Introduction to the Film Production Cycle

The Production Cycle: is the way in which films get made and eventually get seen by audiences.

PRE-PRODUCTION: scriptwriting, financing, crew assembly (including casting), etc.

• 1. PRE-PRODUCTION:PRE-PRODUCTION: scriptwriting, financing, crew assembly (including casting), etc.scriptwriting, financing, crew assembly (including casting), etc.
  2. PRODUCTION:PRODUCTION: making the film.making the film.
  3. DISTRIBUTION and MARKETING (Advertising):DISTRIBUTION and MARKETING (Advertising): promotingpromoting the film, gettingthe film, getting them to audiences (cinema distribution and DVD, TV etc).them to audiences (cinema distribution and DVD, TV etc).

4.4. EXCHANGE (Consumption):EXCHANGE (Consumption): people paying at the cinema, renting, downloading etc.people paying at the cinema, renting, downloading etc.

1.1. FinancingFinancing: Scriptwriter/producer: Scriptwriter/producer pitchpitch the idea to investors in order to raise funding. A studio or independent investor decides to purchase rights to the film.the idea to investors in order to raise funding. A studio or independent investor decides to purchase rights to the film.

2.2. Crew Assembly:Crew Assembly: People are brought together to make the film (screenwriter, producer, Director, cast, crew).People are brought together to make the film (screenwriter, producer, Director, cast, crew).

Production

1. Principal Photography: the cast and crew shoot the film.

4. Post Production: The film is edited. Sound effects, dialogue and music are recorded and are added to the film along with any special effects,

Credits etc. The film is completed and sent to the studio.

Distribution and Marketing

1. Advertising and Promotion: The film is advertised

1. Licensing and Print Production: The studio makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company who produce the required number of prints, which they sell to theatres. This is one of the most expensive parts of the process with print costing at least £1500 each.

1. Distribution: The prints are distributed to the theaters a few days before the opening day that show the movie for a specified number of weeks (engagement).