it seems like everyone wants to enter the movie business. While there are proliferations of specials made about the behind-the-scene glamor, when you are just starting out, it will feel anything but glamorous. If the words "ruthless," "cutthroat" and "merciless" are in your vocabulary, and if you have a great deal of money in your pocket, you might just be able to pull this off. If not, you might be better off just watching the specials. You will have to start from scratch, paying your dues to get your foot in the door. With a little luck you can produce a movie, too.
Instructions
1. Get a script. The first task is to pick a good script, but there are so many screenwriters that would love for you to read their screenplay, it might not be a quick process. Choose something that is heavy in dialog so there won't be huge expenses and won't make you go broke. Check with the Writer's Guild of America to find a screenwriter (see Resources below).
2. Hire a team to work behind the scenes for you. You will need to have various people working for you; first and foremost, you will need to get a producer. The credit of executive producer will remain yours, but the operations on a day-to-day basis will be passed down to the producer, who will be hiring the many people needed. Some of the positions to fill include a casting director, production manager, location scout and a production designer for all sets, makeup and costumes. Choosing an experienced producer will help you immensely.
3. Search and find your director. One of the most important steps to produce a movie is choosing your director, because ultimately they will make or break the success of your production. Check the Director's Guild of America, or if you are in Canada, they have their own organization called the Directors Guild of Canada (see Resources below).
4. Begin casting calls. Your casting director is in charge of sending out the casting call and looking over the flood of headshots received, and then will decide which to offer an audition. The actors usually read a small part of the script in front of the director and the casting director, along with the producers. After deciding the actors and their parts that they will play in your movie, the salary is negotiated through their managers and agents. Most likely, the actors will work for scale, which is like a minimum wage for all actors.
5. Step back and let your crew get to work shooting your movie. You will not be involved as much at this point, because you have already hired your actors, crew and director. Now, it's essentially in their hands, so sit back and watch while they create the sets, complete the shoot and then most of the time, there is a wrap party for all involved.
6. Begin your post-production editing. There will be tons of footage to go through, which some will be good and can be used, others will just get trashed. Luckily, this task will be mostly done between your editor and the director. You can also get a test audience to use for their feedback. While you are welcome to give your input and suggestions, the bottom line decisions will be the responsibility of the director and editor when making the final cut.
7. Distribute your movie. This is going to be undoubtedly the most daunting aspect when you produce a movie. There are literally thousands of films that are independently created each year and it is pretty difficult for a newcomer to get distribution. With the popularity of the internet, you could use MySpace or YouTube for distribution purposes, although don't hold your breath on the outcome. The best bet would be to submit your movie to one of the prestigious festivals such as Toronto or Sundance, because studios send their own representatives to seek out new films.
