The stages of making a film:

Pre- production:

In film-making, pre-production is more specific and only, officially begins when other milestones have been met such as financing, screenplay, casting and major staffing.

During pre-production, the script is initiated into particular scenes and factors are distinguished such as props, costumes, locations, cast members, crew members and special and visual effects. Detailed schedules and finance are arranged and organized and sets are also assembled.

Pre- production, at some point, also includes cast members reading through a script along with other staff members such as the director, producers and publicists.

Production:

Production refers to the part in film-making when the footage is actually recorded. In large feature films it marks the ‘point of no return’, in which it is no longer financially viable to cancel the project.

More crew members are also appointed such as a still photographer, picture editor and sound editor. After every take the director will observe footage and state if any additional takes are required.

Post-production:

Post-production is the final major phase in the production process. It includes many factors of editing such as editing video footage and soundtrack, adding sound effects and music, adding titles, graphics and special effects and also includes colour and exposure correction.

The most employable take is chosen for every scene and through the editing of the movie it is possible to change the intentions of it, if it is found that it doesn’t make sense. When this is all finished the edited film is examined by the director and producers and after this will be available to be distributed. Post-production can be longest process of production.

Distribution:

In most big budget films the distribution deal is secured before filming takes place. Distribution is the process in which film distributors are responsible for releasing the film through to the public either theatrically or for home viewing.

When films are released theatrically, different theatre commissioners will screen and buy the film, so it is therefore available for audiences to watch in their theatre. Months after being released in theatre, they can then be released for home-viewing, such as DVD, Blu-ray, video on demand, download and television programs.

Some films don’t go through a theatrical release at all and instead go straight on to home-viewing release.

Marketing:

The marketing of a film includes promoting the film so that the public are informed of factors of the film and its release. It is crucial for every part of a films promotion, to partially be intriguing and captivating for the public, so it attracts more viewers, resulting in financial success.

A film can be promoted in many ways noticeable for the public, such as through: television, radio newspaper and magazine advertisements, print media and promotional websites and pages on social-networking sites. Sometimes the actors of a film can go on a promotional tour as well.

Films can be sold to different audiences through the themes of the films (e.g.  A love film will possibly attract females), through the location of advertisement (e.g. if advertised on a children’s television programme, it will possibly attract children) and through the actors in the film.

Exhibition:

There are many ways in which audiences get to see films and become engaged with them, for instance, through the cinema, online, film renting e.g. (Love Film or Netflix), DVD and Blu-ray.

Films can also be seen on various technologies, such as, mobile phones, iPods and laptops.