Production Notes - Documentary.

• The film begins and ends with a producer
• The producer finds an original idea and see's it all way through to the cinema
• They then look at it as a bigger picture and protects the director
• The producer then develops the idea, raises money for the funding of the film, makes the film and finally takes it to the market

The first gamble:

• The first thing to do is to choose the idea and the script
• All the scripts are a big idea as they want something to write about that inspires the director
• The director then takes the idea one step further

The package:

• The producer and directors create a plan
• They decide on a budget and the cast that they will have in the film
• The actors are crucial in a film as they attract the audience
• The script then gets polished and developed depending on what alterations they have then made up to that point
• Creation or elimination of characters then takes place as well as changes in location

Attracting investment:

• Producers have to find support from TV companies for a regional film fund
• They also need a group of financers (preferably 3-10)
• They also need foreign investment from overseas
• By this point they also have a multi partner (director and producer) these are in charge
• Usually there is not much money around to make a film and there is so much competition so planning is essential

Planning:

• The producers and directors have to break the script down
• They identify the hardest scenes and build it into their schedule as this will be the most time consuming
• Having the correct team around you is also important in the collaborative process
• The cinematographer is also important during planning as they are the 'right hand man' to the multi partner

Budget:

• All films are based on investment
• Having a finance plan is essential when producing a film
• The director will once again break down the script and split it into sections
• They will then analyse the whole script

Above and below line costs:

• This is the cost of creating the story, the cast and crew, the writer and the main actors
• This also includes the people that make the film and who put it altogether

Audience:

• When making the film, the producer needs to have a very clear idea of what the target audience will be
• They need to connect and relate the idea of the film to the audience
• They need a film that the target audience can understand

Marketing:

• Marketing includes all hidden costs, it needs to be shown globally, the genre and the movie stars that will attract people and the audience