Production note and task sheet
- 1. 1 AS Media Studies • The three stages of production are: • Pre production • Production • Post-production • Pre-production is: Set Costumes Cameras Cast • Finance: • The first stage of any films production is the attempt to secure financial backing • The production company must generate confidence in the potential revenue of the planned film • They hope this will persuade investors to Finance: The Package • To generate the kind of confidence that will secure investors, the producers of the film must put together an attractive proposal. • This “package” consists of a number of essential elements. • This starts with the idea for the film, though this on its own is not enough to attract potential backers. • There are 6 key elements in the package TASK ONE: In pairs, list all the places you think film financing might come from. Hollywood studio 6% Other 2% Crowd funding 10% Soft money 15% Government grants 27% Pre-sales 20% Things to consider will include: • HD • Blu-ray • Downloads • 3D • IMAX • The internet (YouTube) • Multiples and art-house cinemas • Home cinema • Viral Marketing • Websites • Sequels and Franchises
- 2. Task 2: Fill in the gaps to complete the handout 1. A script treatment • This can run to 10 pages in length. • It contains information concerning the storyline, characters and locations 2. The generic profile of the film. • This will help the potential investor ‘place’ the film within the marketplace. • This will also discuss the genre of the film, and the expected elements involved within this specific genre. 3. The proposed budget of the film. • Investors need to know what their potential might be. • The package will contain a breakdown of the films proposed budget. 4. Visual representation of key scenes. • This will help potential investors visualise the proposed film. • The package will contain storyboard frames for key narrative moments. 5. Key personnel. • If the film already has a director or actors attached, and they have already had box office success then the inclusion of their names will act as an encouragement to potential investors. • The package could also include potential actors or directors, but this would be more speculative and may make investors wary. 6. Potential spin-offs, merchandising and tie-ins. • Investor may want to know the potential overall return they could expect to make on their investment. 2 Finance: Costs • There are two types of costs that are incurred during the film-making process. • Firstly, ‘above the line’ costs, which include: salaries and fees for the stars, directors and personnel. • These are fixed and do not change during production. • Below the line costs – locations, film stock and costumes. These types of costs
- 3. TASK THREE: (In pairs or small groups) Your film company wants to produce a romantic comedy based around the idea of two friends making good on a pact they made when they were in their teens. They agreed that if they had not found a husband/wife by the time they were 30, they would marry each other. The film focuses on their efforts to turn their friendship into a marriage. This is a British film with unknown actors in the lead role. You need investment for this film. 1) How would you convince potential investors that this would be a good investment? (i.e. – one that makes them money!) Design a package to present to the rest of the class. 3 The Three stages of production Production covers all filming Post-Production includes : Edit Sound Music Videos Class Discussion: Production schedules can vary hugely. Low budget, independent films are usually turned around much more quickly – why do you think this is? • More people/crew involved • Budget • Not having famous actors
- 4. 2) What difference would it make to your pitch if you had secured 2 big name actors in the lead roles, and had a bigger budget? Adapt your package for presentation. 4