Prep
Choose a production form honestly
Record the actual format while respecting which dedicated estimate modes are currently exposed.
Use the forms available today
First AD intake can record formats such as feature, short, series, commercial, or documentary. The current Producer and Studio estimate controls expose dedicated choices for Feature Film and Documentary only. Selecting a format during intake does not expose a short, series, or reality estimate panel.
Treat the additional engines as planned
The codebase contains calculation engines and methodology for Short film, TV series, and Reality / unscripted, but the operator-facing estimate switch does not offer those modes. Until a control is shipped and verified, do not present those outputs as available product estimates. Use manual top-sheet lines and clearly labelled external assumptions instead.
Use Documentary for documentary work
Documentary is available and changes the estimate to documentary-specific field, archival, music, crew, and post assumptions. The product may suggest it when cues are strong, but the operator must choose it. Review Sales after switching because form selection can change strategy.
Do not force one form into another
A feature model can impose the wrong schedule floors, talent terms, post structure, and sales economics on shorts, episodic work, or unscripted production. Where no dedicated control exists, preserve the true format in intake, document assumptions in budget notes, and have a line producer rebuild the model before presenting it.