Understanding Filmmaking - Flow Chart

The Idea:

• Sources of inspiration - Books, Newspaper, etc.
• A Producer to develops an idea
• A Director to visualizes an idea
• A Writer to clarify and develop the plot/storyline of the film.
• A Writer will then write A Treatment (A short description of the characters and the key events in the story).
• The Producer will then plan a pitch to present to  the potential financers of the film. This will include the genre, target market and a brief synopsis.

Development Finance:

• The producer will use the treatment and pitch to try and persuade the potential financers to agree to finance the project
• The producer will try to persuade Production companies that the film is going to make profits. The company may offer development money in return for the rights of the outcome.
• The producer can offer the future sales and broadcast rights to the film in return for money to develop the script
• The producer can also apply to a public funding body such as the UK film council for a development grant.
• The producer can approach private investors in hope that they will suppourt the project.
• After getting a development deal to distribute, sell and broadcast the film the producer needs to find a suitable writer to commit to the project.

Script Development:

• First the writer will make a synopsis that they and the producer agree on. The synopsis needs to include key scenes and events in the film
• The writer will then create a Step Outline. - Short descriptions of all the scenes that will eventually make up the script.
• The writer will continually have to submit scenes of the first draft of the script to recieve a fee.
• Writers will approach script editors once the first draft is completed for help and advice.
• Once the writer and producer are satisfied with the first draft they will send it off to the financers, who will include their own ideas.
• When everyone is happy with the script the script is finalised and becomes the final draft. The writer will then get paid.
• Finally, the producer will create a Sales Treatment based on the final script to sell the film to potential financers. The Sales treatment is an advert for the script focusing on the script's key selling points.

Packaging:

• The Producer and director will package the script into a full commecial proposition. The producer will take the sales treatment and come up with a rough budget.
• The producer will contact well-known actor's agents to try to cast them in the roles to make the project more commercial.
• A editor, A production designer and a photography director will become involved to develop the film more.
• Before finalising how much money the film will need to produce, the Producer will create a production schedule to ensure that each cost is necessary.
•  The Producer will explain to potential investors how they plan to raise money and how to pay them back.
• The Producer will have created a viable commercial proposition.

Financing:

• The producer will travel to different countries to widen the potential for investment.
• If the producer persuades investors to invest the producers lawyer will sort out the deal.
• The producer can also raise money form pre-sales or approaching banks for loans.
• The Producer will need to make sure that all everything in the film has the necessary insurance.
• Once all essential funding and insurance is secured the film gets the 'Green Light'

Pre-Production:

• After hiring all heads of departments: Casting, Editing, Photography, Sound, Production Designer, etc.
• The Casting director will begin the process of identifying and casting the right actors.
• The DoP and Director will begin creating storyboards (Blueprints for the film).
• The Production designer will plan every aspect of how the film will look and hires the right people to design/build each part. e.g. costume, location, construction and arts.
• Special effects are need more detail than physical shots, these could take months to design and build.
• The 1st assistant director, line producer and production manager will ensure that the film is on schedule. 

The Shoot:

• 1st day of principal photography is a key moment in the production. The shooting begins and the funding is released.
• The Camera department will get all the footage the director and editor needs to develop the story.
• After the lights and sounds are set up and hair and make-up have been checked the shooting can begin.
• The actors need to create emotion, making the audience feel more involved in the film.
• Special effects must not be dangerous to the actors or any other people involved, they need to be carefully constructed to ensure that injury does not occur.
• If the production is not staying on schedule the financiers or insurers may get involved.

Post-Production:

• Post production usually starts when the first rough cuts are available.
• The editor will assemble the scenes into the correct sequences to stick to the plot of the script.
• Once the picture is locked the sound department starts working on the audio soundtrack.
• Title sequences and credits are created and digital effects are made by the effects compositors.
• The final stage of picture edit is to ensure the colour of the film matches the film style.
• The sound mixer will adjust the soundtrack to ensure it fits perfectly with the film.
• After the final cut the film is ready for duplication.

Sales:

• The sales agent will help the producer sell the film to the the distributers.
• To help the film sell a trailer is made from the most marketable aspects of the film
• The Producer may find it difficult to attract the attention of the distributors.
• Getting the film a high profile screening at a film festival can be great to make a buzz around the film

Marketing:

• The Marketing team runs test screenings to see how the film is received 
• Potential audience is attracted by different methods of marketing, e.g posters, trailers. Also word of mouth helps films massively. Whether through TV interviews, newspaper or internet.
• The Distributor will negotiate deals with cinemas to screen it.

Exhibition:

• A high-profile premiere with celebrity guests boosts the films coverage in the media.
• The film is then shown in different cinemas to different audiences.
• Distributors supply the exhibitors with copies of the film to ensure that it can be shown on as many screens as possible.
• Data about how the film is received in the Box offices is released
• The box office receipts are printed and the money is shared between all involved.

Other Windows:

• 'Hospitality' - Hotel channels or in-flight movies can add additional revenue.
• The film is released on DVD, Blu-ray and 3D. If the film didn't achieve in the box office sometimes DVD sales can compensate for failure.
• The film is then shown on TV channels
• Occasionally a video game based on the movie is released meaning more additional revenue.
• The film could be released in the future for more income.