Production Cycle

Pre Production:

• Producer/studio acquires rights to film story OR an independent production company chooses a production company/distributor. Hollywood has the advantage as it has more money to spend securing the rights to films. 

• Screenplay is developed. Hollywood can employ more writers and the 'best talent'.

• Production finance and cast/crew are confirmed, locations confirmed, scheduling takes place, call sheets are created, costume fittings, equipment organised. Advantage to Hollywood.

Production:

• Principle photography takes place in studios and/or on agreed locations (on average this takes around 3 months). Hollywood has the advantage as access to vertical integration means access to studios, equipment etc. Can afford to spend longer on shoots.

Post Production:

(first 2 stages funded by production company, the other stages are funded by the distribution company)

• Post production (editing and scoring) occurs/takes place, necessary test screenings take place after the producer receives feedback from the primary target audience (could include reshooting some scenes). Hollywood have the advantage - more money to spend on music rights, editing equipment/technology, employees

• Master print of finished film delivered to distributor. USA distributors have the advantage as they can afford to produce more prints for blanket release. 

• Distributors decide on national and international release dates and strategies (when/where/how, film premieres or festivals etc.)

• Distributors presents film to exhibitors and negotiates bilateral agreements to have film shown in cinemas

• Distributors marketing campaign creates 'hype' amongst target audience and launches film via different forms of marketing. Hollywood conglomerates have the advantage as they can use synergy across a range of media platforms

• Prints delivered to cinemas a few days before opening - Advantage to Hollywood because multiplex cinemas are loyal to Hollywood films for profit reasons. 

• The films run extends any number of weeks subject to demand

• Marketing of home media begins after the film has left cinemas. Hollywood has more to spend on marketing.

• Film is released on DVD, Blu-Ray and becomes available to download. Home media sales is often where British films make the most profit - more level playing field as the production cost of DVDS is less than the cost of production reels.