First, I say this is for Short Films, and yes, this is true, but you can also use this for commercial projects like 30s, 60s, 120s, 28:30 infomercials, or anything that requires a large project and management. Highly customizable. Use what you need.
I find it extremely helpful to have a consistent structure in place before starting a new project. And over the years, I struggled with nailing down a set project system. It was convoluted, messy and I dreaded going back into older projects. So I set out to find something and stick to it. I think I’ve found it. It works for me, hopefully, it will help you too.
With that, let’s take a deep dive into the way I structure a project, and at the very end, I’ll show you a little trick to make a project folder structure quickly by automating it.
The less time you spend setting up a new project, the more time you can spend on what you do best – creating!
I will say as a caveat, you DON’T need to use this particular structure, but you SHOULD have one in place. Whether you’re a one-person creative force or in a team setting. And if you are just starting out, create a new, and healthy habit of being organized.
Every studio will have its own version of project management, so be ready to adjust if need to.
PROJECT NAMING
First off, it’s a mess. What’s what? Who’s the client? When was it created? Who created it!?
Again, every studio will have their own way of naming projects, but they’ll all most likely have the same commonality. All this makes it super easy to track later if need be, too.
ESSENTIAL PARAMETERS
(JOB-NUMBER)_(CLIENT)_(PROJECT-NAME)_(DATE)_(USER)
It would look something like this:
001_MGH_PROJECT-NAME_2020-01-01_Marsgohome
PARENT FOLDER
00 OUTPUT
I put this at the very top. It’s exactly what it is. Your renders. Crack that folder open and we’re going to create a few more sub-folders.
01 FOOTAGE
NOTE: If you’re working off a network, external drives or the raw footage you’re using is just too large for your working drives – then you can have this folder elsewhere.
If you’re dealing with any footage shot by yourself or anyone else, this is the folder to put all the raw footage in. So let’s create a few sub-folders.
02 PROGRAM FILES
This can get a bit crazy – depending on the different kinds of programs you’re using. Just create folders for each PROGRAM you use. I work in an Adobe Environment so here’s what mine look like.
I’d like to back up a bit and focus on the WORKING and MASTER files for the Premiere folder. As mentioned be for I like to work in steps. Meaning, edit, picture lock, sound, graphics, VFX. These would be considered Working project files.
The B – Master would be the final project file you’d use to push out the Master Render.
03 ELEMENTS
These are just assets you’d bring in. Again, user and project-specific. This is where I would put any artwork provided by the client, JPGs, PNGs, MOV rendered elements and Stock Footage. Here’s what I have created for me:
04 AUDIO
This can be a monster too, but we need to give this area the attention it deserves – after all, the sound is 80% of the video. In true fashion its in order. Incoming to Outgoing.
I’d like to go over the E – Editorial real quick. Just like my Premiere working project files, I do the same with Audio edits, with sequential project saves with the coding system below:
Example:
001_MGH_EXAMPLE-PROJECT_editorial_DX-2020-01-01_Marsgohome
Example:
001_MGH_EXAMPLE-PROJECT_editorial_DX-BG-2020-01-01_Marsgohome
Example:
001_MGH_EXAMPLE-PROJECT_editorial_DX-BG-FX_2020-01-01_Marsgohome
Example:
001_MGH_EXAMPLE-PROJECT_editorial_DX-BG-FX-FOL_2020-01-01_Marsgohome
Example:
001_MGH_EXAMPLE-PROJECT_editorial_DX-BG-FX-FOL-MX_2020-01-01_Marsgohome
05 PRODUCTION
This is a super boring area but equally important. This is where the scripts go. Any important documents, references, contracts, and legal stuff.
06 TEMP X
This is just a holding place before a file goes to the trash. Quick renders to see if it looks good, but not worth keeping. Anything…temporary.
DOWNLOADS
As promised, here are some goodies.
Digital Rebellion has created a badass little program that can quickly make Project folders with a click of a button. It’s called Post Haste. The best part? It’s FREE!
(No affiliation – just love this free little program)
MGH FOLDER STRUCTURE LITE
If you dig this, I’ve also provided my folder structure for free (or Name Your Price *wink)!
Now, because I love you, I will also provide y’all the Post Haste template of my Project Folder setup. It comes with every folder explained in this article. You can use Post Haste or store it locally on your system and copy it.
Project Management Folder Structure – Lite
There will be two separate ZIP Folders in this download.:
- .pht – for Post Haste
- Standard – for old fashion copy & paste style
Suggested price: $ 2
MGH Project Management Folder Structure Pro 2022
This file is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. In no event shall the author be held liable for any damages arising in any way from the use of these project files.
GO PRO!
If you dig this, I’ve also provided my personal folder structure WITH program (Adobe) templates. Feel free to modify it or don’t even use it. It’s your life, live it!
Project Management Folder Structure – PRO
There will be two separate ZIP Folders in this download.:
- .pht – for Post Haste
- Standard – for old fashion copy & paste style
MGH Project Management Folder Structure Pro 2022 – chock-full of radness. This bad-boi includes:
- Adobe Premiere Pro – start-up file with layout and created bins
- Adobe After Effects – start-up file with layout and created folders
- Adobe Photoshop – (3) blank style frames in different aspect ratios
- Adobe Illustrator – blank file, ready to use.
- Adobe Audition – Short Film Template (tracks and busses)
For questions and additional information, please visit our Documentation & Help page.
This file is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. In no event shall the author be held liable for any damages arising in any way from the use of these project files.
And for a final reiteration, you don’t have to use this format, you can create your own. And by using Post Haste, your workflow will speed up significantly!
Be cool, be rad, be creative!