Indie shoots run on tight time and money — and a missed shot or a bad call sheet costs both. These 8 field-tested tips cut straight to what makes the biggest difference for indie filmmakers and small crews — and at the end you will find a free app that makes following them effortless.
1. Lock your shot list before the shoot day.
2. Schedule by location, not script order.
3. Build a contingency into time and budget.
4. Send call sheets the night before.
5. Shoot coverage, not just the master.
6. Track the budget daily so surprises are small.
7. Keep a gear and location checklist.
8. Back up footage on set, twice.
Put These Tips on Autopilot
Knowing the tips is half the battle — doing them consistently is the other half. Indie Filmmaker Companion keeps the routine, does the calculations and reminds you what is next, so good habits stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a call sheet?
A daily document telling cast and crew when and where to be — the app builds it for you.
How do I schedule a shoot?
Group scenes by location and time of day; the app helps you order them.
Can I track a budget?
Yes — log costs and watch the running total.
Is it for solo creators or crews?
Both — scale shot lists and call sheets to your team.
Does it work offline?
Yes — planning works without a signal.
Is the app free?
Yes — planning is free, with an optional ad-free Pro upgrade.