Independent Film – Excel Version
A Day Out of Days (DOOD) report is one of the most important scheduling documents in film production — and one of the most misunderstood.
This Excel-based DOOD template is built specifically for student, micro-budget, and independent film productions that need a clear, functional way to track cast workdays without overcomplicating the process.
If you’re juggling limited shooting days, deferred cast, or tight SAG thresholds, this document helps you see the entire shoot at a glance — before mistakes get expensive.
What this template is designed to do
This DOOD template allows you to track:
- when each cast member works
- when they are on hold, dropped, or finished
- total days worked across the shoot
- overlaps between cast schedules that affect budgeting and compliance
It’s structured to mirror how real productions think about time — not how generic spreadsheets do.
Who this is for
This template is designed for:
- student films
- short films
- micro-budget and ultra-low-budget features
- first-time producers learning professional scheduling workflows
- indie projects preparing for SAG-AFTRA paperwork, budgeting, or distribution
You do not need Movie Magic or studio software to use this. Excel is enough — if the template is built correctly.
Why DOODs matter more than people think
A DOOD is not just a scheduling tool. It affects:
- cast deal memos and payroll
- SAG-AFTRA reporting
- budgeting accuracy
- insurance assumptions
- production feasibility
Many productions run into trouble not because they lack funding — but because they miscalculate days in / days out for cast.
This template helps you avoid that trap early.
Excel format (why this matters)
This version is delivered as an Excel workbook, not a PDF.
That means you can:
- customize cast names and shoot days
- update changes in real time
- duplicate tabs for revisions
- share it easily with producers, ADs, or coordinators
It’s meant to be used, not just looked at.
FAQ
A Day Out of Days is a scheduling chart that shows when each cast member works during a shoot. It tracks work days, hold days, and total days worked so producers can plan accurately and avoid budget or compliance issues.
Yes. A shooting schedule shows what is being filmed.
A DOOD shows who is working and when.
They serve different purposes, and productions need both.
This template is designed to support accurate planning and tracking, which is essential for union compliance. However, it does not replace SAG-AFTRA agreements, payroll services, or union reporting requirements.
Yes. DOODs are useful for both union and non-union productions. Even non-union films benefit from accurate cast day tracking for budgeting and scheduling.
No. This template is built in Excel and does not require Movie Magic or any production software. It is designed to be simple, flexible, and easy to update.
Yes. The Excel file is fully editable. You can rename cast, add or remove shooting days, and duplicate the sheet for revisions or alternate schedules.
No. This is a production planning tool. It does not replace legal agreements, payroll processing, or union paperwork.
