Drehplan

Drehplan, literally “shooting plan” in German, is a document used in film and television production to organize the sequence of scenes to be filmed, along with dates, locations, cast, and technical requirements. Its primary purpose is to maximize efficiency by coordinating the work of departments and personnel over the production period and to ensure continuity and adherence to budget and schedule.

A Drehplan typically includes the production title, shooting days, locations, a breakdown of scenes to be shot, estimated duration for each shot, call times for cast and crew, equipment and props needs, special effects or stunts, and any contingencies. It may also include weather considerations, travel logistics, and access constraints for locations.

It is usually prepared by the assistant director and the production manager or line producer, based on a script breakdown and a shot list prepared by the director, cinematographer, and storyboard team. The plan is built from the script’s scenes, priorities, and logistical constraints and is commonly revised daily as shooting realities emerge.

In the production workflow, the Drehplan informs the call sheet used to communicate daily on-set times, while a separate shot list provides the technical sequencing of camera setups. A Drehplan may feed the production calendar and budget tracking, and updates are circulated to key departments.

While the term Drehplan is common in German-language productions, similar documents exist worldwide under “shooting schedule” or “production schedule.” Digital tools and production management software are often used to generate and share the plan, with permissions controlling access.