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EntertainmentIndustry.name
The actual filming of the motion picture is called “Principal Photography.” The average production cost of films in 2004 averaged out at about $63.8 million, up from about $29.9 million just over a decade ago.
Independent films take typically 3 — 12 weeks while most studio films take between 3 — 5 months — all of which, of course, can vary widely based on budget, location, weather, and specific requirements, most notably: The Lord of the Rings series (special effects), the Harry Potter series (kids growing up too fast) and Castaway (Tom Hanks’ major weight loss) were shot with very unique schedules to make the most of the elements they had to juggle.
Major cast members are rarely used for the entire time period due to their exorbitant rates. The schedule is usually planned around the most expensive assets and their prior commitments and complicated logistics.
Once the project has entered into production, it is unlikely that a studio will shut the picture down — even if the picture goes over budget. Completion Bond Guarantee Insurance helps to mitigate this risk.
Immediately following principal photography, the film is edited and synchronized with dialogue, sound effects and music soundtracks. In some cases, special effects are added. This phase is generally referred to as Post-Production.
It is often said that the film is “created” three times: once when the script is written; once when the actors and directors bring their collaborative spirit to the actual shooting of the script; and finally, when the director and editor actually sit down and edit the film together out of the raw footage obtained.
The Editor and Director agree upon takes and cuts, they can even re-arrange the timeline or change the tone or theme. They can potentially completely change the story in the editing bays.
Once the titles are completed, the film is “locked” and a negative is created from which release prints are struck. Shortly after post-production, a film is ready for distribution.
During post-production, materials are created directly relating to the distribution of the film (e.g. trailers for television and theatrical exhibition and advertising campaigns that include posters and print ads).
The post-production period used to require six to nine months, but recent technological developments have dramatically shortened this time frame to two-to-five months for most films.
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