Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShotGrid - Cloud-based production tracking and asset management platform for VFX, animation, film, TV, and games pipelines.
- 2#2: ftrack - Integrated project management and review tool tailored for media production workflows in VFX, animation, and advertising.
- 3#3: StudioBinder - All-in-one film production management software for scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, and stripboards.
- 4#4: Yamdu - Comprehensive production planning and tracking platform for film, TV series, and advertising campaigns.
- 5#5: Kitsu - Open-source production tracking system for managing tasks, assets, and reviews in animation and VFX studios.
- 6#6: Frame.io - Video collaboration and review platform with built-in production tracking for feedback and version control.
- 7#7: Dramatify - Cloud-based ERP system for production management, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting in film and TV.
- 8#8: Celtx - Pre-production and production planning tool with storyboarding, scheduling, and task tracking for filmmakers.
- 9#9: Monday.com - Customizable work operating system for building production tracking boards, automations, and dashboards.
- 10#10: Asana - Flexible task and project management tool used for tracking production timelines, milestones, and team workflows.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (e.g., asset management, collaboration, budgeting), usability, scalability, and overall value, prioritizing those that excel across diverse production needs and deliver tangible performance benefits.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading production tracking tools, such as ShotGrid, ftrack, StudioBinder, Yamdu, Kitsu, and more, offering insights to help users determine which software best fits their project workflows and team requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShotGrid Cloud-based production tracking and asset management platform for VFX, animation, film, TV, and games pipelines. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | ftrack Integrated project management and review tool tailored for media production workflows in VFX, animation, and advertising. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | StudioBinder All-in-one film production management software for scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, and stripboards. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Yamdu Comprehensive production planning and tracking platform for film, TV series, and advertising campaigns. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Kitsu Open-source production tracking system for managing tasks, assets, and reviews in animation and VFX studios. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Frame.io Video collaboration and review platform with built-in production tracking for feedback and version control. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Dramatify Cloud-based ERP system for production management, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting in film and TV. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Celtx Pre-production and production planning tool with storyboarding, scheduling, and task tracking for filmmakers. | creative_suite | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Monday.com Customizable work operating system for building production tracking boards, automations, and dashboards. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | Asana Flexible task and project management tool used for tracking production timelines, milestones, and team workflows. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 |
Cloud-based production tracking and asset management platform for VFX, animation, film, TV, and games pipelines.
Integrated project management and review tool tailored for media production workflows in VFX, animation, and advertising.
All-in-one film production management software for scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, and stripboards.
Comprehensive production planning and tracking platform for film, TV series, and advertising campaigns.
Open-source production tracking system for managing tasks, assets, and reviews in animation and VFX studios.
Video collaboration and review platform with built-in production tracking for feedback and version control.
Cloud-based ERP system for production management, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting in film and TV.
Pre-production and production planning tool with storyboarding, scheduling, and task tracking for filmmakers.
Customizable work operating system for building production tracking boards, automations, and dashboards.
Flexible task and project management tool used for tracking production timelines, milestones, and team workflows.
ShotGrid
enterpriseCloud-based production tracking and asset management platform for VFX, animation, film, TV, and games pipelines.
Fully customizable schemas and advanced pipeline automation via Toolkit for tailoring workflows to any production needs
ShotGrid is a cloud-based production management platform designed for VFX, animation, film, and games industries, offering comprehensive tools for tracking assets, tasks, schedules, and media. It enables seamless collaboration across distributed teams with version control, reporting, and pipeline automation. Highly scalable, it integrates deeply with creative tools like Maya, Nuke, and Houdini, making it ideal for complex productions. As the #1 ranked solution, it sets the standard for end-to-end production tracking.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in asset management, scheduling, and review tools
- Extensive integrations with DCC software and third-party apps
- Robust scalability and security for enterprise-level productions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- High pricing limits accessibility for small teams or independents
- Interface feels complex and occasionally dated
Best For
Large VFX studios, animation houses, and film productions managing intricate, high-volume pipelines with distributed teams.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Team ($29/user/mo), Studio ($59/user/mo); Enterprise custom.
ftrack
enterpriseIntegrated project management and review tool tailored for media production workflows in VFX, animation, and advertising.
ftrack Connect, a framework that embeds production tracking controls directly into artists' 3D and compositing software
ftrack is a robust production tracking platform designed for VFX, animation, film, games, and advertising studios, offering tools for task management, scheduling, asset tracking, and collaborative reviews. It supports complex workflows with hierarchical project structures, Gantt charts, and customizable templates to handle end-to-end production pipelines. Deep integrations via ftrack Connect embed tracking directly into creative tools like Maya, Nuke, and Houdini, streamlining artist workflows.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and automation via Actions and schemas
- Seamless integrations with DCC tools through ftrack Connect
- Powerful review and approval system with web-based playback
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Interface can feel cluttered and dated for beginners
- Premium pricing may not suit very small teams
Best For
Mid-to-large studios in VFX, animation, games, and film needing advanced pipeline integration and scalability.
Pricing
Free Project plan for up to 5 users; Studio plan at €29/user/month (billed annually); custom Enterprise pricing for advanced features.
StudioBinder
creative_suiteAll-in-one film production management software for scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, and stripboards.
Drag-and-drop stripboard scheduling that auto-generates optimized shooting schedules, call sheets, and reports
StudioBinder is a comprehensive cloud-based production management platform tailored for filmmakers, video producers, and content creators. It excels in production tracking by offering tools for script breakdowns, drag-and-drop scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, daily production reports, and asset management. The software enables real-time collaboration across teams, ensuring everyone stays aligned from pre-production through wrap.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one toolkit for scheduling, reports, and breakdowns
- Seamless team collaboration with real-time updates and permissions
- Industry-standard templates that save time on document creation
Cons
- Pricing is per-project, which adds up for multiple productions
- Steep learning curve for mastering advanced features
- Free plan is very limited, pushing users to paid tiers quickly
Best For
Mid-sized film and video production teams needing collaborative tracking from script to wrap.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Pro at $29/month per project; Team at $49/month per project; Studio/Enterprise custom.
Yamdu
specializedComprehensive production planning and tracking platform for film, TV series, and advertising campaigns.
The Production Pipeline, a visual, end-to-end workflow that links script breakdowns directly to schedules, tasks, and assets.
Yamdu is a cloud-based production management platform tailored for film, TV, advertising, and media projects, offering end-to-end tracking from pre-production to post. It provides tools for script breakdowns, shooting schedules, budgeting, task assignment, and asset management, enabling teams to collaborate in real-time across departments. The software emphasizes customizable workflows and automated document generation to streamline complex production pipelines.
Pros
- Industry-specific tools for film/TV production like script breakdowns and call sheets
- Real-time collaboration and customizable boards for team workflows
- Integrated budgeting and asset tracking for full pipeline visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small or independent teams
- Limited third-party integrations compared to general PM tools
Best For
Mid-to-large film and TV production teams needing specialized tracking for complex, collaborative projects.
Pricing
Starts at €39/user/month for Basic plan (billed annually), with Pro at €79/user/month and custom Enterprise pricing.
Kitsu
specializedOpen-source production tracking system for managing tasks, assets, and reviews in animation and VFX studios.
End-to-end open-source review and approval system with versioned playback and annotations directly in the browser
Kitsu, developed by CG Wire, is an open-source production tracking software tailored for animation, VFX, and game development studios. It offers comprehensive task management, asset tracking, shot review workflows, and metadata handling to streamline collaborative pipelines. The tool supports integrations with industry-standard software like Nuke, Houdini, and Deadline, making it adaptable to custom production needs.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to use with no licensing costs
- Powerful task assignment, review, and approval workflows
- Extensive integrations with creative tools and render farms
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- Community-driven support may lack enterprise-level responsiveness
- Interface can feel dated compared to commercial alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized studios and independent teams seeking a highly customizable, cost-free production tracking solution without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid cloud hosting (Kitsu Blue) starting at €99/user/month and enterprise support plans.
Frame.io
specializedVideo collaboration and review platform with built-in production tracking for feedback and version control.
Frame-accurate markup for pinpoint feedback on specific video frames with timecode linking
Frame.io is a cloud-based video collaboration platform primarily designed for media review and approval in post-production workflows. It enables teams to upload videos, add frame-accurate comments, manage versions, and facilitate client feedback with timecode-synced annotations. While it excels in asset tracking and review processes, it lacks comprehensive production management tools like scheduling, budgeting, or call sheets typical of full production tracking software.
Pros
- Frame-accurate commenting and annotations for precise feedback
- Seamless integrations with Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and other NLEs
- Robust version control and real-time collaboration tools
Cons
- Limited scope beyond media review; weak on pre-production scheduling or budgeting
- Pricing can become expensive for large teams with high storage needs
- Advanced features require time to master despite intuitive interface
Best For
Post-production teams and creative agencies needing efficient video review and asset approval workflows.
Pricing
Free plan (2GB storage); Pro $15/user/month (250GB); Team $25/user/month (unlimited); Enterprise custom.
Dramatify
enterpriseCloud-based ERP system for production management, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting in film and TV.
AI-powered script import and automatic scene/element breakdown
Dramatify is a cloud-based production management platform tailored for film, TV, theater, and live events, offering tools for script breakdown, scheduling, budgeting, and team collaboration. It enables real-time tracking of production elements like scenes, cast, crew, locations, and assets from pre-production through post. The software emphasizes streamlined workflows with mobile access and customizable reports to keep projects on track.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite covering script-to-delivery tracking
- Strong real-time collaboration and mobile app support
- Customizable templates and automated reporting
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations (e.g., fewer Adobe or accounting links)
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Steeper learning curve for budgeting and advanced scheduling
Best For
Mid-sized film, TV, or theater production teams needing an all-in-one tool for scripted content tracking and collaboration.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at €29/user/month; Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Celtx
creative_suitePre-production and production planning tool with storyboarding, scheduling, and task tracking for filmmakers.
Script breakdown tools that automatically populate schedules, shot lists, and reports
Celtx is a cloud-based platform originally designed for screenwriting and pre-production, offering production tracking features like scheduling, call sheets, shot lists, and production reports. It allows teams to break down scripts, manage calendars, assign tasks, and track daily progress during shoots. While versatile for indie filmmakers, its production tools are more basic compared to dedicated tracking software.
Pros
- Seamless integration from scriptwriting to production scheduling
- Real-time cloud collaboration for remote teams
- Generates standard industry reports like call sheets automatically
Cons
- Limited advanced budgeting and asset tracking for complex productions
- Interface feels dated and occasionally clunky
- Free version restricts key production features
Best For
Independent filmmakers and small crews needing an affordable tool to bridge pre-production planning and basic shoot tracking.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $14.99/user/month; Teams at $25/user/month (billed annually).
Monday.com
enterpriseCustomizable work operating system for building production tracking boards, automations, and dashboards.
No-code board builder with infinite customization for production pipelines
Monday.com is a highly customizable work operating system that allows teams to build visual boards for managing production workflows, tasks, timelines, and resources. It supports multiple views like Kanban, Gantt charts, calendars, and dashboards to track production progress, dependencies, and bottlenecks in real-time. With no-code automations and over 200 integrations, it adapts to various production needs from creative agencies to manufacturing pipelines.
Pros
- Extremely customizable boards and views for tailored production tracking
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with real-time collaboration
- Powerful automations reduce manual updates in production workflows
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Can become overwhelming for complex production setups without training
- Lacks deep industry-specific tools like asset management for media production
Best For
Creative agencies and marketing teams needing flexible, visual production tracking without rigid templates.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic), $12 (Standard), $19 (Pro), billed annually, with Enterprise custom pricing.
Asana
otherFlexible task and project management tool used for tracking production timelines, milestones, and team workflows.
Timeline view with automatic dependency mapping for visualizing and adjusting production schedules dynamically
Asana is a cloud-based work management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and collaborate on tasks and projects using lists, boards, timelines, and calendars. For production tracking, it excels in managing workflows, dependencies, assignees, and progress updates across production pipelines, making it suitable for task-oriented production environments like content creation or software development cycles. While versatile, it requires customization via custom fields and rules to fully adapt to specialized production needs such as inventory or shop floor monitoring.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with timelines and boards for easy production schedule visualization
- Strong automation rules and integrations with tools like Slack and Google Workspace
- Excellent collaboration features including comments, approvals, and real-time updates
Cons
- Lacks native support for advanced production-specific features like inventory tracking or machine monitoring
- Reporting and analytics are basic, not optimized for production KPIs or custom metrics
- Pricing becomes expensive for larger teams without deep specialization
Best For
Small to mid-sized creative or digital production teams seeking flexible task and workflow tracking integrated with broader business tools.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium at $10.99/user/month, Advanced at $24.99/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools deliver effective solutions for managing production workflows, with ShotGrid leading as the top choice for its cloud-based, pipeline-focused design. Ftrack and StudioBinder follow closely as strong alternatives, offering tailored strengths—ftrack through integrated project management and StudioBinder via all-in-one film planning—meeting varied team needs.
Explore ShotGrid to leverage its seamless tracking and asset management, designed to keep your production processes efficient and on schedule.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison