PreProducer

Overview

PreProducer brings script development, production planning and budgeting into a browser-based workspace for film projects. It is best suited to film professionals coordinating a crew around a project, especially when planning and finance need to sit alongside script work. Its broad workflow coverage is a clear strength; the project-based terms and lack of a smartphone app make the commitment worth weighing.

Key features

Story development and integrations

Script writing, imports, scene analysis, outlines, index cards, image treatments, character profiles and storyboards cover work from early development through breakdown. Imports and exports for Final Draft, DramaQueen, Celtx and Adobe Story help teams bring existing materials into the workflow. A shared interface with DramaQueen also carries scripts, character profiles and dramaturgical structure between the products; a Lockit Script API connection is available.

Production planning

Horizontal and vertical shooting plans, stripboard scheduling, script and department breakdowns, calendars, shot lists, cast, location and crew lists, daily call sheets and reports address the coordination demands of a production. Having these alongside story materials can reduce the need to split planning across separate tools. The software is designed for online collaboration, and project access allows unlimited film-project staff without per-user licensing fees.

Budgeting and project protection

Financing plans, FFA and ZDF calculations, cashflow plans, cost status, regional-effects overviews, travel-cost accounting and equipment lists extend the scope beyond scheduling. Security measures include SSL encryption, a server-side firewall and virus scanner, internal backups, encrypted project data and documentation of server access. Users can also download an encrypted project file and upload it to a new project access. PreProducer states that it is GDPR-compliant, stores data in Germany or the EU, and lets users delete their accounts and personal data.

Pricing

A free demo project is available for seven days after registration. Paid choices divide between one-project bookings and subscriptions covering parallel projects; all allow unlimited project staff.

• Single project, 18 months: 14.95 EUR per once, billed as a one-time booking and shown as 14.95 EUR/month. This is the lowest monthly equivalent for a production with a long planning and production window.
• Single project, 12 months: 16.95 EUR per once, billed as a one-time booking and shown as 16.95 EUR/month. It trades a higher monthly equivalent for a shorter project term.
• Single project, 6 months: 18.95 EUR per once, billed as a one-time booking and shown as 18.95 EUR/month, for a shorter production cycle.
• Single project, 3 months: 21.95 EUR per once, billed as a one-time booking and shown as 21.95 EUR/month, for a compact project timeline.
• Single project, 1 month: 24.95 EUR per once, billed as a one-time booking and shown as 24.95 EUR/month. It avoids a longer project duration at the highest monthly equivalent.
• Subscription up to 5 projects: 59.00 EUR per month, billed monthly with a 1-year minimum term, for up to five parallel projects.
• Subscription up to 10 projects: 99.00 EUR per month, billed monthly with a 1-year minimum term, for up to ten parallel projects.
• Subscription unlimited projects: 289.00 EUR per month, billed monthly with a 1-year minimum term, for teams running projects without a stated project-count cap.

The single-project options suit one production at a time and include the same unlimited-staff allowance; the subscriptions fit organizations managing multiple concurrent productions.

Platforms

PreProducer runs in a current supported browser on Windows 10/11, macOS X or Linux, and is described as independent of operating system. It is not currently a smartphone app, so teams needing mobile app access should look elsewhere. iOS and Android apps are planned. Support is offered by email, contact form, in-app error reporting and telephone, though permanent telephone support is not guaranteed.

Who it's for

PreProducer is a strong fit for film professionals who need story development, breakdowns, scheduling and budgeting under one project access, with a crew that collaborates online. Its unlimited staff allowance is useful for productions with many contributors. It is less suitable for users who need smartphone access or organizations unwilling to accept a one-year minimum term for multi-project subscriptions.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Story, scheduling and finance tools span much of the filmmaking workflow, making it practical for teams that want those functions together.
• Pro: Unlimited project staff without per-user licensing fees supports broad crew participation.
• Pro: Browser access across Windows, macOS and Linux avoids tying a project to one desktop operating system.
• Con: There is no smartphone app today, limiting app-based access away from a browser-equipped device.
• Con: Multi-project subscriptions require a one-year minimum term, which may not fit short or irregular production cycles.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse the Film Production Scheduling Software category.

• Studiovity is a freemium option with a free plan and apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop and web platforms; consider it if mobile availability matters.
• CineLog offers a free plan capped at one active project, 50 MB of media storage and two collaborators; it may suit a small project that can work within those limits.
• Gorilla Scheduling has a free plan, but collaboration and certain reports, exports, fringes and integrated Ratebook require a paid plan; consider it if those limits match your needs.
• Production Slate has an Android, iOS and web offering with a free plan capped at two projects, 50 budget items, 15 crew and five shoot days, among other limits; it may suit a smaller production with a need for mobile apps.
• Cinetech is a web-only freemium option with a no-expiry, read-only demo account and 100 assistant credits; consider it for read-only exploration rather than a working project.
• Shamel Studio is a web-based freemium alternative with a limited one-project free plan and full access to editing tools.
• Filmustage offers a free plan with one active project and partial AI breakdown for 20% of scenes; consider it if that AI breakdown approach fits your workflow.
• MoviePrepper is another alternative for film production work.

Verdict

Choose PreProducer if your film team wants development, scheduling and budgeting tools together and needs to include a large crew without per-user fees. Its workflow breadth and browser access are compelling for coordinated productions; look elsewhere if mobile apps are essential or a year-long multi-project commitment is too restrictive.