Top 10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Producing Our First Film

A love letter to our younger, stressed-out selves — from West America Film Co.

So you're about to produce your first film? First off: we love the chaos you're walking into. Second: we wish someone had handed us a list like this when we started. Here are the 10 things we really wish we’d known before stepping into the wild world of producing.

1. The Schedule Will Betray You. That’s OK.

You can plan every second down to the bathroom breaks… and still get knocked off schedule by a fog machine, an actor’s car trouble, or a rogue taco truck. Stay calm. Build in buffer time. And breathe — films are living, breathing beasts.

2. Paperwork Is the Unsexy Backbone of Filmmaking

Call sheets, contracts, permits, insurance, releases — it’s a LOT. But you can’t make magic without the paperwork. (And trust: future-you will be very glad present-you got those signatures.) Gotta keep it tight!

3. Something Will Go Wrong (And That’s Totally Normal)

No matter how much you plan, how many checklists you’ve made, or how many coffee runs you’ve done for the team, chaos will find its way in. A prop will break. Someone will be late. A location won’t have power. Or, you know, the weather will decide it’s "torrential rain" day.

Here’s the key: Take a breath. Roll with the punches. Find the solution, not the blame. Flexibility is your best friend on set. If you focus on how to fix things instead of what went wrong, you’ll keep the team calm and focused — and you’ll learn a heck of a lot for your next project.

4. Sound Will Ruin You If You Don’t Respect It

Good visuals + bad sound = unwatchable. Mediocre visuals + clean audio = actually fine. Always budget for a solid sound team. Always record room tone. Always have backup batteries. Don’t skimp on sound. Trust us.

5. You Need a “Fixer”

There’s always that one person who knows a guy, who can get a dolly at midnight, who can calm a cranky neighbor, who can find coffee when everyone’s spiraling. Keep them close. They are gold. (Hire for resourcefulness, not just resumes.)

6. Rent Gear (Or Borrow, or Trade!)

You do not need to own a RED camera for your first short. Or maybe ever. Rent what you need, borrow from a friend, or trade services with someone who has the gear. Build relationships with local rental houses, and learn what gear works for your style before you invest.

7. Set the Tone 

Following call time is essential, but managing people and their moods is just as important. Feed your crew and cast. Treat everyone with kindness and good vibes. The mood on set will directly influence the work — a happy, energized team makes great art. And those people? They’re your future collaborators, so make sure they feel valued.

8. The Post-Production Timeline is a Liar

You think editing will take, perhaps, 2 weeks? Ha. Perhaps not. Color correction? Sound mix? Festivals needing DCPs and closed captions? Yeah. Leave way more time for post than you think you need. Every project is different, and your timeline will depend on several factors — including how many cooks are in the kitchen when it comes to finalizing decisions. The more investors or decision-makers involved, the longer it can take to get approvals and finalize the creative.

9. Festivals are a Whole Other Full-Time Job

You made a film! Now comes the next hustle: submissions, fees, deadlines, rejection emails, Q&A prep, and tiny laurels that feel like Oscars. Be patient. Don’t let the setbacks stop you from getting your film out there and making great art.

10. Everyone Starts Somewhere (And That’s Beautiful)

Your first few films are your film school. Don’t wait for the "perfect" project — just start. You’ll make mistakes. But that’s how you get better. Be kind, stay humble, ask questions, and give yourself grace. You’re building a muscle. And it’s gonna get strong.

❤️ From West America to You:

Producing your first film is like falling in love with something that doesn't text you back for weeks. It’s exhausting, thrilling, and worth every chaotic second. Keep going. You got this.