Results are presented on the influence of thermal treatment on the final properties of Ca-modified lead titanate thin films, obtained by a sol-gel method and spin coating. X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, and electrical measurements have been used to characterize samples. Films obtained by rapidly heating (> 500 degrees C min(-1)) the deposits show a lower than expected tetragonal distortion, but are free from pyrochlores and have better ferroelectric properties.