Production 1. The Idea: The inspiration for the idea of a film can be 2.

lm can be 2. Financing: Using the treatment, the pitch 3. Developing the script: Both the writer and the producer
found from all around us. The idea can be inspired by another
process story, things happening in the world, or could even just pop
flow chart into the head. The original ideas are usually thought the most
valuable. The idea is then passed on to the producer, whose
job it is to make the film a reality. The director sometimes will
come up with the idea for the film, if not, then the producer
who received the idea, will work together with the director to
expand it and make it sound more interesting and plausible.
Example:
The idea is then presented to the writer, who defines the
Inception. Director
Christopher Nolan idea, makes it stand out, as well as writing a brief description
came up with the of the film called the ‘treatment’. The whole thing is then
idea for the film, pitched to a production company, in an attempt to receive
before directing the funding for the film. Several pitches may be made to several
film himself. companies, as the more funding, from more companies, the
more funding the film will receive and the less chance of the
film losing everything if one company drops out.
and persuasive techniques, the producer
attempts to gain financing from the
production company. If the pitch is good
enough, the production company may
invest in the film, to help develop the script
further, and to start the production of the
film. In return they may want to be involved
in the production of the film, or sometimes
may only invest if certain people are used.
Sometimes the producer may sell the rights
to distribute the film before it’s made, as
another way of financing. This is called pre-
sales. Other forms of financing are
government grants, tax shelters, and
possibly even from private financers.
Example: Production companies: Universal pictures,
20th century fox, Warner bros, Working Title.
work together to develop the script further and make it
more exciting. They work first on creating a synopsis and
decide on the key scenes of the film. The writer then creates
a step outline, which is a written description of every scene,
similar to a story board but just in writing. A first draft is
written up; this may be the hardest part of screen writing, as
they have to turn the idea into a story. The writer may use
the help of a script developer, to define the draft, make it
better, or even help write the first draft. The completed
draft is then handed back to the production companies who
may want to make changes if they want some of their own
ideas to be introduced into the film. When everyone is
pleased with the script, usually after several copies are
made, a final draft is written up and the writer is paid for
their work. A sales treatment is then written up by the
writer, producer and director.

4. The package: The package is
everything involved in the film. The
producer works with the director to
develop a rough budget that they have,
and then can start thinking about how
much money they should use for each
job. When the budget is made, the cast
can be thought about. The producer
will try getting the biggest names as
possible, as these will be key to
attracting funding, and gathering a
bigger audience. The heads of
departments are assigned, again the
bigger the name the better. A definite
budget is then written up so that the
producer knows how much it will take
to make, so that they can possibly get
more financing from other investors.
When all essential financing and
insurance is secured, the film gets the
green light, and then starts to be
created.
Example: Tropic thunder cast: Jack Black, Robert Downey jr, Ben Stiller.
5. Pre-production: Once 6. Shooting: When the first
everyone’s been hired, the day of shooting takes place,
shooting script is developed, everyone relaxes, especially
which is the final script, and the producer. Everything
which will not be changed unless takes place as it should,
major changes need to be made. actors act, directors direct
The producer and casting etc. The cameraman’s role is
director then work together to to shoot everything the
assign the cast for the film. The director needs them to
story board is created, which are shoot, from several angles.
one of the most essential items Lighting and sound are
for the film. The film relies on another important factor.
them in the same way a builder Everything is vital in making
relies on the blueprints for a the film what it is. If one
building. The production designer thing is not up to the
then designs the sets and hires standard then the rest of the
people in to create them. Special production may slip up.
effects are thought about before Everything is run with
filming even starts. Everything is military precision, so that
put in place before filming starts. everything goes smoothly
and nothing goes wrong.
Example: James Cameron, Avatar
7. Post production:
Different scenes are
filmed at different times,
and so it’s up to the
editor to edit each scene
and put them into the
correct order. The sound
department then work
on laying the audio track
over the top, to amplify
sounds already there
and create more exciting
and dramatic sounds.
Effects, titles, colour and
music are added over
the top of the film, to
round everything off,
before the final cut is
finished and the film
reaches ‘full lock’, and is
ready for duplication.
8. Sales: A trailer has to be made for
the film, so that it can be advertised
to audiences. Generally more than
one is created. The producer must
go through great lengths to attract
attention to the film, as there is a lot
of competition for attracting large
audience. Screening the film at large
film festivals is a great way to attract
larger audiences. The producer then
tries to make deals with distributors,
by using the help of a sales agent.
Test screenings are then ran to
audiences to see how the film is
received. The film is then advertised
across the nation, by using trailers,
posters and TV spots. The film then
has a premiere, before it is finally
released.
Example: Film posters:
Avatar; Gladiator; Saving
Private Ryan.