Steps and Owners
| Step | Responsible | Accountable | Consulted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Script | Writer | Producer | Director |
| Budget | Line producer | Producer | Heads of dept |
| Casting | Casting director | Director | Producer |
| Schedule | 1st AD | Producer | DOP |
| Shooting | Crew | Director | DOP |
| Editing | Editor | Director | Producer |
| Sound and colour | Mixer, colourist | Director | DOP |
| Delivery | Post supervisor | Producer | Distributor |
Why RACI Helps
- No step without an owner
- Fewer approval bottlenecks
- Clear escalation
- Better for brand clients too
Using It on Small Shoots
Combine roles
One person, several letters.
Name names
Not just titles.
Share it
With the whole team.
For a presentation outline, see a process presentation, and for beginners, making a movie step by step.
Why Every Step Needs an Owner
Production processes often fail not because steps are missing but because nobody is clearly responsible for them. A script waits for approval that nobody is chasing; a release form goes unsigned because each person assumed someone else had it. Assigning a named owner to every step removes ambiguity. Everyone knows who to ask, who decides, and who must be kept informed. This clarity speeds up decisions and reduces the friction that slows productions down.
The RACI method is one simple way to record ownership, and it works for both feature films and short brand videos.
Understanding the Four RACI Roles
Responsible means the person who does the work. Accountable means the person who makes the final decision and answers for the outcome; there should be only one per task. Consulted means people whose input is sought before decisions. Informed means people who are told about decisions after they are made. Keeping these roles distinct prevents too many cooks while ensuring the right people are involved.
Ownership of the Script
The writer is responsible for writing drafts, the producer is usually accountable for approving the final script, and the director is consulted on how it will be filmed. For brand videos, the client may be accountable for approving messages, while the agency writer is responsible for drafts. Making these roles explicit prevents endless rounds of rewrites from too many voices.
Ownership of the Budget
The line producer or production manager is responsible for preparing and tracking the budget, while the producer is accountable for staying within it. Heads of department are consulted on their needs. Clients or financiers are informed through regular cost reports. Clear budget ownership prevents unapproved spending.
Ownership of the Schedule
The first assistant director typically builds the shooting schedule, with the producer accountable and the director and cinematographer consulted on timing and creative needs. Cast and crew are informed through call sheets. When schedules change, the same chain ensures everyone hears promptly.
Ownership in Editing and Finishing
Editors are responsible for cuts, directors are usually accountable for the creative edit, and producers are consulted on time and budget. For brand videos, the client often becomes accountable for final approval. Colourists and sound mixers are responsible for their finishing work, with directors accountable for the final look and sound.
Using RACI on Small Productions
On small shoots, one person may hold several roles. A director may also produce, and an editor may also handle colour. RACI still helps, because writing down who is accountable for each decision clarifies expectations, especially when working with clients or collaborators for the first time.
Sharing RACI Charts With Clients
For brand and corporate projects, sharing a RACI chart at kickoff shows clients exactly where their input is needed and who approves what. It reduces late surprises, such as a senior executive requesting changes after final approval, because everyone has agreed the chain in advance.
Updating Ownership as Projects Change
Roles may change when team members leave or projects expand. Update the chart and share it again so everyone knows the current owners. An outdated chart can cause as much confusion as having none.
Creating a Reusable RACI Template
Build a template listing common production steps and typical owners, then adjust it for each project. Over time, the template captures your company's way of working and speeds up project setup.
Common Ownership Problems
Typical problems include several people believing they are accountable, nobody chasing approvals, and stakeholders who expect to be consulted but are only informed. Discussing these roles openly at the start avoids conflict later.
Ownership on Our Projects
Brand clients of our video production company in India get a RACI chart at kickoff. A video production agency in India dealing with many stakeholders needs this clarity. Ask your video production company who's accountable for each approval. Marketing heads call us the best video production company in Bangalore for organised projects, and enterprises appreciate that structure in a top video production agency in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RACI chart?
A chart showing who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task.
Who is accountable for the film budget?
Typically the producer.
Who owns editing?
The editor is responsible; the director is usually accountable.
Does RACI work on small shoots?
Yes, with combined roles and named people.
Can one person be accountable for several steps?
Yes, often the producer, but each individual step should have only one accountable person.
Every Step Owned
Clear owners prevent delays. For a well-organised project, start with our video production company.
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