The five stages of production: From Idea to Wrap

• STAGE 1: Project Development ( the idea)
• STAGE 2: Pre- Production (the plan)
• STAGE 3: Production (the shoot)
• STAGE 4: Post-Production (the edit)
• STAGE 5: Wrap and distribution

STAGE 1: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

• Firstly a producer must find a film they want to produce. Whether this be an original idea, from a script, book, story online, newspaper etc.
• Then they must find out how much it would cost to initially produce the film.
• They supervise the development of the idea, creates a pitch and source funding for the production.
• Pitches the project
• Negotiates contracts etc for distribution, actors, crew etc
• Hires crew, cast etc for the production.
• There may be more items for a producer to do depending on their job requirements for the film.

STAGE 2: PRE-PRODUCTION

• Breaks down the shooting script to prepare shooting schedule, call sheet, production reports.
• Supervises the completion of the shooting script
• Works closely with the director on aspects of the script and production.
• Scouts locations.
• Prepares all contracts to be signed.
• There may be more items for a producer to do depending on their job requirements for the film.

STAGE 3: PRODUCTION

During the filming process a producers usually:

• Is on set or on call- you always need to be available
• Is consulting with the writers and supervises changes to the script.
• Works closely with the line producer.
• Approves all aspects of the productions style, look and mood, while liaising with the director and their vision.
• Is in contact and speaks with the director regularly.
• Prepares budgets.
• Depending on the size of the crew, they may record continuity logs.
• There may be more items for a producer to do depending on their job requirements for the film.

STAGE 4: POST PRODUCTION

• Watches rough cuts of the edit alongside the director.
• Supervises the editors work.
• Keeps track of all deadline requirements for distribution.
• Liaises with distributors.
• May organise focus groups to test out the film on an audience.
• There may be more items for a producer to do depending on their job requirements for the film.

STAGE 5: DISTRIBUTION

Once the production has been edited, a  producer still has important details to finalise. Generally a producer has to:

• Pay outstanding invoices (debts).
• Finalise all legal contracts and requirements.
• Reconfigures accounts and draw up a final budget.
• A producer may be the one in contact with networks or production companies etc.
• There may be more items for a producer to do depending on their job requirements for the film.