Project Management in the Film Industry

For this blog I wanted to look into the process and use of product management in the film industry.

Step 1: Initiating

After the inception for an idea for a screenplay, the product development, the idea built upon to create an overall vision for what the end result is hoped to be. There is no set time for this step and could potentially be the longest one of the film making process. An approximate budget is made in this stage involving what the budget would allow and potentials for actors in selected roles for the film.

Step 2:Planning

In the preproduction phase, the line producer makes a more concise and accurate budget. All the crew members are hired for production and schedules are made to get an idea of how long the production will be and set forth a timeline for it’s creation. Each aspect of the film is planned out in depth including locations, music, costumes, talent, and release date among other things and promotions and product marketing for the film can begin.

Step 3:Executing

In this phase, the production and postproduction phase where everything that was planned is carried out and is done as closely to the schedule that was laid out as possible.

Step 4:Monitoring and Controlling

This phase is done simultaneously with phase three and is solely to make sure the production abides by what was planned is every department of the film. Any problems that may occur are sought after and fixed to the best of the production teams ability.

Step 5:Closing

The last process of the project and once there is a product, the film, screenings are held by the stakeholders in the film to ensure that is the vision they want and is the product they want to move forward with. After the producers approve the film, it can then be marketed and promoted for the distribution method that is chosen for it.

McDonald, D., (2006). What Kind of a Project Manager is King Kong. Retrieved March 31, 2012, from: http://www.ddmcd.com/managing-technology/what-kind-of-a-project-manager-is-king-kong.html

Host Broadcaster (2012). Free Tips Tools and Templates. Retrieved March 31, 2012 from: http://www.hostbroadcaster.com/resources/

Dekker LTD (2007). Project Management in the Film Industry [PDF], Retrieved March 31, 2012, from: http://www.dekkerltd.com/library/DPPMF2007_Vince_Marcello_Project_Management_in_the_Film_Industry.pdf

PMP Certificate Cost (2007). Project Management Professional [Image], Retrieved March 31, 2012, from: http://www.pmpcertificationcost.info/project-management-professional.html