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, equiptment 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
- Aquire / 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