The initial stages of turning a story idea into a viable script are referred to as movie development or simply development in the film industry. A producer selects a script idea, which could be original, based on a true story, or an adaptation. Associates and agents frequently give producers unproduced spec scripts. When a producer commits to a project, the movie development process begins, and people are brought on board to assist with this stage of the process.
When working with an original idea, a series of meetings and phone calls with writers or associates who will be involved in the project help flesh out the story. After that, a synopsis, outline, treatment, and script are written. Starting with a spec script, the typical path is to rewrite and rework the script concept. In order to attract financial backers and a studio, producers prefer to get a director and talent attached to a project as soon as possible. Additional rewrites are made to accommodate the attached talent’s wishes or specific style(s).
The length of time a project spends in development is determined by a variety of factors, but it is usually only a few months. The movie-making process is a collaborative one that is frequently marred by opposing creative ideas, ego clashes, and a high risk of tension and stress, which can stymie or even derail progress. Hollywood politics may also have an impact on whether or not a project is developed. Plans that remain stuck in this phase for years are said to be in “development hell.”
If a project makes it past the development stage, the screenplay is pitched to a studio executive and additional executive producers who will provide financial backing. The project enters the pre-production phase once a studio approves it (which may necessitate additional rewrites). During this phase, all of the preparations that must be made prior to the actual shooting are made. For instance, the film has been fully cast, the crew has been hired, and sets and/or locations have been chosen and contractually secured. Following that is production, or the actual shoot, followed by post-production, or final editing, and the screening phase. Finally, the film is shown and released.
The first step on the long road to film production is to develop a film. There are many more projects in development in Hollywood than will ever be released. Even if a project completes the development phase successfully, it is not guaranteed to make it to the big screen. In the meantime, a variety of circumstances can arise that will result in a project’s failure or cancellation. According to some estimates, only about 10% of movie development projects are ever completed, with the vast majority being “shelved” indefinitely.