Film Process

A lot of people wonder what all is involved in the creation of a film or TV show.

I've put together this list of the stages and the elements of each stage involved in the making of a film. Depending on the size of the film, a lot of these elements can be cut out. For example, in indie film all you need is an original script (or not), actors (or not), and a director/camera person. You then want to add a sound person, an editor, a producer to arrange everything, and legal and accounting help. And it goes on from there.

Here's the list of stages of making a film and the elements within each stage:

Pre-production

Production
   Securing rights
   Choose screenwriter
   Financial
      Private and foreign investors, TV companies, lottery, government, product placement
   Planning / scheduling
Legal
   Contracts
   Shooting limitations / requirements
   Tax regulations (with production)
Accounts and payroll

Production design
   Locations
   Editing room
   Equipment and power
      Cameras
      Sound equipment
      Lights
      Booms
      Dividers
      Cover / umbrellas
      Generators
      Batteries
   Transportation
      Vehicles, insurance, fuel, maintenance
   Catering
Art direction
Costume design
Make up and hair
Staffing
   Director
   Assistant director
   Camera operator
   Sound production
   Lighting / gaffer
   Director of photography
   Editor
   Colorist
   Sound designer
      Sound effects
      Synths, samplers, plug-ins
   Second unit
   Stills photography
Casting

   Actors

   Extras

   Stunts
Animation

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Production

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Film is complete

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Post-production

Editing
   Directors cut
   Final cut

Marketing
   Marketplace knowledge, cultural trends,tracking
   Marketing strategy (prime target audience and USP) (with Distribution for preview screenings, social response)
   Posters
   Trailers and 30-second TV spots
   Press kit
   Interviews
   Talent visits
   Photographs
   Industry kit
   Press
   Festivals and awards (with Distribution)
   Social media graphics and videos
   Crowdfunding (with Distribution)
   Groupon
   Promotional merchandizing
   OST
   Arrange portfolio
Advertising
Events management
   Promotional, business, and social events
   Researching and booking venues, contacting suppliers, negotiating prices, listening to clients, ensuring health and safety, publicising events
Distribution
   Logistics
   Know who's going to show up opening weekend
   Find the right opening weekend
   Industry screening (cast and crew)
   Preview screenings
   Free and advanced public screenings
   Find distributing agents, nationally and internationally
   Screenings in theatres (Community, Arthouse, Multiplex), TV, DVD, Netflix, BFI, online, (YouTube, Vimeo)
   Future backers
   Festivals and awards (with Marketing)
   Crowdfunding (with Marketing)
 

More information at: Sideplayer,