Film and video in America is big business. Ticket sales are not even close to the end of the profits a theatrical film could make, and with new technology and corporate models, alternative distribution and merchandising are becoming standard. Within all this it’s hard to understand what the production hierarchy is and how a project goes from being developed to being exhibited.
The idea is first born by the writer or director. The idea has to then be crafted to fit into the actual filmmaking model and able to be filmed. To do this it actually has to go through a development process. This should continue to be done by the original creators, but should be done in concert with other film producers who will give an outside perspective on it. The project is then taken to the creator’s manager or agent who will solicit it to commercial film studios or financiers.
Once the complete concept is put together, and a spec script or treatment is finished being crafted by the writer and creator, it is pitched to the organization that will hopefully help fund and facilitate its production. Usually a producer from that organization comes on board and brings it to a studio executive, who agrees to a development deal between the studio and the original artist. If the studio president accepts this deal then the project gets a green light and the project begins. Concessions will have to be made for the company to be on board, and once it is, you go to finish pre-production. The development time was part of pre-production, but after funding is secured the rest of the pre-filming work gets done. The creator, whoever they may be, asserts the position they wish to have on the crew and begins to find people to fill various production positions. The budget, shooting schedule, choice locations, and the rest of the details are worked out.
Production begins and all the principle filming takes place, also including second unit and B-roll. Once all filming, and re-shooting, is done you head into post-production. Post-production includes film editing, sound editing, sound mixing, soundtrack preparation, voiceover or loop work, and all other technical work to make what was just recorded fit together as a cohesive film. From there they move into marketing and deals for either outside distributors or with the company that has originally funded the film. If they need to find an outside distributor they may head to the film festival circuit or use an agent to solicit the final film to companies in a similar way that the original concept was sold.
From here the distributor makes deals with more regional distribution networks both domestically and internationally, and it heads to theater chains and independent theaters around the world. From here the distributor makes deals with secondary viewing media, such as DVD rental companies and cable channels. Then those companies distribute the film in their own niche, gaining exclusive rights within a specified secondary market.
It is a long series of events from concept to video, but understanding it will give you a better idea of how to make your digital video project come alive. The best thing you can do is come up with a stellar idea because that is the most important product in this whole industry.