Lesson 3 - Notes
To learn and understand the stages involved in creating a film
To learn and understand the role a producer plays in the production process
1 development
The story and script is written
2 pre-production
The logistics of bridging the film to life are figured out
3 production
The story from the script is filmed
4 post-production
The film is edited and arranged into a narrative
5 Distribution
The film is sent to various distribution channels
Development
Producers find would-be projects and forge relationships with writers, directors,
producers, and other creatives who may have the next big idea.
Among these creatives may be book writers, comic book creators, and other
intellectual property holders whose works or personal stories or experiences have
potential for licensing as a movie, TV show, or theatrical production.
The most accomplished – and prolific – producers extend their relationships to
include investors, celebrities, and key personnel such as casting agents,
cinematographers, and costume designers.
Pitch Package
A treatment/presentation of the script, normally from one page to ten pages in length
A copy of the rights to the story, all options, and acquisitions agreements
An investment proposal that lays out the terms and conditions of the investment
A document outlining comparable box office returns on films of a similar genre or
tone
Market research on current trends, with emphasis on projects that have recently
gone into production
Talent connected to the project. This section of the pitch package identifies the
director, screenwriter, and cast; it addresses their experience and comprises their
contractual commitment to or letter of interest in the project. It also includes any crew
agreements in place.
A copy of the budget; strategies for funding and distribution; any evidence of
commitments or interest
Revenue projections
Any examples of press coverage the company has generated; any marketing
materials commissioned
Pre-production
In pre-production, producers hire other key members of the creative team. This
includes the cinematographer, production designer, musicians, choreographers,
costume designers, and principal cast members.
They conduct salary and contract negotiations, and must be familiar with relevant
workplace legislation and union or association agreements.
They break down the script and begin production tasks such as: location recces,
scheduling shooting days, hiring of a production studios, approving the final shooting
script and creating call sheets
Production
producers oversee the day-to-day operation of the production team.
They are the first point of contact for all production partners, investors, and
distributors.
They work particularly closely with the director and other key creatives, both on and
off set.
Throughout this stage, the director makes creative decisions, while the producer
makes the business, financial, and logistical decisions, approving all script changes
and cost reports.
Producers do their fair share of troubleshooting during production, dealing with
actors, crews, and technical difficulties that call for additional hires.
Post Production
If the shoot is over budget, look for additional funding
Edit the film
Apply VFX (visual effects outside live-action shots)
Compose a musical score and combine it with post-production sound
Verify credits
Arrange preview screenings, which can mean re-editing the film to reach a version
that everyone agrees upon
Plan the marketing, promotion, and distribution of the finished film; this normally
includes advance press, media interviews, release of promotional clips, and promo
tours
Distribution
With the digital age and rapidly converging technologies, viewers are watching
content in new and different ways, meaning that the distribution phase is constantly
evolving.
This means the producer must be aware of current distribution channels their film can
take
Distribution is the final stage in a project for producers to be looking for a return on
investment
That investment can be financial profit or for the purpose of getting your name out
there
Distribution Channels:
Film Festivals
The internet
Streaming
Private Screenings
Cinema
