Development

In this stage, the project's producer finds a story, which may come from a book, play, another film, a true story, original idea, etc. After identifying a theme or underlying message, the producer works with writers to prepare a synopsis. Next they produce a step outline, which breaks the story down into one-paragraph scenes that concentrate on dramatic structure. Then, they prepare a treatment, a 25 to 30 page description of the story, its mood, and characters. This usually has little dialogue and stage direction, but often contains drawings that help visualize key points. Another way is to produce a scriptment once a synopsis is produced.

Next, a screenwriter writes a screenplay over a period of several months. The screenwriter may rewrite it several times to improve dramatization, clarity, structure, characters, dialogue, and overall style. However, producers often skip the previous steps and develop submitted screenplays which investors, studios, and other interested parties assess through a process called script coverage. A film distributor may be contacted at an early stage to assess the likely market and potential financial success of the film. Hollywood distributors adopt a hard-headed business approach and consider factors such as the film genre, the target audience, the historical success of similar films, the actors who might appear in the film, and potential directors. All these factors imply a certain appeal of the film to a possible audience and hence the number of "A.I.S." (or "Asses in Seats") during the theatrical release. Not all films make a profit from the theatrical release alone, so film companies take DVD sales and worldwide distribution rights into account.

The producer and screenwriter prepare a film pitch, or treatment, and present it to potential financiers. If the pitch is successful, the film receives a " green light ", meaning someone offers financial backing: typically a major film studio, film council, or independent investor. The parties involved negotiate a deal and sign contracts. Once all parties have met and the deal has been set, the film may proceed into the pre-production period. By this stage, the film should have a clearly defined marketing strategy and target audience.

                                                                                                                                   

Filmmaking (often referred to in an academic context as film production) is the process of making a film, from an initial story idea or commission, through scriptwriting, shooting, editing, directing and distribution to an audience. Typically, it involves a large number of people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete. Filmmaking takes place all over the world in a huge range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and techniques. Technically, the art and science of recording images to film differs significantly from that of recording images to video. Thus, by definition, a "filmmaker" captures images on film, and not video.

"Every writer, whether they're paid or not, is a working writer, but they need inspiration. Sitting in the Writers Guild Foundation library surrounded by thoughts and success was always inspiring to me.

The library's mission is to collect, preserve, and make available to everyone a comprehensive array of resources focused solely on film and television writers and writing.

The major part of the library's collection consists of produced film, television, and radio scripts -- many of which have received major writing awards: WGA, Oscars, Emmys, Pen, Humanitas, Golden Globes and others. The library also collects books, periodicals, DVDs, videos, and other materials on the history, biography, art, craft and business of writing for entertainment media.

The collection includes:

• 17,000 produced film, television, and radio scripts

• 2,400 books on writing, writers, and the entertainment industry

• 5,400 taped programs, events, seminars, and interviews

The library provides reference help on topics such as:

• Writers' credits and biographies

• History of writers in Hollywood

• Major industry writing awards

• WGA history

• Books and magazines on film and television writing

• Locating scripts in other collections

• Getting an agent

• Research strategies, copyright basics, and matters related to creative and business aspects of writing (See the library's FAQ page)

Library Catalog

The library is open to the public and is free of charge. Wireless Internet is provided in the library. WGA members may schedule meetings in the Foundation Conference Room, subject to availability, by phoning Adam at 323.782.4679.

The collection is intended for reference use only. Scripts and other materials may not
be borrowed or copied.

Out of respect for others, we ask that no phone conversations or business meetings be held in the library.

Bags, food, beverages and personal items are not permitted in the library. There is a
secure locker room provided for  briefcases, cameras, backpacks, coats, patrons'
books and magazines, and computer carrying cases.

Producers Scott Stuber and Mary Parent have pre-emptively acquired "Unnatural Selection," a romantic comedy script by first-time feature filmmaker Cameron Fay.
In a rare move, Fay also will direct the movie, which will be released by Universal Pictures.
The New York-set story centers on a brilliant underachiever who has a surefire way of getting women to sleep with him. His technique is put to the test when he meets a divorced mom with a kid, forcing him to reassess his life.

[Source:-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking,  http://www.saptv.com/Script_Deals/script_deals.html]

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