8 ways you can use Dropbox on your next film

In the many conversations we’ve had with filmmakers, we’ve been amazed at just how many ways they’re using Dropbox. For people in a wide variety of roles, Dropbox is speeding up processes, simplifying collaboration, and getting the job done. So we’ve collected a few of the best ways filmmakers are using Dropbox—to help you keep production rolling.

1. Screenwriting. Chances are each script takes a lot more writing than one page per minute of screen time. Maintaining order amidst the production notes and rewrites is crucial, and Dropbox can help. By keeping scripts in Dropbox, you can easily collaborate with co-writers, track edits, and collect notes.
2. Development and financing. When it comes to filmmaking, time is most certainly money. Dropbox can help you streamline the road to principal photography. Share director’s statements, budget projections, and any other documents you need to secure funding with a simple link.
3. Pre-production. Establishing a film’s visual tone before a single frame is shot is key to getting the aforementioned funding—and maintaining your crew’s sanity. Gather photos and drawings in Dropbox to create a clean, organized lookbook you can share with anyone.
4. Casting. Finding the right person for the part doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase. Make the talent come to you by using our file requests feature. Use one to request headshots, for instance, and submissions will be automatically collected into a folder you can share with casting directors, agents, and producers.
5. Production. With so many balls in the air on set, making sure everyone shows up when they need to can be a challenge. But with Dropbox, you can post schedules online and share a link. Need to update? Just resave the file, and the link will point to the updated schedule. It’s the quick, painless way to keep all of your cast and crew on the same page.
6. Post-production. As you head into post, bring Dropbox along with you. Composers, editors, and directors can work together once shooting wraps to bring the final cut across the finish line. And the best part is that Dropbox lets them collaborate from anywhere, be it an edit bay in LA, a recording studio in New York, or a cafe in Berlin.
7. Exhibition and distribution. When all you want is to send someone a clip, the last thing you want to do is play tech support. So when it’s time to send out trailers, scene previews, and interviews, put them in Dropbox and send out shared links. Recipients can preview videos in any browser—no downloads, no special software, and no Dropbox account needed.
8. Marketing. Get the word out with ease, from theater run to home video release to awards season. With Dropbox, you can keep promotional materials, press kits, and stills all in one central place. And when you’re on the go, view and share everything from your phone.

With so many ways to use Dropbox, it’s no wonder that it’s become essential for filmmakers like director Matthew Heineman. “There’s no way I’d be able to make films like I do without Dropbox,” says Heineman, who’s up for an Oscar for his documentary Cartel Land. “I don’t have fancy servers. I don’t have fancy FTP sites. I do everything through Dropbox.” Looking to do everything through Dropbox yourself? Keep these tips for reference, or share them with a colleague—download your copy of How to give Dropbox a role in your next film.