film needs only a few things before the shoot starts. One of them is a project management system that includes video production management software and real-time collaboration features.
These can be a shooting script that has revisions from the original story draft screenplay, shot lists, and some kind of itinerary with the shots to be taken, arranged in the order that they’re supposed to be filmed based on factors like time of day, location availability, etc., following video production best practices.
Because of this, short films can be made in relatively no time compared to features. The effective video production process often allows these projects to stay within budget.
However, feature film or professional TV production requires multiple departments to coordinate with each other using collaboration tools to manage video projects and track project progress, ensuring that the number of shots planned for that particular day is filmed before the deadline.
Table of Contents
- What is the importance of film production management?
- The Best Video Production Management Software
- 1. Studio Binder Enterprise
- Features-
- 2. Yamdu
- 3. Celtx
- 4. Filmustage
- 5. Dramatify
- 6. Gorilla Scheduling 6
- 7. Postudio
- Conclusion
What is the importance of film production management?
A recent interview with Elizabeth Olsen can shed some light on how complex and intertwined different departments are when it comes to the process of running successful Hollywood productions.
Elizabeth Olsen recently starred in the Marvel Disney+ series WandaVision.
In an ‘Actors on Actors’ interview segment for Variety (to promote WandaVision and The Flight Attendant), Olsen spoke about the constant fluctuations that occur in the production process. The actress shared that Marvel projects are always being worked on, even while scenes are being filmed.
The production is always asked to incorporate rewrites as and when needed. Due to this, WandaVision had a rule where anything that needed to be changed in the production should be brought up a week before the scene is to be filmed.
This would give all the production teams enough time to make the required changes as WandaVision would shoot approximately seven pages of script per day. After a certain scene was shot, the sets would immediately be taken down to make new locations for the show to take place in.
This is why having advance notice was essential to make sure that the production ran smoothly. WandaVision only had nine episodes, but a lot of network TV shows can easily go up to twenty episodes per season.
Considering the complex nature of the shooting process, all projects need to have video production management software. Having a project management tool like this will ensure that the shoot is finished on schedule, effectively managing project budgets and resources, and ensuring no money is wasted on the production due to inefficiently utilized time and resources.
The Best Video Production Management Software
Here is a list of some of the best video production management software and project management solutions out there right now, including options for team collaboration and software that allows real-time updates.
- Studio Binder Enterprise – Known for its excellent team collaboration and video workflows.
- Yamdu – Offers comprehensive pre-production and task management features.
- Celtx – Ideal for storyboarding and video project management.
- Filmustage – Streamlines the entire production process.
- Dramatify – Offers effective project and resource management.
- Gorilla Scheduling 6 – Known for its budgeting software and production planning capabilities.
- Postudio – Features task management and real-time collaboration tools.
While all of them may serve the same general purpose, tiny differences in their features may make one particular film production management software better suited for a certain project than another. Choosing the right software solutions can enhance team members’ ability to collaborate efficiently and keep video projects on track.
1. Studio Binder Enterprise
StudioBinder Enterprise aims to bring all the different facets of video film production management into one software for a more streamlined production experience. The website states that Studio Binder Enterprise is like a command center for production.
It can support a project right from the script stage, to having features that allow scheduling, call sheets, and whatever documents one may require in the production process, including effective video file sharing and real-time updates.
StudioBinder Enterprise also prioritizes the safety of one’s IP by having a wide host of safety measures in place.
All the data is stored on a secure server. The software allows one to control how much and when people can view and work on the system to only affect their specific department.
It is used by companies like Buzzfeed, Legendary Entertainment, and NBC Universal to name a few.
Despite this, StudioBinder Enterprise has a free version that is available for everyone. It is similar to a project management system like Asana, which is a popular collaboration tool.
Features-
Listed below are the basic features offered by the Free plan, ideal for managing video production projects.
- Ability to work on one project at a time.
- Add an unlimited number of contacts to the project.
- Create and send out call sheets.
- Make up to ten storyboard shots, including shot lists for video projects.
- Schedule a shoot for half the script at a time.
- Work with up to ten elements for a scene breakdown, supporting pre-production planning.
- Create a production calendar with a maximum of five events.
- Work with multiple screenplays or drafts, facilitating the entire production process.
Pricing and Free Trial
- Studio Binder Enterprise offers plans for Individuals as well as Companies, with options for a free trial to explore video production software features.
Individual Plans:
- Indie plan for $29 per month.
- Professional plan for $49 per month.
- Studio plan for $99 per month.
Company Plans:
- Agency plan for $249 per month.
- Production Company plan for $399 per month.
- Enterprise plan for $1499 per month.
Pros of Using StudioBinder as a Video Management Software:
- One of the most widely accessible tools for production management, offering real-time collaboration for video teams.
- Very helpful to schedule and organize production, no matter the skill level of the user, improving video workflows.
- Multiple plans to suit different project needs, ensuring projects remain within budget.
- Integrates with popular editing software like Premiere Pro and Final Cut.
Cons:
- Some plans can get expensive over time.
- Lacks features to plan budgeting and storyboards.
2. Yamdu
Yamdu is a project management tool for creative industries. Much like Studio Binder Enterprise, Yamdu also aims to serve all aspects of production from the script stage to the final, finished cut of the movie.
Yamdu can work across different devices and browsers, in the same manner, to be familiar to all who use it, no matter how they’re using it. Yamdu reduces redundancy and streamlines work by simplifying the communication and collaboration that is involved with a certain production.
This is achieved with the help of an inbuilt communication system, facilitating effective video and team collaboration.
The software also features a singular file-sharing hub. This allows everyone involved with the production to always have the latest, most recently updated information they need to work.
That is something that would be very handy for shows like WandaVision due to the multiple rewrites that were incorporated while filming.
Features: Some of the standard set of features offered by Yamdu, a comprehensive production management tool, are listed below.
- Crew and cast management., essential for cast and crew organization.
- Making a shooting schedule with kanban tool integration.
- Import from Movie Magic for streamlined production project coordination.
- Work on script breakdowns with AI-powered tools.
- Ability to import from Final Draft, boosting video project management.
- Make storyboards, enhancing the pre-production phase.
- Users can make comments or notes, supporting real-time collaboration and feedback.
Pricing:
- Spark plan for $33 per month.
- Rise plan for $120 per month.
- Star plan for $350 per month.
Pros:
- Offers many more features than listed above.
- Users can make customized plans.
- Paid plans unlock more advanced features.
- The entire team can work for the price of one plan.
Cons:
- Only available online.
- Lacks a messaging component.
3. Celtx
Celtx offers similar features to the video production management software listed above. It used to be an offline downloadable program but has also switched to a cloud-based program that requires internet access (similar to Studio Binder Enterprise).
Celtx does have an offline mode, but it is only available to premium subscribers who pay for the service.
Just like Yamdu, Celtx also updates information in real-time so that everyone is updated with the latest developments of production.
Celtx benefits from having a very user-friendly, easy-to-use UI. It is said to be extremely quick to get the hang of even for those who don’t have experience working with such software.
Features of Celtx Video Production Process Management:
- Industry-standard script editor, enhancing the video creation process.
- Supports creation of storyboards and shot lists.
- Index cards can be integrated with the shooting script for better resource management.
- In-line script breakdowns, facilitating smooth pre-production.
- Organized project catalog and video content management.
- Industry-level budget planning templates, acting as budgeting software.
- Kanban for tracking project tasks and video editing processes.
Pricing:
- The scriptwriting plan supports up to ten projects for $7.50 per month for the first year.
- The video production plan supports up to ten projects at $13.50 per month for the first year.
Pros:
- Export documents to work offline.
- Allows for very effortless collaboration.
- Easy to use UI.
Cons:
- Files have to be saved in ‘.celtx’ format.
- Occasional glitches in functionality.
4. Filmustage
Filmustage Inc. is a young US company founded in 2020. It offers Film and TV production management software powered by Artificial Intelligence.
They offer an automatic script breakdown with up to 86% accuracy rate done in minutes and powered by artificial intelligence technology.
Filmustage is the only software on the market that can do script breakdown automatically, providing a possibility to work on your breakdown manually afterward that providing a lot of flexibility to the potential user.
The platform is customizable and easy to use: you can find, add, change or remove any tag or category, choose your own colors for a tag, and elements can be highlighted in the headings or commented on scenes.
But automatic script breakdown Filmustage offers easy semi-automatic scheduling with all the functionalities producers, 1st ADs, and other film industry professionals are accustomed to. This pre-production tool allows clients not to lose any scene with Filmustage and to specify locations, estimate prep and shooting time, drag and drop scene stripes to reorder, auto-order scenes by scene number, int/ext, shooting location, day/night, and more, ensuring the video production team effectively manages video clips and production costs.
Any film professional can use real location tags from Google maps, export to Movie magic, Spreadsheets, and PDF, edit text and color on strips, and have access to the scenes text and turn on/off the synopsis field. This project management system also includes shot lists for better resource management.
For now, Filmustage scheduling not only corresponds to all the industry standards but also combines a user-friendly interface accessible for any novice and old-school filmmaker. The software allows for real-time collaboration, making it a top choice for effective video production project management.
Script summary reports are generated based on the information from your script in the blink of an eye. The tool can be seamlessly integrated into any production workflow. For location and props managers, Filmustage provides access to the reference reports that may help to form the vision of your film. The software also supports the video creation process and streamlines the entire production process.
Filmustage works with scripts in pdf and fdx, and supports export to mms, pdf, fdx, and csv. Clients can easily export the breakdown summary to the software they are accustomed to such as Movie Magic, Gorilla Budgeting, Spreadsheets and PDF. This video management software ensures that your video projects are within budget and on schedule.
Being new on the market, they have already partnered with PGGB, and Crafty Apes, and are a part of the Nvidia Inception program.
Filmustage offers licenses of different types that serve individual and corporate needs and provides support service of exceptional quality that is ready to answer all your questions 24/7. They also offer a free trial for new users to test the platform before committing.
Anyone can sign up for free and use a 7-day trial to test it out. Clients can get a 20% discount if they purchase a yearly subscription. The platform supports collaboration tools and email notifications to keep track of project progress.
Subscription Plans: You can choose from these plans to manage video projects effectively.
- Individual plan: Award Winning Plan for $49 per month. Ideal for solo creators working on video content.
- Studios plan: Amazing Studios Plan for $149 per month. Perfect for small production teams working on multiple video projects.
- Enterprise plan by request. Best suited for large production teams requiring extensive video workflows and collaboration tools.
5. Dramatify
What makes Dramatify unique is that while it is web-based like the other software, Dramatify also has a mobile app version to use on the go. Dramatify makes use of a Facebook messenger type of UI to send messages. This UI also connects to email and contact manager systems, making it a versatile project management tool for the video production process.
Dramatify not only works for films but also supports documentaries, web series, talk shows, and many different kinds of projects. It’s an excellent choice for managing diverse video production projects.
Features
- Real-time production updates for effective video management.
- Offers to schedule the shoot, ensuring best practices in resource management.
- Script breakdowns for streamlined pre-production.
- AV scripts for commercials and other video content.
- Suitable for series and episodes, making it ideal for ongoing video projects.
Pricing:
- Bronze plan for $299 per month.
- Silver plan for $599 per month.
- Gold plan for $999 per month.
- Platinum plan for $1799 per month.
Pros
- Useful features for both pre-production and post-production.
- Variable pricing to fit different project budgets.
- Suitable for many different projects including film, TV, and web series.
Cons
- Not the best option for beginners; more suited for experienced production teams.
- Clunky design and UI, which could hinder the video creation process.
6. Gorilla Scheduling 6
Gorilla Scheduling 6 is a desktop-based video production management software. Unlike the previous software, Gorilla Scheduling 6 does need to be installed on everyone’s computer to be accessed by all the different members of the production team. This software allows for detailed project management and resource allocation.
While the software can support features for call sheets, cast management, etc., they need to be separately installed on each desktop. Gorilla Scheduling 6 also requires periodic updates to function smoothly. This can streamline the video production process but may also lead to some logistical challenges.
The other software includes collaboration and communication tools, this is also a feature that Gorilla Scheduling 6 lacks. This can impact real-time collaboration and team collaboration on video projects.
Features
- Crew management for better project progress tracking.
- Script breakdowns for detailed pre-production planning.
- Call sheets for organized film production schedules.
- Storyboards to assist in the video creation process.
- Import scripts, supporting various formats like pdf and fdx.
Pricing:
- $249 for two downloads.
Pros
- Simple design for ease of use in video project management.
- Provides all basic features for small production teams.
Cons
- No provision for collaboration, which may hinder team efficiency.
- Only works offline, limiting real-time updates and file sharing capabilities.
- Fewer software integrations compared to other platforms listed.
7. Postudio
Postudio is a cloud-based post-production platform that aims to bring digital empowerment to the global post-production industry. It’s a comprehensive project management platform that includes tools for video editing and real-time collaboration.
By moving the end-to-end post-production process to the cloud, the platform challenges the decades-old status quo. With the aim of transforming the industry with creative & geographical flexibility, optimal control & monitoring, seamless collaboration, significant cost savings, and best-in-class data security, Postudio comes equipped to disrupt the creative space. It is ideal for managing video content and streamlining the video production process.
Whether you’re an individual creator, a production house, a TV network or an agency, with Postudio, you can collaborate, edit, manage, and create online and on on-demand cloud systems. Security-wise, it’s Disney certified and up to standard with the latest ISO protocols, and as for vision, it is aligned with the Movielabs 2030 Vision, a standard set of guidelines for tech in media and production. The platform supports file sharing and real-time collaboration, making it easier to manage video project tasks.
Top features:
- On-demand systems, with users’ choice of hardware, software and plugins, for the duration that the user needs
- Industry-favourite tools like Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, After Effects, Unreal Engine, Blender, Cinema4d, Audition, Avid, and Final Cut Pro etc.
- The only criteria: 15 Mbps internet connection and a browser
- Live Collaboration feature, which allows two teammates from any locations to edit together on the same cloud system, on the same timeline, each with their own functional cursors. This feature is perfect for streamlining the video editing process.
- Central storage space for all media assets
- Comments, annotations and a feedback module for smooth communication
- Low-latency cloud edit systems
- Complete post-production pipeline. One stop-shop for asset storage, editing, collaborating, team management, usage reports, approval & review etc. It serves as an effective project management tool for video production teams.
Pricing: Depends on the system you pick for the duration you need. Each hardware, software and plugin is priced differently and the costs depend on what your current project requirements are. Think of it as a DIY Subway sandwich. This flexible approach to budgeting software allows for customized project setups.
Pros:
- Complete post-production process on one platform
- Built to make remote collaboration simple
- No heavy initial investments (Minimal CAPEX)
- No constant hardware and software upgrades
- Quicker turnaround time
- Cost-efficient
- Flexible (in the creative and geographical sense)
Cons:
- Internet connection is mandatory
Conclusion
These are some of the most common video film and TV production management software. While the suitability of each software depends on the project which is intended to be shot, the first two options on the list appear to be the most suitable tools. They offer comprehensive project management systems and support for real-time and team collaboration.
This is due to their wide range of functionality and ease of use. Not to mention that they are also the most reasonably charged among the list. Most of these platforms offer a free version or free trial, allowing users to test their features before making a commitment.
