Phase 1: Development -- Pg 1

• Rewrite Script

  • Move to Pitchable draft

  • Register Script

  • Hold Read Through to discover plot holes and dialog fixes if needed

• Create Dream Cast List

  • Make 1^st choice to 3^rd choice

• IndieGoGo

  • Build Fan Base

  • Create Pitch Video Clip

  • Write a 1 paragraph summary

  • Write a 1 Page Synopsis

  • Write a 5 Page Synopsis

• Build a Website for Movie

• Create a Hard Copy Pitch/Press Packet

  • Include all summaries/synopsis'

  • Put together a Business Plan

    • Have cost estimate/ Preliminary Budget

    • Create Distribution Strategy

      • Theatrical

      • DVD

      • Television

      • V.O.D

    • Estimated Timeline

      • Pre-Production

      • Production

      • Post Production

      • Delivery Date

      • Release Date

    • Include Artwork

    • Packaging should be catch and reflect the movie's theme

• Start a Blog for Movie

  • include on website

  • use video updates

  • podcasting

• Create List of Movies w/ Casting Directors

• Fund Raisers

  • Silent Auction

    • Post Art Work

    • Photos

    • Donated Items

  • IndieGoGo

    • Web Campaign

    • Blog    

The 5 Step Process

One problem that I faced in the making of Bounty, that I'm sure a lot of first time filmmakers face - sometimes veterans as well, is that I didn't have a clear plan of action for the life of the film.  For this time around I have developed a 5 step process that I believe will help me in developing a solid business plan that will guarantee a return on profits, well as much of a guarantee that the world of filmmaking can provide.

My 5 steps I am referring to as Phases and are broken down as follows:

Phase 1: Development

Phase 2: Pre-Production

Phase 3: Production

Phase 4: Post-Production

Phase 5: Distribution

I am almost certain I did not come up with these steps but for me and for any filmmaker getting ready to shoot a film it is a good idea to think of them all at the get go.  One thing that I only touched on the last time time I was in development/pre-production for a movie was the distribution.

It is important to thoroughly outline your goals and strategy for Phase 5 while you are still in Phase 1.

In the following post I will include the first page of my outline for Phase 1.  The key thing to know about it is that I will constantly be making adjustments to it, additions will be more likely.  You will also see were I am incorporating some new online tools that may assist me in the fund raising and building of a fan base process.