1. LIFE OF THE FILM PRODUCER;
PART 6
PRE-PRODUCTION
"Everything begins with the written word. An idea may spring up in a number of ways, but a
movie begins to take shape when words are put on paper." Keeping this in mind, it is not a hard
realization that one of the most significant responsibilities that a producer has is selecting a
screenwriter for their film.”
 Most of the time, a writer is hired by the producer, because he is familiar with the work
in question.
 The parameters must be clearly understood by both the writer and the producer so as
not to create problems later on in the project.
 The writer to be given the freedom to explore various options that may arise within the
script that concern both the plot and the characters.
 The producer must of course remain involved in this process, through a mutual
relationship between the producer and the writer.
 Normally the first draft of the script will be completed approximately 16 weeks after
the writer begins.
 Once the first draft is completed, the task of the producer is to read the script and
make suggestions on how to improve the story.
 In addition to making suggestions about the plot or characters, it is the producer's job
to be the financial supervisor of the script.
 Trims may be necessary.
 The exceptions are when the work is original. The directors may feel that it will be
beneficial to keep the screenwriter.
 Preproduction is the precursor for production of a film, and lays the foundation for both
the creative and financial aspects of the film.
 It is important to specify the goals and objectives of the project during preproduction
to ensure that all members of the production team agree on the purpose of the project.
 The second step:
 Audience appeal will need to be discussed in further detail. These estimations can be
quite complicated; estimations can help to determine the best format for conveying
information to reach target audiences and assuring program effectiveness.
 Studios generally hire them and independent producers to run things to make sure daily
processes are on time and within budget.
 The production manager will break down the script and lay out the blueprint for the film
on a production board.
 Upon completion of the production board, the producer will be able to determine when
each actor will be working during the course of the filming.

2. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
 Production is the time when all the collaborative efforts of the crew start to become
visualized and concrete.
 Production management is crucial in maintaining an effective film production.
 Supervision
 Acquisition
 Scheduling of staff
 Equipment
 Facilities for the production.
 This helps the producer to estimate the budget and time needed to shoot specific
scenes of the film.
 The breakdown will tell the producer such as certain props are needed and when the
actors need to be on set.
 After the breakdown is complete:
 Detail props
 Costumes
 Actors
 Equipment
A producer will further be able to determine a shooting schedule in which the total number of
days needed to shoot the project can be determined.