I tend to forget things. Although I never forget when to eat, I have been known to forget very fundamental things such as the need to bring the dog back in after taking her out. It’s a problem (sorry, my dog).

So when I am doing something video related, I like to bring a checklist. You know why? Because checklists are simple. They are idiot proof as long as you actually look at them. Here’s a primer 101 on how checklists work:

1. The checklist has a list of things to do.

2. If you do a thing, you check it off.

3. You keep doing things on the checklist until they are all checked off.

4. When they are all checked off, you are done.

Check that out. Simple. Effective. Idiot Proof.

You might say, though – what if I am making a checklist and I forget to put something on the checklist, thereby defeating the purpose of a checklist?

Have no fear, because our crack team at DiY Filmmaking has scoured the internet for the best checklists we could find. Here are 5, in no particular order.

Pro tip: You might want to check off which ones you have checked out as you go along.

1. General Things to Think About For Your Production Checklist

From Red Pine Studios. Good list to help you think of some things you might have not thought to think about. Not really useful for going out in the field, but useful for pre-production and planning. Check it out here.

2. Comprehensive Shooting Checklist

From MediaEd. Great list for a shoot that includes both equipment/practical needs and other intangible considerations about what and how you are shooting. Check it out here.

3. Camera Equipment Checklist

From a user on Scribd. This list includes basically what you should need for your camera for a shoot. Should be adapted to your specific setup, of course, but a great basis to start with. Check it out here.

4. Before/After Shot Checklist (film only)

Didn’t think it could get this specific, eh? Well this one comes from the same Scribd user as #3 – a before/after shoot checklist for shooting on film. This is going to be a lot shorter for video, but the idea is correct – having a checklist to remind you to check your exposure and your audio is a great idea. Check it out here.

5. Simple Video Equipment Checklist

From uhh..some site. This may be the most useful checklist for the DiY Filmmaker – just a list of stuff you need to go out on a shoot, with some more practical items such as turning your cell phone off. Check it out here.

Have your own production checklists you like to use? Give us a shout in the comments or on Twitter (@diyfilmmaking)