If you’ve ever used production calendars, you probably have used a Gantt chart. But if you’re sitting there wondering what is a Gantt chart, you’re in the right place. They’re super easy to use tools, that can save you a million headaches when prepping, managing, and even finishing a video project. Let’s see define it and see what it helps the production process so much.
Define Gantt Chart
Using the Gantt chart in production
No matter which stage of production you’re in, staying organized isn’t really a suggestion. If you’re in the field, you know how vital it is to not only getting everything done, but keeping your sanity. Let’s go over one tool to help you to do that.
GANTT CHART DEFINITION
What is a Gantt chart?
A Gantt chart is a bar chart where each bar marks the start and end of each task or activity. It is often used as a project calendar or production calendar in film and tv production. It is the ultimate project management tool. In film or TV production, you can have each bar represent each stage of production, for example – development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution.
By laying everything out in a Gantt chart, you can also determine if there are any dependencies. A dependency is a task that needs to be completed before the next one can get done. In other words, one task is dependent on another. For example, you can’t start rehearsals or table reads, without a cast. So casting is on your chart would be considered a dependency.
GANTT CHARTS PROVIDE:
- Displays events and milestones of a project
- The duration of each event or project
- Where tasks overlap with others and by how much
- The start and end of the entire project
Originally, invented by Polish engineer, Karol Adamiecki in 1896. He came up with the idea of displaying processes visually.
But because everything was written in Polish, it never caught on with English-speakers.
In 1920, Henry Gantt had the same idea. He started planning bar charts to help supervisors in the steel industry track production schedules. Gantt’s name is now attached to this visual planning methodology, but it was really Adamiecki, who first brought it to fruition.
The basic, albeit, obsolete model, looks something like this:
Antiquated Gantt chart example
And over time, they have developed some. But even these newer charts feel a bit obsolete and over complicated.
Why Use GANTT CHART
Do Gantt charts really help?
Within the last few years, the aesthetics, and functionality of Gantt charts have improved even further.
Production management softwares like StudioBinder have Gantt charts built in. We call it a production calendar, and it allows you to collaborate and share the chart with any and everyone.
Gantt Chart example for project management
You can get as specific or general with your calendar as you’d like. See how it works below.
Streamlined production calendars
Fast Drag and Drop Interface
Productions change constantly. So it's pretty critical to have software or some kind of organizational tool that can keep up with your needs. StudioBinder allows you to click and drag to draw events. Or you can drag the ends of each bar to adjust the length of the event, task, or activity if necessary. Don't let the last minute changes stress you out. It is possible to stay in control of your workflow.
Assign Tasks, Attach Files and Notes
Forget all of the emailing back and forth. Assign your team to specific tasks and track their progress in real-time. You can also store files, documents, and any other notes all in one secure place.
Focus on What Matter with Precise Filtering
Filter by color, status, due dates, or crew members to narrow your focus on what needs to get done minute by minute.
Filter by color, status, and more
Save Custom Calendars
If you like a specific calendar you made, save it was a template, and re use it with new information. No need to reinvent the wheel for every new project.
Dependencies
Dependencies within StudioBinder’s production calendar enable you to connect events to one another and detect conflicts at a glance.
You can’t shoot anything without a location, and you can't rehearse without a cast. The software calls out conflicts so your production moves efficiently from one step to the next.
Manage Your Master Calendar
You can finally see the timelines of all of your productions on a single page. A master calendar to oversee multiples projects in one view.
At a glance, gain insight into how your resources are doing across all projects on monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.
Now what?
How do I make a Gantt chart?
It's possible to attempt to make these in excel, but it wouldn't be as intuitive and you'd have to do some manual formatting. StudioBinder offers a free Gantt chart template. Though, if you're looking for more of the drag and drop interface that synchronizes with all of your other production data, using Gantt chart software, would be your best option.
Related Posts
Up Next
Ultimate Guide to Production Calendars
Now that you know the purpose of a Gantt chart, let’s master how to use one in the software. It’s simple and will help you manage your production from start to finish, while keeping you organized along the way. Check it out below.
Up Next: Ultimate Guide to Production Calendars →
Create production calendars with a drag-and-drop timeline
Create customizable production calendars for your next video or photoshoot. Add events, tasks, and dependencies. Invite your team and share calendars with clients.
