The document outlines the typical 12-step production process for films, from initial idea development through marketing and distribution. Key stages include developing financing, scriptwriting, pre-production planning, principal photography, post-production editing, marketing the film for sales and exhibition in cinemas and other distribution windows. Examples are provided for two films, Avatar and Paul, illustrating how they progressed through these standard stages in developing the idea, financing, production, post-production, marketing and release.

1. Production Process

2. Scene 1 – The Idea - Inspiration, Producer, Director, Writer, Treatment, Pitch. Scene 2 – Development Finance - Pitch, Production companies, Sales distribution, Public investment, Private finance, Writer. Scene 3 – Script Development - Synopsis, Step outline (storyboard), Drafts, Revision, Final draft, Sales treatment. Scene 4 – Packaging - Packaging, Cast, HODS, Budget, Finance Plan, Complete package. Scene 5 – Financing - Market, Investment, Pre-sales, Banks and gap funding, Bonds, Green light. Scene 6 – Pre-production - Meeting, Casting, Storyboarding, Production design, Special effects planning, production unit meeting. Scene 7 – The shoot - 1st day photos, Camera, Lighting and sound, Acting, Special effects, Chain of command. Scene 8 – Post production - Rough cut, Sound, Digital effects and titles, Colour, Final mix, Final cut. Scene 9 – Sales - Selling product, Trailer, Sales toolkit, Taking film to market, Screenings, Deals. Scene 10 – Marketing - Marketing team, Audience, Advertising, Press and media coverage, Internet marketing, Selling to exhibitors. Scene 11 – Exhibition - Premiere, UK Cinemas, Prints and logistics, Box office performance, Revenues, Recoupment. Scene 12 – Other windows - Hospitality, DVD, Broadcast, Game of film, Profit, End?

3. Hollywood Example – Avatar 1 – James Cameron came up with the idea of ‘Avatar’ after making his international hit film ‘Titanic’. When he pitched the idea he came to realisation it would take a fair few years to have the technology which would produce this masterpiece. 2 – 5 – Over the years when the technology was upgrading and reaching the standards he wanted he gathered all of his directors, writers etc. And began to finance the film and actors he wanted. 6 – Pre-production began and discussions occurred about special effects and how they would make the ‘Avatar’ and if the film was to be shot in 3D or not. 7 - The shoot began and all special effects were added and it was filmed in 3D for the extra audience interaction feel to the film. 8 – The film was cut, chopped and changed. More special effects were added to make sure that the film was a guaranteed masterpiece. 9 – When the film was almost complete the sales began and trailers were released to the public. As it was the next big film after the ‘Titanic’ that James Cameron had released the public were excited to see what was to happen. Private screening were held such as the premiere of the film in the US 10 – Marketing began for the public, posters on buses, billboards, bus shelters. The press and media covered sections on what they saw at the red carpet event. 11 – The UK premiere took place on December 10th, 2009. On the films opening weekend (20th December 09) the film made $77,025,481 (USA) and £8,509,050 (UK) the estimated budget for the film was an overall $237,000,000 and a gross revenue of $2,782,206,970 was made. 12 – After the film a re-release was released and a budget of $9 went into that, a video game was also made and action figures were put into action. No doubt the film will have a 25/50th anniversary similar t ‘Back To The Future’ had recently. The film broadcasted on UK (Sky) television the Christmas of 2010 and adverts were around for the release of this as well.

4. Working Title/Film4 Example – Paul 1 – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost came up with the idea on the set of ‘Shaun of the Dead’ together. They decided it would be a step up from zombies to aliens. 2-5 – They discussed location and decided to have it set in an American dessert. To help with the script Pegg and Frost went on their own road trip across America and used ideas from it to add to the script. 6 – Pre-production on special effects on how CGI an image such as Paul. 7 – The shoot began and actors such as Seth Rogan (voice of Paul), Jason Bateman and Sigourney Weaver were used to appeal to a British and American audience. 8 – More special effects were added to enhance explosions and put together the CGI image of Paul. 9 – The trailer was shown and there was screenings in the UK and US for the film and it announced it was to be released on Valentines day. 10 – Marketing began adverts were shown on the internet, posters on buses, billboards etc. And Pegg and Frost also did a ‘Odeon’ special for their movie. They promoted going to the cinema, their film and the Odeon club card. 11 – It premiered today so there is no values in the box office figures or the gross revenue. 12 – There is no furthermore evidence of what will happen after the film. The film will release on Blu-ray and DVD.

5. Companies Conglomerate – Also known as the parent company to a once independent company. An example would be Universal Pictures being the conglomerate to Working Title. Independent film company – A company who gets very little funding through government grants or tax schemes. For example Warp Film get their funding from these that is why their earlier films are more naturalistic and low-budget. More natural lighting is used and the film markets itself through word of mouth etc. An example would be ‘This is England’.