The document outlines the different stages of film production and compares the process for three different types of production companies: Working Title (a large conglomerate), Warp Films (an independent British company), and American Hollywood studios. It discusses the ideas, financing, scripting, casting, shooting, post-production, marketing, release, and profits for films produced by each type of company. The major differences are that Working Title has abundant funding from its parent conglomerate, while Warp Films has a very limited budget as an independent company and must carefully plan every aspect, and American studios have virtually unlimited budgets to produce big-budget blockbusters with top talent and effects.

1. Idea –
The original idea for the film comes
from the Producer.
The Director takes the idea and sets it
out on set and decides on extra
details.
The role of the Cinematographer is to
then use the Director and Producer’s
ideas and capture them on camera.
Finance –
The most important people involved
in the film pitch it to a group of
financers.
The financers then take into
consideration the popularity of the
film once made.
Some companies get sponsors from
National Lottery UK or the UK Film
Council if they aren’t conglomerates.
Script -
The Writer and Producer must agree on
the main script to form the best
combination.
The script determines the characters,
vice versa.
A plan is produced, the first draft is then
made, the financers read through and
decide whether it is suitable, the final is
made and then the writer is paid.
For example, Working Title have more
money and so they can show off ideas.
Warp Films must plan every move
because of low budgets. American
Hollywood films can do what they please,
no issues with budget.
For example, Working Title are
conglomerate of Universal, their funding
is direct. Warp Films are independent,
they must pitch extremely well. American
Hollywood companies have their own
money to do what they want with.
For example, Working Title will take time
over planning the script for it’s
importance. Warp Films have little money
for good writers. American Hollywood
companies have talented well known
writers, and no budgets with money.
The Package –
The cast is decided and taken into
consideration with the script.
Financing is discussed and then the
budget is fixed by the Producer – the
centre of the film production.
The investors decide how to raise
and earn the money to pay off the
budget.
For example, Working Title have no
worries with budget as they get funding
from Universal. Warp Films have to sort
and plan their film from the start to
ensure the budget is secure. American
Hollywood films afford A-List actors
therefore their films are the most
successful.
Financing –
The Producer looks around the
country/world for different financers
to secure the best deal.
Lawyers seal the deals for companies
and financiers.
Insurance for the production is shown
through bonds and paperwork.
They can start filming.
Pre-filming –
Final draft of the script is checked
over by Producers and others.
Actors are identified and set and
sent scripts.
Storyboard is created, followed by
which scenes will be filmed first.
Special Effects and extra costs are
covered.
For example, Working Title don’t have to
search for their funding. Warp Films have
to secure more than one financer to make
their film successful. American Hollywood
companies and Producers have the
advantage of their own money so they
don’t waste time searching for financiers.
For example, Working Title have enough
money to cover the costs of special
effects. Warp Films don’t have much
money so they use natural lighting mostly.
American Hollywood films can choose to
spend whatever amount of money they
want on special effects.

2. Shooting –
Most important part of production, the
Cinematographer must link the ideas of
the Director and Producer together.
Lighting, sound, costume and other
costs are covered – below the line
costs.
Actors show off their talent whether
they’re Z-list or A-list.
Special effects are covered and
insurance is checked over and over.
Post-Filming –
The Editor is paid a large sum of
money to link all the shots together
and add special effects where the
Producer agrees.
Colour and sound are added by the
Editor and the film is perfected and
finished by the chosen Editor.
The film is then checked by the
Producer that it’s fit for sale, followed
by duplication for it to be spread
around the country/world.
Sales –
Sales agents meet with the Producer
to decide on costs of marketing.
Trailers are formed by Editors and the
Producer checks it reflects their film
in the way they want it to.
Competitors will be marketing films
at the same time so it is important
for Producers to pitch the film
uniquely.
Negotiations are made to find the
best deal for the film.
Marketing –
Test screenings are shown to specific
members of the public, this is to get an
average reaction from the target
audience.
Trailers and posters are spread around.
Word spreads about the release of a
new film, including via internet which
allows it to become worldwide.
Cinemas get to show the film.
Exhibit –
Premieres are shown in capital cities
across the globe, or in the capital of
one particular country – cast attend.
Cinemas showcase the film
sometimes with preview dates.
Exhibitors receive screen prints,
depending on the amount of scenes.
The exhibitors share of profit is taken,
financiers are paid back investment.
Other –
The film will then be produced and sold
as DVDs, and eventually shown on TV.
Aeroplanes and hotels also are given
special previews of films as they have to
be paid for to be watched – a
percentage of money going to Producer.
Soundtracks and videogames can then
be made from the film.
Profit is calculated and all wages and
extra costs are covered.
For example, Working Title can usually
cover the below the line costs
immediately. Warp Films use Z-list actors
because of low budget. American
Hollywood films have no limits with
money and can go all out on costs.
For example, Working Title afford better
Editors then Warp Films. Warp Films have
to use the money they have carefully.
American Hollywood films use top high
quality editors.
For example, Working Title only have the
threat of Hollywood films. Warp Films
suffer when releasing films as they’re not
well known, having the disadvantage of
being British. American Hollywood films
have no threats.
For example, Working Title can spread
their film to America because of Universal
links. Warp Films can only advertise in
limited countries. American Hollywood
films can acheieve worldwide releases.
For example, Working Title can provide
global premieres. Warp Films may receive
premieres in London only. American
Hollywood films have A-list worldwide
premieres, with extra celebrities.
For example, Working Title can afford to pay
off all debts. Warp Films may not get their
films to hotels or aeroplanes. American
Hollywood films will be worldwide.