The Film Industry- Production Notes

Three stages of production

¢These are: Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production

¢ 

• Pre-Production consists of all ideas generation, script writing securing finance, identifying key personnel such as director and producer, hiring crew, writing contracts, casting, location scouting, sourcing costumes/props, acquiring film stock etc.

¢ It is essentially everything that has to happen before shooting can commence 

 

 

• ¢Post-Production includes editing and application of any CGI. Editing can be a lengthy task as it involves reviewing all rushes or footage from the shoot and making decisions about inclusion and sequencing.

¢Following the edit, sound would also be added. It is important that the sound is in sync with the images (ADR – Audio Digital Replacement). Music may also be added.

 

 

   

Finance

 

The first stage of any films production is the attempt to secure financial backing

• The production company must generate confidence in the potential revenue of the planned film
• ¢They hope this will persuade investors to back their film   

The Package

¢1. A script treatment

¢This can run up to 10 pages in length.

¢It contains information concerning the storyline, characters and locations.

¢

¢2. The generic profile of the film.

¢This will help the potential investor ‘place’ the film within the marketplace.

¢This will also discuss the genre of the film, and the expected elements involved within this specific genre.

¢3. The proposed budget of the film.

¢Investors need to know what their potential outlay might be.

¢The package will contain a breakdown of the films proposed budget.

¢

¢4. Visual representation of key scenes.

¢This will help potential investors visualise the proposed film.

¢The package will contain storyboard frames for key narrative moments. 

¢5. Key personnel.

¢If the film already has a director or actors attached, and they have already had box-office success then the inclusion of there names will act as an encouragement to potential investors.

¢The package could also include potential actors or directors, but this would be more speculative and may make investors wary.

¢

¢6. Potential spin-offs, merchandising and tie-ins.

¢Investor may want to know the potential overall return they could expect to make on their investment. 

 

¢There are two types of costs that are incurred during the film-making process.

¢Firstly, ‘above the line’ costs.

¢These include: salaries and fees for the film’s stars, director and personnel.

¢These are fixed and do not change during production.