Basic Program for Producing a
Feature Film

Okay, here it is. . . the basic program you will probably have to undergo to produce a feature motion picture.

This program assumes that production financing is in place and that the Producer Unit is established. It is further assumed that the Director and/or the Talent may or may not be in place.

By "Feature" it's meant a narrative dramatic motion picture (of any genre) that is at least ninety (90) minutes in duration.

A feature can be originated on 16mm, 35mm or 65mm film stock. It can also be originated on 1/2" betacam, 1" tape or 3/4" digital or analog tape. Video tape can be transferred to 35mm or 16mm film stock. Features have even been originated in Super 8.

The most universally accepted origination medium is 35mm color negative film stock. This is what is recommended.

If you can't raise the money to shoot in 35mm negative and your above the line costs are about the same as your below the line costs, it is possibe to shoot your feature on 16mm, beta format tape, 1" or 3/4" tape (in that order).

Digital tape looks surprisingly good when transferred to 35mm film if done at a good facility such as Image Transform in Burbank, California. However you will spend about as much making the transfer as you would have spent had you shot in 35mm.

The problem with originating on tape, however, is the fact that it looks like tape. This is not to say that someday it will NOT look like tape - just that it looks like tape at the date of this writing.

Also, the amount of work you will go through shooting a feature, makes the cost of the 35mm film stock shrink to insignificance, especially when viewed from the point of view of having completed the film. Do everything you can to originate on 35mm film stock - even if your shooting ratio must be very slim.


The Program

Anyone reading the following Program (consisting of steps called "Production Targets") could argue that life just doesn't follow orderly patterns, least of all film production. This may be true in part, but these are the basic steps you must go through to end up with a finished feature.

Many of the Production Targets in the program can and do happen simultaneously or in moderately reverse order. Of course, the order in which you might have to get something done may vary due to circumstances beyond your control. Nevertheless, when things are spinning and you wonder what you need to be putting your attention on next, then next... use this program, and don't keep it a secret from the other producers on the team. Efficiency is built by doing things in as nearly the correct sequence as possible thus minimizing the need to re-do things or "building the roof on a weak foundation."


Experience Required

It is assumed that you are intimately familiar with the exact crew, staff, exec and talent job descriptions of each person described in the program.

Producers I/T should not attempt this program on a large project until they are familiar with each job and preferably have done some or all of them for someone else and done several small programs. See "Long Range Production Goals."

Films always look easier to make than they are. This is more true in the film business than other business because so much of the ingredients of a motion picture are intangible.

This program, when executed, starts slow and continues to unfold with exponential speed as each step unfolds to the correct next step.

Once rolling, it is the Producers' responsibility to calmly see that each person does his or her job to the best possible standard - on time and within the budget he or she has been given for the particular department.

I emphasize, depending on the project you are doing, i.e., the budget, story and cast/crew requirements, etc., this program will vary. Nevertheless you will have to successfully solve, sooner or later, each of the problems presented by these steps.

While being involved, the producer should cause the company to be an exciting, fun and productive place to work while accomplishing each target in the Program.


Rough Order

AGAIN, I EMPHASIZE, THIS PROGRAM IS IN ROUGH ORDER; SOME STEPS WILL BE DIFFERENT, SOME WILL BE OMITTED, SOME ADDED. THIS PROGRAM IS A GUIDE TO BE USED BY PRODUCERS IN DELINEATING THE DIRECTION THE SHIP WILL TAKE. ALTER THIS AS NEED BE IN WRITING USING A WORD PROCESSOR, BUT DATE AND SAVE ALL DRAFTS.



General Sequence of Events
Post-financing

Pre-Production

Producer Unit finalized
All producers are operating on post with division of labor established and duties/responsibilities known. See Hats in Brief, Producer Unit.

President
Production Counsel
Producers


Start Promoting the Picture
Start running notices in The Hollywood Reporter that your picture is in pre-production. State all details requested by the Reporter.

Producers


Assistants to the Producer Posted
All Producers must have at least one crack assistant working with them assisting them with whatever comes up.

Producers


Hire Unit Production Manager (UPM)
The Producers should have a good idea of who would be appropriate to hire as UPM for the project by now. Any UPM that has contributed his or her time and expertise in developing preliminary budgets should, of course, be given first shot at being UPM for the production. In the event no qualified individual exists at this point of the program the Line Producer interviews 5 to 10 Unit Production Managers presented by the other Producers and contracts one he trusts, believes in and enjoys working with. This manager will manage the production Unit at hand. If there are several productions, or production is going on at several locations at once, you may have a Production Manager (or a VP) who oversees each of these production units hence the term "UPM". The UPM will be signatory on the Production Account.

Executive Producer
Line Producer
Packaging Producer


UPM briefed on the Project
If the UPM is not already familiar with the project, the Line Producer gives the UPM the polished, final script, the Final Approved Budget, a memo outlining the basic program and briefs him on the targeted release date, as well as the structure of the organization visualized by the Producer. Unit Production Manger receives, from the Producer or Production Counsel, the Talent/Staff/Crew agreements and becomes familiar with their provisions so he can answer minor non-legal questions for personnel. Talks with Production Counsel and Producer if needed. Suggestions, if any, are taken up at this time.

Line Producer
Production Counsel


Production Offices are Established
The Line Producer establishes a production office with help from the Producer and Unit Production Manager.

Line Producer
UPM


Production stationary and cards made up
Stationery, cards and mailing labels are created for the production with the incoming phone line(s) listed only. This is optional.

Prod Secretary


Contracts Drafted
All Talent, Staff & Crew Employment contracts drafted and ready. If you have a company General Counsel, he may delegate each project to a Production Counsel who will oversee the contracts and legal quality control for that particular project until it is done. This will keep General Counsel free to perform his or her Company duties.

By this point, make sure all basic legal documents are signed and in place and contracts to execute for additional personnel are in computer memory so you have a supply of them to be printed as needed. (See Contracts)

General Counsel
Production Counsel


Hire Director, if not already done

Packaging Producer


Hire Talent, if not already done

Packaging Producer
Director


IN and OUT phone lines expanded
Incoming and outgoing phone lines are set up and policed. The incoming phone lines should be the cheapest service offered by the phone company with no out calling capability, if possible. The outgoing phone lines should be extended service lines with unlimited message units in the production area. These should have conference call, call waiting and call forwarding capabilities.

Make absolutely sure no one uses the incoming lines to call out on as the bill will be astronomical. Incoming calls are free, above the basic service so more of these may be installed to receive constant updates and data on. Install 15-minute WATS lines when needed. Computers should have a dedicated line or an out going line with "tone block."


Voice Mail Set Up
Through your local phone company, a Voice Mail Box for all the main people in the production office as well as a main catch all Box for the Company should be set up

Producer
Prod Sececretary


Production Computer System and Operator in place
Make sure a good computer system is in place and you have on post or connections to someone who knows how to operate computers from every point of view.

I suggest also having a tape backup and make absolutely certain your computer operator backs up the entire system at least once per week and that all applications are backed up onto floppys as work progress every 10 to 20 minutes.

If you have problems with your computer, applications, hardware, system setup or any computer related questions or emergencies, call BackBone Enterprises at (800) 576-2001 or (610) 688-9212. You will be billed for the time, but it is worth it. Your computer system is so vital to your production, it is almost better to not even attempt production unless you understand, agree with and can apply this fact.

Producers
Computer Operator


Casting Director Hired
The Director may want to hire a Casting Director to cast part of the Principal Talent and/or all or part of the Supporting Talent. If the Director plans on personally casting the entire picture, he or she should hire a Casting Secretary instead of a Casting Director as he or she would be holding the post of Casting Director from above.

Director


Built by BackBone Enterprises


Casting Secretary Hired


Director or Casting Director hires a Casting Secretary to help
with the casting.  The Casting Secretary may have several PAs
assigned by the Producer to help.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Casting Sec


Casting Cameraman Hired
A cameraman who can operate a video camera and tape deck should
be hired to tape the casting sessions.  This cameraman does not
have to be a professional cameraman with ASC credentials, just
someone who knows the basics.  While casting, the Director and
his casting support should not operate the camera as they have
much else to do.


                                                   __________
                                                   UPM

Director and Casting Team start Casting Balance of Picture
The Director concentrates on Principals.  The Casting Director
concentrates on Supporting.  The Casting Secretary schedules and
coordinates the flow of talent.  Casting Secretary may help cast
Bits.  If picture does not require stars, cast the supporting
talent first and then, at the height of the casting momentum,
cast the principal(s) or round out the production with the
principal(s) required.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director
                                                     ___________
                                                     Casting Dir
                                                     ___________
                                                     Casting Sec
                                                     ___________
                                                     PAs


Extras Casting Assistant Hired

Director hires an Extras Casting Assistant to cast Extras and to
supply SEG vouchers, if needed.  Extras Casting Assistant may
need PAs help, if free extras are being sought.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD
Member Reports are received.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


Time cards are made out for Talent.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD


W-4 cards are made out and sent to VP Finance.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD

Casting sheet is done (with numbers).
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD

Start getting necessary Photographic Releases signed.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

Photographic Releases for non-union extras are
signed.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD


Setup computer bookkeeping and payroll system
A journal and ledger program is installed in the computer.  This
must interlock with the accountant's system back at his home
office.


                                                     __________
                                                     Treasurer

                                                     _________
                                                     UPM

                                                     _________
                                                     Prod Auditor


Start Hiring and Hatting Staff & Crew
As the UPM hires the rest of the Staff and Crew he hands out Hats
and asks that they be studied for application and testing the
next day.   Sees to it that each person is checked out and keeps
a log of who has been checked out and who has to be checked out.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM





Production Secretary Hired
Unit Production Manager hires a Secretary who will be Production
Secretary and will supervise the Production PA Pool.

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

Xerox Final Script
Xerox enough copies of the script to issue to all parties with a
master copy of everything kept in the production office.

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Sec

Issue the Script
Before distributing the script, check with the Director for
distribution times and instructions.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Sec

Establish Pool of Production Assistants
The Production Assistants that are in training will report to the
Assistant to the Producer and at this point are allocated to
various jobs.  UPM helps with the PA Pool so people new to the
business can get in-the-field experience.

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

Post a Key PA
A Key PA will supervise and recruit new production assistants for
the Producers to allocate.

                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Prod


Petty Cash Account is established
A petty cash account is set up by the Line Producer and placed
under the control of the Unit Production Manager or a Production

Auditor.   Receipts are forwarded to the Treasurer.

                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Auditor



Department Head Meeting
Producers arrange a meeting with the Director, Writer and Unit
Production Manager to discuss existing ideas and propose various
Art Directors, Directors of Photography, Editors and Composers.
                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Writer

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     First AD

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst to Prod


Art Director Hired
Producer or Director hires an Art Director that is approved by
the UPM.  When Several Art Directors are needed, a Production
Designer is hired and he or she supervises and coordinates the
work of all Art Directors.

                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM



Location Manager Hired
Location Manager is hired by the UPM and Director
and reports to the UPM.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Director


Brief on Locations
Director, UPM, Location Manager and Art Director have Location
Meeting to establish which ones are best and within budget.
Location Manager knows what is needed in the way of locations
from collaboration with Director, Art Director and Unit
Production Manager

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Loc Manager

                                                     __________
                                                     Art Director


Location Scouts Hired
Location Scouts are hired and briefed on the time factors as to
what and when locations must be secured.   Scouts are wearing
their hats and reporting back regularly to the Location Manager.


__________
                                                     Loc Manager

Sets Ordered Built
Art Director Orders sets and major props built.

                                                     __________
                                                     Art Dir

Director starts Location Scouting
Director starts Location scouting for important locations.
Location scouts may assist him.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Loc Scouts


Create Location Specification Folders
All specifications regarding the locations are written
down and any photographs and/or drawings are
filed with them.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst to Dir


Location Specs to UPM
UPM receives folders with candidate locations and
scene number in his office.
                                                     __________

                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Loc Manager

One-Sheet Artist Hired
One sheet artist starts working on the ads that will promote the
film.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Artist


Start Blocking and Shooting Script
Director starts blocking and writing his shooting script.

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

Editor Hired
Line Producer and Packaging Producer hire an Editor proposed by
the Director.
                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

DP Hired
Director hires a Director of Photography.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director





Production Sound Mixer Hired
Director hires the Production Sound Mixer.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

Composer Hired
Producer hires a Composer recommended by Director.

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod


Property Master Hired
Property Master Orders or builds Props.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


Publicist Hired
Packaging Producer and Editor decide on a Publicist who is hired
by the Producer.
                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor
Time Cards
Crew has filled out a time card.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD

W-4s
Crew has filled out W-4s and these are sent to
Tax Manager.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Tax Manager


Invoices
Invoices from any independent contractors are received and paid
as authorized by the Budget.

                                                      __________
                                                      UPM

                                                      __________
                                                      Prod Aud



Call Sheets
Call sheets with crews' numbers are made up.

                                                     __________
                                                     First Ad



Dept Budgets Issued
UPM informs all Department heads of their budgets and issues
copies.  No one gets the complete Production Budget and this is
confidential.

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


Lab Arranged
Director and the Director of Photography ("DP") decide the look
of the picture and propose labs that are suitable.  UPM arranges
lab contract.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     DP
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


Establish Lab Contact Man
Lab contact man is established by the UPM and made known to the
Editor.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM
                                                     __________

                                                     Editor



Sound Arranged
Sound company is arranged for.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Mixer

Camera Equipment Arranged
Equipment rentals are arranged for.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     ___________
                                                     DP

Editing Equipment Arranged
Editorial equipment supply company is arranged.

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     ___________
                                                     Editor

Coding Company Arranged
Coding of the dailies is arranged.
                                                    __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor


All Talent Agreements Signed
Packaging Producer and Line Producer make sure all Agreements and
Photographic Releases for Talent are signed well before first
start of principal photography or first call for that particular
Talent.

                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer

Locations Secured
In consultation with the Director, Art Director and Unit
Production Manager, the Location Manager contracts for those
locations the shooting schedule requires first as early as
possible.  If they cannot be contracted, the Location Manager and
First AD work together to arrange alternate shooting schedules to
solve the problem.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Art Dir

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Loc Manager


                                                     __________
                                                     First AD


Directions to Location(s) Prepared
Draw up and xerox directions to each day's Location for every one
on the Daily Call Sheets.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD

Balance of Crew Hired
Unit Production Manager hires the rest of the crew and staff,
subject to department heads proposals and approvals, in this
basic order:


GAFFER
                                                     __________

KEY GRIP
                                                     __________

WARDROBE MISTRESS (MASTER)
                                                     __________

2ND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
                                                     __________
CATERER
                                                     __________

EXTRAS CASTING COORDINATOR
                                                     __________

TRANSPORTATION CAPTAIN
                                                     __________

CAMERA OPERATOR
                                                     __________

1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA
                                                     __________

SCRIPT SUPERVISOR
                                                     __________

BEST BOY (GIRL)
                                                     __________



GRIP
                                                     __________

GRIP/ELECTRIC/TRUCKER
                                                     __________

GRIP/ELECTRIC/TRUCKER
                                                     __________

BOOMMAN (BOOM MS)
                                                     __________

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
                                                     __________

TITLES ARTIST
                                                     __________

ASSISTANT PROPS
                                                     __________

ASSISTANT WARDROBE
                                                     __________


STILL PHOTOGRAPHER
                                                     __________


KEY MAKEUP ARTIST
                                                     __________

MAKEUP ARTIST
                                                     __________

MAKEUP ARTIST
                                                     __________

KEY HAIR STYLIST
                                                     __________

HAIR STYLIST
                                                     __________

ASSISTANT EDITOR
                                                     __________

ASSISTANT EDITOR
                                                     __________

PROMOTIONAL EDITOR
                                                     __________

SPECIAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR
                                                     __________

STUNT COORDINATOR
                                                     __________

MUSIC EDITOR
                                                     __________

SOUND FX EDITOR
                                                     __________

UTILITY PERSON
                                                     __________

Add Any Additional Crew
Configure the crew in accordance with the production requirements
or if union signatory, in consultation with the Union and your
Unit Production Manager
(Add your own "Crew Addendum")
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

All Contracts Signed
UPM makes sure all Agreements for Production Staff & Crew are
signed before start of principal photography.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

All Photographic Releases Signed
Second AD makes sure all Photographic Releases for Staff & Crew
are signed before start of principal photography.
                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD


Editing Room Set Up
Editing Room is set up by the Editor in the space provided by the
Producers.  Sometimes an apartment in a nice peaceful area,
perhaps by water, is the best place to get a quality editing job
done as editing takes undisturbed concentration and sometimes
weird hours when creative ideas hit.
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers


Production Meeting Held by Director and First AD
Production meeting is held to introduce everybody and script
run-through is done to answer questions.
o   Make sure department heads have been briefed on anything
    special they need to know.
o   Make sure all Hat packs handed out with org boards and that
    each person receiving them is briefed on the return or fine
    policy.
o   Make sure all crew understand what is expected of them and
    know the company policy and safety precautions.
o   Brief on (script) revision color codes.
o   Commend any WELL DONES.
o   Treat everybody to dinner before next day's START.


                                                    __________
                                                    Director

                                                    __________
                                                    First AD

                                                    __________
                                                    All Staff

                                                    __________
                                                    All Crew


Valuable Documents Secure
The Production Budget should not be left lying around the office.
This instrument, in its entirety, is confidential to everyone
except the Producers and the Unit Production Manager.  The Unit
Production Manager is ultimately responsible for office security
and seeing to it that the files are locked when he or she is not
present.  All Valuable Documents being used during production
should be keep carefully filed and locked:  This includes, but is
not limited to, all contracts,  script masters, schedules,
estimates, correspondence, checking accounts, receipts and phone
numbers.   These documents are the property of the Company.

                                                    __________
                                                    Producers

                                                    __________
                                                    UPM


Scripts Handed Out
All scripts and appropriate departmental budgets are handed out
by now.
                                                    __________
                                                    Asst Prod



Shooting Schedule Handed Out
Hand out the shooting schedule and any other schedules for the
production.
                                                     __________
                                                     First AD


Call Sheets and Directions Handed Out
Call sheets and location maps are handed out to Talent, Staff &
Crew.

                                                     __________
                                                     Second AD


                      Principal Photography


COMMENCE PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY!
                                                     ___________
                                                     Production
                                                     Company

Promote Picture and Start of Principal Photography
Make sure your notices which have been running in the Hollywood
Reporter since start of pro-production are now up dated to
reflect the fact that the projects has moved into principal
photography.

This is crucial, because Acquisition Executives at the Studios
and in distribution companies will be put on alert that future
product for them is in the pipeline.

                                                    __________
                                                    ProducersDay ONE of Shooting Starts
Shooting starts on the first location scheduled and continues
according to the shooting schedule until DONE.
                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer
                                                     __________
                                                     First AD
Footage Being Properly Routed
Unit Production Manager and Assistant Editors make sure properly
labeled footage, and all accompanying paperwork, are being
regularly routed to the lab for processing and printing and then
to the editing room for syncing.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Sec Asst Cam


Sound is Properly Routed
Unit Production Manager and Assistant Editors make sure properly
labeled Audio Tapes, and all accompanying paperwork, are being
regularly routed to the Sound House for transferring then to the
editing room for syncing.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Mixer

Sound and Picture Prepared
Assistant Editors make sure all sound and picture is
synchronized, coded, logged, labeled and prepared on 1,000 reels
for screening.
                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editors



First Dailies Screened
Daily screening is occurring each night after wrap on the
previous day's work.  The Assistant Editor handles the workprint
film and tracks and may, on occasion, act as projectionist.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     DP

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor


Editor Starts Cutting Picture
Editor starts cutting the picture after collaborating with the
Director.
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Director


Unit Production Manager on post stable
Unit Production Manager is on post, stable and available
(personally or by delegation), as a coordinating terminal at all
times.
                                                     __________
                                                     UPM

Ads and Production Management Assistants making regular trips

between set and production office.
Assistant Directors and Pas are making regular trips from the
main office to the set.

                                                     __________
                                                     Ads

                                                     __________
                                                     Pas


Promo Reel Started
Promotional reel is started.
                                                     __________
                                                     Promo Editor


First Week of Principal Photography Smooths out
The first week of principal might be a little rough and bumpy
until everyone gets grooved in.  As pressure points emerge,
people might yell, quit or be fired, problems show themselves and
dissipate as the crew, staff and producers smooth out the
operations.  Order resumes and things usually increasingly better
from the second week on.
                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


Payment of Second week Bonus
At the end of the second week of principal photography a bonus
equal to at least one week's pay should be given to everyone in
the company if things smooth down and everyone is productive.
This bonus may be any size okayed by vote of the Producers, UPM
and the Treasurer.
                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


                                                     __________
                                                     Treasurer




President and VPs initiate new Production while current one is in
progress.
President and the Company get busy with the next production on
the proper gradient.

                                                     __________
                                                     President

                                                     __________
                                                     All Execs


Producers solidify marketing plans
Producer(s) solidify marketing plans for the current picture just
completing principal photography after working with the Director,
Writer and Editor to get their input on how they feel the picture
could be marketed.  Two "Idea Meetings" scheduled at the
Director's convenience are held for this purpose for each
picture.  Once these two meetings are over, the VP Marketing
makes the final marketing decisions based on the ideas presented
in the meetings and market surveys.  The "Marketing Ideas
Meetings" should be held at a social event and done in a "light"
atmosphere - after all, the people who purchase movie tickets
usually make their decisions at social events (by word of mouth)
or as the result of "light" decisions - don't they!
After carefully listening to all ideas, the Producers have final
decision on how the picture will be marketed.  Any development
personnel of the company, also present, note how things went and
could be improved on future projects under development.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers


                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Writer

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Dev Personn



New Project must be financed before end of principal photography
The next picture is fully financed, prior to the end of principal
photography.

                                                     __________
                                                     Executive Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Treasurer




All Hat Packs Collected
The Unit Production Manager collects all the Hats and is
responsible to Producer for returning them.   Any Crew or Staff
Member who loses or damages their Hat shall have a fine deducted
from their last paycheck.


                                                     __________
                                                     UPM


                                                     ___________
                                                     Producer



Principal Photography Ends
Principal Photography ends on schedule and a new production
starts before the eleventh week of post production.  The best
Talent, Staff and Crew from the last production are asked onto
the new production and if appropriate parts exist.  Scripts may
not be written for a particular Talent, unless that Talent
finances a substantial portion of the budget.


                                                     __________
                                                     Executive Producer

                                                     __________
                                                     Pack Prod

                                                     __________
                                                     Line Producer


                         Post Production


Editing begins as soon after the first day of Principal
Photography as possible
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

Editor On post each morning early
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

Associate Producer supervising Post Production
                                                     __________
                                                     Assoc Prod


Editing Occurring each day, keeping up with the shooting pace

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor


Lock
Lock First Half of the picture.
"Locking" the picture means that the Editor is finished making
changes to the picture.

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

Begin Fx and music.
                                                     __________
                                                     FX Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Music Editor

Opticals Ordered
Fades, Dissolves and other optical or special work are ordered by
the Editor and created by the optical house.

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     ___________
                                                     Optic House


Main Titles
After titles are picked by the Director, the Editor orders the
Main Titles from the Title House and supervises their creation.


                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Optic House


Negative Cutting Started
Assistant editors log the edge numbers from the work print for
the Negative Cutter.

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Neg Cutter
First Half Complete
Finish first half of titles.
                                                     __________
                                                     Title House



Do Pickups
The DP should make available several people from the Camera Crew
to handle pickup shots as the Director and Editor require.

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     DP/Op

                                                     __________
                                                     Camera Crew


End Titles
Finish end titles.
                                                     __________
                                                     Title House

Pre-Lock Viewing for the Producers
Producers should give their opinions of the show at this time but

let the Director make his or her decision on how the show should
be cut.  It is very important that the Director and the Editor be
allowed to concentrate on cutting the show without interference
from any outside people or producers, otherwise the picture will
lack continuity and run a risk of not doing as well at the box
office.  The Editor can act as liaison between the Director and
the Producers and, without taking sides, support the vision of
both interests.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

Lock Picture
Full lock of the picture.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

ADR
ADR and foley.
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     ADR Techs

                                                     __________
                                                     FoleyWalkers

Score
Music Score is spotted and finished.

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Composer

                                                     __________
                                                     Music Editor



Mix
Foley, Dialogue and effects (Fx) are mixed in their own session.


                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Mixers

Mix
Music is mixed in its own session.


                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Mixers

Sync
Sync negative and (optical) tracks
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Asst Editor





Answer Print
Get first composite answer print.

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Lab



Second Answer Print
Get second (and other) composite answer print(s).
                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

                                                     __________
                                                     Lab



Director Approval
Director/Editor Approval of Answer print.  This is the
"Director's Cut" of the show.
                                                     __________
                                                     Director

                                                     __________
                                                     Editor

Producer Approval
The Producers approve the Director's Cut of the show or ask for
modification until it is approved.  Usually the Producer's go
with the Director's Cut or one re-edit.

                                                     __________
                                                     President

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

G-Rated Trailer is made available
Even if the picture will be some other rating, such as R,
a General Audience Trailer, "G", should be created.

                                                     __________
                                                     Promo Editor

One sheet Created
Make sure you have control of the 1-Sheet that is created.  The
1-Sheet, the poster of the film that appears out side the
theatres and on video jackets, is crutial to getting distribution
and to getting sales with the public.  Work with your distributor
in creating this and/or create it yourself to perfection.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Distributor

                                                     __________
                                                     Creative Dir

                           Distribution


DISTRIBUTION ALREADY ARRANGED:


Producer Fulfills Delivery Requirements
If Picture was made under a Production DIstribution Agreement,
(the "P-D") Producers cooperate to fulfill delivery requirements.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers



Cash disbursed to Production Company pursuant P-D Agreement
                                                     __________
                                                     Distributor


Production Company authorizes release of Picture
                                                     __________
                                                     President

                                                     __________
                                                     Counsel

                                                     ___________
                                                     Producers


ARRANGING DISTRIBUTION:

Press Kit is prepared and Mailed out
Create anywhere from 50 to 250 press kits.  Send to acquisition
executives at the studios and smaller distribution companies that
are prospects for handling your type of picture.

                                                     _________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Prod Sec



Picture appears at several smaller Film Festivals
Do not give the picture to acquisition people at the first
festival.  Promote the picture as much as possible first,
possibly at several smaller festivals.   Win several awards if
possible.  Take your publicist to the first featival to answer
media questions and generate interest.  Ascertain interested
buyers at each Festival.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Publicist



Sell Rights to Picture at a Major Film Festival
Go to a major film festival with your attorney and in the lobby
of the theatre where your film is showing, make a deal for the
distribution of the picture.  Sign with a Foreign Sales Agent or
distributor who can get your picture into the Cannes Film
Festival, MIFED and the American Film Markets.  Maintain right to
create and/or approve all ads and 1-sheets.   You do not have to
sell all your rights to the same distributor.  Make sure you have
an experienced entertainment attorney advise and negotiate the
sale of rights for you.  Toranto and Cannes are important Film
Festivals.
                                                     __________
                                                     Producers(s)

                                                     ___________
                                                     Counsel


Marketing strategy is determined or adjusted
The Distributor contracted should know how to market the picture.
Recind the Picture is it is not properly marketed.  Make sure
this provision is in your Distribution Agreement.
                                                     __________
                                                     Distributor

                                                     __________
                                                     Producer(s)

                                                     __________
                                                     Counsel




Picture appears Major Film Markets:

Sell right to the Picture at Major Film Markets.
                                                     __________
                                                     Sales Agent/
                                                     Distributor


Keep Control of the Negative
Never release the negative to anyone except your lab.  Make
arrangements for all prints to be ordered through the production
company and its Lab.

                                                     ___________
                                                     Producer(s)

                                                     ___________
                                                     Lab Contact


Talent promote picture
The Publicist coordinates with Producer, Director and Talent to
promote the picture at film Festivals and in media appearances.

                                                     __________
                                                     Publicist

                                                     __________
                                                     Talent



Release
Release the Picture with the appropriate market plan.


                                                     __________
                                                     Distributor



Receive Royalties and Undergo Recoupment
As the Picture earns rental income, Producer receives royalties
from the Distributor and pays back production financiers in
accordance with the Production-Distribution agreement in place.
Pay back any first place deferrments owed.


                                                     _________
                                                     Distributor

                                                     _________
                                                     Producer(s)

                                                     _________
                                                     Counsel

                                                     _________
                                                     Treasurer(s)



Profit Allocations
As the Picture goes into profit, pay out profit participations as
agreed in the Production-Distribution Agreement and all
Participation Agreements.  Pay back any remaining deferrments
owed.

                                                     __________
                                                     Producers

                                                     __________
                                                     Counsel
                                                     __________
                                                     Treasurer



     Here's wishing you well with this Program!

                                             JAMES JAEGER



PRODUCTION COMPANY DATA:

Production Title

Production No.

Producer I/T

Production Manager

First Assistant Director


Email

Phone

Mobil Phone


Today's Date

Notes:











© 1990, 1999 by James R. Jaeger II All Rights Reserved