Development


Five Phases of Film Projects


This is an edited version of a typical motion picture project breakdown so it applies more to SL Machinima. Mostly taken out things like hiring caterers, teamsters, stunt package, equipment and the such.

A tool many indie filmmakers I know use for writing the screenplay and working out the pre-production mess is a free program called celtx.

1. Development

  • Write the script
  • Script rewrites/polishing
  • Do script breakdown
  • Develop budget
  • Develop key contacts

    • 2. Pre-Production

  • Prepare / polish shooting script
  • Story Boards
  • Shot list
  • Find and secure locations
  • Hire set director and/or builders
  • Finalize set design
  • Construct sets
  • Design and shop and/or make wardrobe
  • Build or buy props
  • Buy animations / hire animator
  • Create production board / shooting schedule
  • Casting
  • Hire composer
  • Establish post production deals - editor and sound designer
  • Do preliminary post production schedule
  • Hire title designer

    • 3. Production

  • Shoot
  • Record sound

    • 4. Post-Production

  • Construct / revise post production schedule
  • Acquire / complete music - purchase / license / compose / record
  • Complete picture editing
  • Build / sweeten sound FX tracks
  • Complete main and end titles

    • 5. Marketing

  • Develop / revise marketing plan
  • Produce trailers
  • Design and implement publicity ad campaigns
  • Upload to various online video sites and / or create a website
  • Enter film festivals