Film Chain (INCOMPLETE)

Film Chain

Production
The stages involved in producing a film are pre-production, production and then post-production.

Pre-production
Pre-production is when everything is identified, props that are to be used, cast members identity and what their roles are in the film, also the script is completed if it hasn't been already.

Production
This is when the film is carried out, everything that has been previously planned out is filmed in the relevant locations. The director decides how many takes are required for a particular scene. everything has to be done perfectly or close enough by this stage as it is almost impossible to go back to pre-production.

Post-production
this is mainly to do with editing, the editor takes all the clips and puts them together to make the final film. after all the editing, the film is then 'locked' by the editor so no further changes can be made.

the owners of the studio decide what movies are published, this has an impact on what movies are made as producers would like to go to studios that are popular so they can make more money on their films, this means that they may have to create a specific genre of movie just to be able to use a particular studio.

An independent film is a professional film production produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system.

Distribution
distribution is when a film or piece of media is shared out to a number of different recipients, films get from the edit houses to the cinema. Companies such as 20th century films distribute films, not all films are produced by the same people. The traditional way of distributing a film is using DVD's and cinemas, now online movies are a more popular way of getting movies from edit houses to the viewer. Film festivals is a way of gathering film enthusiasts and promoting new films, the people that attend these festivals talk to each other about movies that they have watched and then more movies get spread around. movies are released on particular days to avoid competition with other movies, weekends are also the most common time that people visit the cinema so there is more of a chance of them watching.

(INCOMPLETE) 

Film Chain

Production

Producing a film consists of 3 different stages: pre-production, production and post-production.

Pre-producion is the stage in which all of the planning for the film takes place before the camera rolls. This sets a vision for what the final project will look like - money is also spent on script development and everything from securing the crew to the location, props, hiring the cast, costumes and special effects are all chosen and identified. A detailed schedule is assembled and necessary arrangements are made for the cast/crew members to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. As the ideas for the film become more ambitious and creative, the producers begin to storyboard. This makes the post-production stage run more smoothly when it comes to editing.



Production is the stage in which the actual filming takes place. Everything seems to happens at once - the actors, lighting requirements, composition, camera, props, keeping to schedule any problems that may occur etc. All of the scenes that were planned out in pre-production would be filmed in the relevant locations at the relevant times (usually from dawn to dusk). The director usually films divergent scenes many times to ensure the best quality and so that the expectations for the film would be met. Substantial control must be taken to make sure that all filming is done correctly and all shots are taken (if this isn't checked, it can be extremely difficult, almost impossible to go back and re-film certain events again).

The last step to completing the production of a film is post-production. This is the stage in which the filming is assembled by the editor in the studio. The film editor will assemble all visual images into a sequence so that the story flows freely from one scene to another. The sound editor and music composer will create music that reflects the mood and action in certain scenes. Graphics can furthermore be added along with non-diagetic sounds, special/visual effects and colour corrections. After everything is completed, the film can be released and it's then time for promoting.

             Main producers of films in America

                                                

Steven Spielberg

 

Martin Sc

Main studios in America

1. Paramount Pictures - Owned by the Viacom company

2. DreamWorks Studios - Steven Spielberg is the principal partner and co-founder

3. Columbia Pictures - Doug Belgrad is the principal partner



How might the ownership of the studio have an impact on what films the studio makes?

↳ Depending on who owns the studio and it's leadership, diverse films are made within them for different types of audiences and genres. From this, the director/producer of that particular studio would have to produce films incorporated to that specific audience (for example; making sure some films are suitable for younger audiences) or genre. Also, some studios have various constitutions - for instance, 'The Walt Disney Studios' as well as 'DreamWorks' have a separate studio for animation.

Independent film production: A film produced outside of the prime studio system e.g. Hollywood, which also could be interpreted as an Indie film. Additionally, with considerations made for cast, budget, story and distribution etc.

Distribution

Film distribution is the procedure of making a film available for viewing by an audience. The main role of film distribution is to ensure that as many people as possible go to see the film.

Process:

○ A distributor's first aims are to enter an agreement lease with the showcase cinema to screen the film for a certain period of time. This includes advertising the film via posters, videos, television or online. They also choose how to distribute the film after the initial release, for example, DVD/Blu-ray or online downloading.

○ The distributor will then secure a written contract, if accomplished, stating the amount of gross ticket sales to be paid.

○ The distributor will then make sure that enough prints/copies of the film are sent to the cinema

○ During the time it's shown in the cinema, the distribution company have to make sure the film is achieving the minimum amount of ticket/seat sales.

○ Once the film has stopped showing, the copies are sent back to the distribution company.

○ By this stage, they will then confirm if they have created enough advertising to gather sufficient profits for the exhibitors, themselves and the other film companies.



Paramount Pictures (distribution company) 

Other areas of distribution: The distributor of the film may want to release the film in other countries. In this case, the film will need to be subtitled to the language of the countries it will be distributed in. Also, removing/censoring certain aspects of the film to make it suitable. All of these changes must be made before approaching a foreign exhibitor.

The people most in charge of distributing a film are the film distributors/sales agents. Universal distribute films under their company name worldwide, however in reality, no company (whether it's major or independent) can do it all alone. That's when most companies operate film distributors/sales agents.

Traditional method of distributing a film (in steps):

1. An idea for a film is used to create an outline that will promote interest.

2. A studio or independent investor will decide to purchase full rights to the film.

3. People are brought together to produce the film (director, producer, screenwriter, cast and crew).

4. The studio makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company once the film is completed.

5. The distribution company determines how many copies of the film to make.

6. The film is shown at a screening to potential buyers representing the cinema.

7. The buyers negotiate with the distribution company the terms of the lease agreement.

8. Copies of the film are sent to various cinemas.

9. At the end of the allocated time for the film to be showing, the cinema send the copies back to the distribution company and makes payment on the lease agreement.

Modern method of distributing a film:

Digital distribution would be a more modern way of distributing a film. This is a faster method as it's easier to send a file to a distribution company over computer rather than send a physical copy (for example, Disney/Pixar's Toy Story was supplied and presented digitally at London's Odeon, Leicester Square in 1995). This is also beneficial for the distribution companies as there are substantial reductions in the cost of transporting them to the cinema. A digitally produced/converted film would be delivered quickly and reliably via disc. Moreover, cinemas that receive a digital copy would store it on a computer/server in the projection box.

Film Festivals are events staged by film societies; they provide an opportunity for unknown filmmakers to get their films viewed by a real live audience as well as having their films reviewed by professional critics. Film festivals can take place outside as well as in screening venues. The role of a film festival in distribution is to give the film more recognition and display the film to a wider audience.

Distributors may decide to release a film on one particular weekend rather than another to avoid competition. This is so that the distributors know they won't be out shined by another tent-pole film and that they won't lose out on ticket sales. Also, to avoid 'dump months' which is when there are lower expectations for major releases. The film distributor is essential to the film chain as it's the moment where films are delivered to the audience. If a film does not secure a distribution deal it will fail to be screened and also lose a lot of money - especially as it costs a lot of money to actually make the film.

Marketing

Marketing is the process of promoting and advertising a film. One of the main aspects of marketing a film is ensuring that it gains the correct amount of credit and recognition. This links to distribution as both try to captivate an audience, however it also differs as distribution exhibits the film to an audience, whilst marketing is selling the film using different methods. The way in which a film is promoted/advertised can have a huge effect on whether or not it will be successful. Most films are quite expensive to make and if the public do not buy tickets at the box office to see the film, a lot of money will essentially be lost.

One example method of film marketing is a press junket/film junket; which generally includes press releases, merchandising and media , interviewing significant people who were involved with the making of the film - actors, directors, producers and screenwriters etc.

Press junket for 'Brave'

Street marketing for 'Rio 2'

Billboard advertising for 'Spring Breakers'

Films promoted to different audiences

Alice in Wonderland is an American fantasy film that develops to a range of audiences such as foreign audiences. The examples below are of French and Japanese movie posters:



Japanese film poster for Alice in Wonderland

Exhibition

There are several ways that audiences can view films - DVD/Blu-ray, cinema (2D + 3D), film subscriptions (Netflix), television and film festivals etc.

'Box office' for film is the amount of money made; the greater the money the film makes, the better the success for the company that distributed it. This is useful for tracking the success of the film because the higher the gross profit, the greater amount of people that have seen it and the quantity of money spent.

After doing some research, I found that generally most of the money a cinema takes in from ticket sales goes back to the film studio/distributor. The studio leases a film to a cinema for a set period of time - in the first couple of weeks the film shows in the cinema, the cinema itself only gets to keep about 20%-25%. This percentage will vary from film to film depending on the specifics of the leasing deal. By the second and third week of release, the percentage could possibly increase to 45%-55%. However, the cinema mainly make their money from concession stands (40%).

Cinemas capture the attention of the audience through discount ticket prices, snack combos/deals, 'Bargain Tuesdays' at Odeon and Orange Wednesdays. Having these at the cinema attract audiences to watch films at the cinema rather than staying at home.

Ancillary markets are non-theatrical markets for feature films, for example; internet streaming, pay per view and television.

The BFI stands for 'British Film Institution',which is a cultural and creative charity founded in 1933. Together they bring film distribution, exhibition and education at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX, publishing and festivals. BFI helps the British Film Industry due to the annual London Film Festival which is the UK's largest public film event. The festival showcases the very best of world cinema to originality and imagination.

BFI London Film Festival

The different aspects of producing a film

       The various aspects to do with Film Chain 

The four main stages in which a film has to go through is: Production; Distribution; Marketing and Exhibition.
However, there are 12 stages in the full process of creating a film.

First and for most, the idea. 

As we are aware of, making a film is highly time consuming, which requires a group of people to work together in order to make it a success. This is all started with an inspiration, more or less the idea that has got you wanting to make a film. Inspiration can be found anywhere, whether it's a book, an advert, a magazine, another film, a song, a newspaper etc. However, ideas are pricey, they can cost millions, which is why they need to  be protected in case someone tries to steal your idea, hence why most films are copyright protected  " © "

Next, you have the development finance.
This is where you have to persuade companies into buying into your film and how partnership occurs, As films cost tons to be produced, because it goes through editing from the first idea until the final script/cut, therefore they have to use "the treatment and pitch" and hope for the best.

Thirdly,  the script development,
This is when you've secured the development finance and have the money to go all out. This is where the role of the writer is crucial, as they're in position to make want the producers and finances want out of their money. This why they start of with making a synopsis, which is used to show the producer the rough idea of want approach the writer is going for, and its so that the finance can either agree to it or if it needs to be switched up. In order words, its to ensure they come to a consensus on the film.


Then, the packaging begins.
This is when the script has been completed and is ready to employ actors and actresses. A common way to commercialise the film is to attach well known actors and actresses and get them to start in the film. So to turn this into a proper legitimate business proposition the producer has to know hoe much the film will in fact cost.


Fifthly, the financing.

As you already know this is an expensive business. Which is why the producer needs to main the right amount of funding for the film, to achieve the highest standards attainable. That is why financiers can be anywhere in the world in order to keep the maintenance if their investments.

After that, we have the pre-production.
This is where the full cast and crew are finally together to get everything cracking, where every single aspect is accounted for and the shooting is on the way. 


Seventh, the shooting.
 
As filming requires a lot of people, this can make things difficult to maintain like the schedules and budget. This is where the shooting is on the way and the funding is released. Finally the producer can  be at some ease.


Now, we have the post production.
This occurs as the first "rushes are available( raw footage and sound). This enables the editor to make the footages into scenes and converge them together as a whole.


Furthermore, the sales.
This is where advertising emerges. As the film is still in production, the producer has to find a well to sell the film. However, in order to do so, he or she needs a distributor to help sell it to the public(audiences). 


Shortly after, Marketing.
This is where the production of the film is at it's very last, where all the  finishing touches are taking place. It is also where the distributor creates a strategy to promote the product to the target audience, so that the marketing team can run tests screening the film to how it will be received by the public.


Now, we have the expedition,
As the cinema is still the main and primary source to reach the target audience and box office. Which means financial success, as well as a successful film. A high profile "star studded" premier is used to launch the film, after how long its been highly anticipated. through different forms of media ie the internet, adverts etc.


Lastly, the windows.
Depending on how successful the film was, it can be made into DVDs, blu-ray, online screening like netflex, on sky movies,  games etc (which are a form of ancillary markets). Which will in the long run bring in a lot of revenue for the business and other films they decide to make over the years.


_______________________________________________________________________

11 of the top film producers in America:
   
Michael Mann; produced Heat
James Cameron; produced Aliens Steven Spielberg; produced Saving Private Ryan Spike Lee; produced Inside Man Tony Scott; produced Man on Fire
John Singleton; produced Four Brothers
Richard Donner; produced Lethal Weapon
Quentin Tarantino; produced Pulp Fiction
George Lucas; produced Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
Martin Scorsese; produced GoodfellasJerry Bruckheimer; produced Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

_______________________________________________________________________

Main studios in the industry are
Sony 
Fox
Warner brothers
Universal Walt Disney
Dream works 

_______________________________________________________________________

Depending on the studio one works with, it may have a fixed type of audience, therefore their marketing and target audience will be fixed and can't be altered. So as a producer you will have to incorporate your ideas to fit the standards of the studios.

The definition of an independent production is:
"A production over which an artist maintains complete creative, artistic, and editorial control."

_______________________________________________________________________

The BFI is the "British Film Industry/ Institute" 
"The BFI was founded in 1933. We are a charity governed by a Royal Charter. We combine cultural, creative and industrial roles, bringing together the BFI National Archive and BFI Reuben Library, film distribution, exhibition and education at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX, publishing and festivals.

We award Lottery funding to film production, distribution, education, audience development and market intelligence and research.

Film Forever is our five year strategic plan for 2012-2017 to support UK film. The plan covers all our activities and is based around three priorities – education and audiences, support for the UK film industry and unlocking film heritage."

_______________________________________________________________________

Distributors may decide to release films on specific weekends based on the festive season it might be, or what trends and themes are popular at the time. And also because it's a strategic approach in getting the most audience, meaning a lot of revenue. other reasons may be because it'd a bank holiday or so, so that means loads of people have a lot of time on their hands to actually attend to the cinema.

_______________________________________________________________________

As you may be aware of, films tend to have different movie poster, that vary depending on the country you're in. which is wholly based on the fact that, no one country find the same things appealing. therefore they have to be differentiated in order to reach out to the target audience. for instance Wolverine:
 

As you can see, they are different from the text (being in two different languages) and image, as Wolverine is in to separate positions. 

_______________________________________________________________________

Cinemas are encouraged to get audiences to come to watch it there rather than any place else, as they purposely get released into cinemas way before the film is even on blu-ray/online etc. They also offer an in experience cinema  feel. As you won't get a screen as big as that in your sitting room, unless you're well loaded! The sound system is indescribable, no matter what Samsung sound system you may have it will never out perform the wonders of the cinema. 

5 facts about the film industry!

1.  Films, film trailers, advertisements, posters and online material are just some examples of media in the film industry. These are all ways of communicating information to the audience. 

2. Around £300million is spent on printing and advertising films by UK film distributors.

3. The 4 main stages to film are producing, distributing, marketing and exhibiton.

4. According to the Box Office, the most popular film genre is action.

5. A lot of money from the UK film industry came from overseas in 2013 (with £860million of the total £1.1billion spending on production).

Introduction to Group 2!

Hi, we're group 2 and we are Esther, Tyrique, Jordan and Jamey!