The Film Process

Production

• Idea: An idea can come from many sources of inspiration, 
• a Produceer then decides to make the film a reality, 
• a director is found for discussing how to visualize story, 
• a writer is found to work on and improve story and flesh it out, 
• a pitch is created to help convince film companies to finance.

• Finance: Pitch and sweet talking are used to acquire funding to write a script, 
• Producer approaches film companies for development money, and can offer future sales and broadcast rights in exchange for development funding
• can also apply to public funding bodies for grants or even private investors

• Script development: a brief synopsis is made, writer and producer agree as to whether or not key scenes are good in current synopsis.
• a step outline is created, which is like a written version of a storyboard
• First draft of script is created, which contains all information needed to make film, not just dialogue
• Script is revised, sometimes with help from other writers.
• a final draft is produced which is locked off from further editing, and writer receives money for their work
• a sales treatment is created, which is a more emotive synopsis, this is used to sell the script to production companies.

• Packaging: producer gathers things together, including final draft of script, sales treatment, and a rough budget
• stars are brought into the project, and head shots of this cast are added to the package that the producers assistant already has.
• Heads of departments are gathered to help gain funding, e.g. head of wardrobe, photography, make-up etc...
• these names are added to producers package for funding
• a detailed budget and production schedule are compiled and added to package
• Finance plan and recoupment schedule are added, to show how money is planned to be raised, and when it will be payed back
• package is now complete and ready to send out to financiers

• Financing: producer scouts out potential financiers, including production companies, and private investors, alot of travel is required.
• once all funding is acquired, film gets the green light and is ready for production

• Pre-Production: Once heads of department are hired, shooting script is circulated
• casting director identifies and casts actors
• storybioards are developed between director and director of photography
• production designer plans how film will look, and hires people to create the sets
• effect shots are planned in high detail, as they can take a while to build
• first assistant director, line producer and production manager make-up a logistical triangle

• The Shoot: shoot begins, funding is released, and this is a key moment in making the film
• camera department get the footage the director and editor need,
• when lighting and sound are setup, shot can begin
• actors must work to create an emotional world for the audience
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