Films- The 12 stages of production

By Andrew Gronow

The idea1) Get inspiration from everything around you, such

as talking to your friends, reading, watching TV and playing Video games.

2) Go to a studio and find a producer and show them your idea, (do note your film may not get made)

3) The pitch is how you sell the film to the financers and therefore get the film to start being made

Pitching the project1) The producer raises money for the film in the following

ways,• Going to production companies• The Producer can offer rights of the film to the production

companies in return for money• The producer can also apply for public funding for a

development grant.• The producer can even pitch the film to private investors

in hope they’ll approve of the project

The Script1) The Producer and the writer agree on the synopsis2) Most writers will then create a step by step guide

for the actual script3) The writer then creates a brief draft of the script4) Once the writer and producer are happy with the

draft, they will send it to the financers who will also have their own ideas.

5) A final draft is produced and the writer is paid once all parties are satisfied.

Packaging1) The Producer and Director package the script for

the financers.2) The Financers must find a cast for their film, they

go looking for well known actors.3) The producer must know how much it will cost to

make the actual film.4) The Investors want to know how much the film will

cost and when the producer will pay them back.

Financing1) Producers must meet with financers to agree on

terms of investment, this may mean travelling all over the world

2) All investors meet up together to finalize contracts and make them official.

3) The producer can also raise money from presales before the film has even been finished.

4) Some banks specialize in film finance, they invest in commercial projects.

Pre-production1) The Heads of Departments are all hired and start making the

film.2) The Casting director chooses which actor plays which character

in the film.3) The Director and the DOP start to make a storyboard in advance

for making the film.4) The Production designer plans and creates scenery and sets for

the film.5) Special effects are planned so that the film is perfectly safe for

the actors and stuntmen. They have to get it filmed from the right angle so that it looks convincing.

The Shoot1) The Film finally starts getting made and the producer is

relieved.2) The Camera department plans how the “Action” will be filmed

and the Camera operator films it. There are also people who ensure the cameras are in focus and that they are filming in the right place.

3) Different Lighting and sounds are used to change the way the audiences views the film.

4) The Actors and Actresses must act like the characters they are casting and make it convincing. This is taken on Camera to put the film together.

5) Special Effects are planned and made to make the film more dynamic. Stunt people are hired to take risks and special equipment and certain software are used.

Post-Production1) The Editor puts the scenes in order and edits certain things to

put the film into place.2) After the film is put into place, a sound team are employed to

put music and sound effects in place with the visuals. The rough sound mix goes to a dubbing theatre where a final mix is produced.

3) The Special effects, title, and front and rear credits are added to the film. The producer will supervise to make sure the film is going well and can authorise any changes that need to be made.

4) The visual editors change the grade and colour of the film or part of the film to help create the correct theme.

5) The film is finished and ready for distribution and duplication.

Sales1) To sell the film, the Producer employs a sales agent to distribute

it. This is their way of getting the film across to the public.2) They make the film look interesting and encourage people to

watch it or buy it by making a trailer showing the best parts of the film.

3) The producer goes to the film market (Which is filled with new films). The producer has to go to great lengths to ensure they sell the film

4) The film is shown at a high profile screening at one of the top filming festivals.

5) The producer (if distributors like the film) now has a hot product and negotiates good deals around the world.

Marketing1) To help them sell the film to the distributors, the producer

secures the services of a sale agent.2) The marketing run test screenings to see what the public think

of the film.3) The audience for the film is targeted with posters, trailers, TV

spots and other materials.4) TV, radio, newspapers, magazines can all help create a positive

word about the film – which is spread over the internet.

Exhibition1) A high-profile, star studded premiere is used to

launch the film to the public.2) Distributors supply the exhibitors with prints of

the film.3) The exhibitors take their share of the box office

receipts after which the distributors recoup their marketing costs.

4) Once the distributors have been paid, the financers can recover their investments.

Other Windows1) Other ways the film producers can make money is

by:• In flight entertainment• Selling DVDs• Broadcasting on TV• Game adaptations• Streaming to Netflix, LoveFilm, e.t.c.• Uploading to YouTube• Hotel movie channels• Sky Box office