Hollywood movie Recoupment Money from audiences goes back to funders Follow the Studio arrows to learn three different ways an idea becomes a In-house production £ Studio producer Studio and gets to commissions hires team to produces ££ the screen $ plan movie movie the movie Studio it owns distributes its movie Studio Distribution executive Producer executive

Writer Cinema employed to work on Production Development Idea script Casting Marketing producer Screenwriter Director Green-lit director manager

Independent feature film

Independent production company Sales company Independent production company Freelance Distributor

£ Sales agent sells rights to Publicist Producer distributors Indie creates a buzz, Independent raises the produces programmer distributor money the film it shows film to owns industry deals with Distribution cinemas Publicist Screenwriter Producer Sales agent Casting executive develops the director DVDs, downloads script finds actors Freelance Festival (electronic sell-through)

Production Idea Production Casting Marketing Screenwriter Director Festival accountant director Green-lit programmer manager Streaming video on demand Netflix, Hulu, TV drama Sky Cinema etc

Independent production company Broadcaster Independent production company Broadcaster

Indie This shows a develops £ production Indie idea Indie Indie made by an pitches its Channel produces delivers indie. Dramas idea to commissions the drama production are also made broadcaster drama in-house by the to channel broadcaster Executive Distribution Channel producer Script executive Producer editor Director broadcasts and distributes drama Free-to-air TV Idea BBC One, Channel 4 etc Production Development Line Production Casting Marketing producer Screenwriter Commissioner producer accountant director Green-lit manager

Go to ScreenSkills for more details: Film and TV drama: idea to screen www.screenskills.com/careers-in-film £

the relationship between King George VI just as a distributor does with a studio The channel broadcasts the drama and the British fi lms that are backed by US studios. Film and TV drama: idea to screen and his speech therapist, rather than on production. The money that’s recouped broadcaster’s distributor gets the drama This means the fi lm is wholly or partly Looking for further advice? grand scenes with lavish visual effects, goes back to the distributor, sales agent screened in other countries and on other fi nanced and controlled by one of the Movies are big business. A whopping £2bn was spent on fi lm which would have made it more like a and production company. Generally, platforms, such as Netfl ix and Sky Cinema. majors, but has a British writer, cast, crew If you’re interested in a career in sales, marketing and distribution in the fi lm and TV production in the UK in 2017 and £985m was spent on high-end TV Hollywood movie. independent fi lms are shown in fewer It recoups much of its investment through and locations and is edited in the UK too. industries, check out these websites to fi nd out more: cinemas than studio productions – but not those sales. Star Wars is an example of this. ScreenSkills, for information on careers and courses: screenskills.com/careers-in-fi lms (television productions costing more than £1m per broadcast hour). How it works in every case. The funding of a high-end TV drama As well as acquiring content, platforms While many will be familiar with what the industry has made – Star Wars: The Last A fi lm starts off as an idea that might come Independent Cinema Offi ce, UK body supporting independent cinemas and fi lm festivals: TV drama means the producer and director such as Netfl ix and Amazon have studios from a writer, producer or director. It’s independentcinemaoffi ce.org.uk/distribution Jedi, Dunkirk, Game of Thrones – fewer are aware of the process of getting a fi lm and sometimes don’t have the same creative and make their own. In 2018, Netfl ix TV drama from an idea to the screen. more common for an independent fi lm to Examples: Game of Thrones, Downton be borne of an individual’s creative passion, Abbey, Killing Eve freedom that they would have in an released three movies in cinemas before Film Export UK, trade body for companies with UK offi ces that sell independent feature fi lms than is the case with a studio production. independent production. Whatever they became available online. Whenever a fi lm or high-end TV drama is made, there must be money upfront to What it is they do, they are accountable to the internationally: fi lmexportuk.com pay for it. That money needs to be recouped once the production is released, which The producer makes the production TV drama, in which the production costs commissioner. The length of time in which a fi lm is shown British Film Institute: bfi .org.uk usually happens in a mixture of ways, including cinema ticket sales, TV network deals, happen. Producers raise the money, more than £1m per broadcast hour, is in cinemas (theatrical window) is becoming subscriptions, sales of downloads and merchandise. Here are the three main processes usually from a variety of sources – typically classed as high-end TV (as opposed to It isn’t that simple shorter. Some fi lms are released in cinemas Royal Television Society: rts.org.uk by selling distribution rights in the fi lm and on DVD at the same time. The lines (business models) through which a production gets to the screen.. lower budget soaps like EastEnders and There are all sorts of variants between Bectu, the media and entertainment union: bectu.org.uk (presales), selling shares in their company Coronation Street). High-end TV, like Game these three models. There are many between the different business models will become increasingly blurred. Hollywood movie for the fi lm (equity), borrowing the money of Thrones, is of similar quality to a feature Film Distributors’ Association, trade body of fi lm distributors: launchingfi lms.com cinemas the rights to show the fi lms for (loans), or from funding bodies like the Examples: Avengers: Infi nity War, Aladdin, fi lm, but can tell a more complex story. The a fi xed period. In exchange, a percentage British Film Institute. The producer also Wonder Woman 73 episodes of Game of Thrones, spanning Produced by ScreenSkills of the money taken at the box offi ce borrows money against the UK Film eight seasons, make it possible to explore Who the employers are goes back to the studio that funded the What it is Tax Credit. Any movie that shoots in the minor characters and develop intricate According to the British Film Institute, almost one third of the people employed in Supported by National Lottery funds awarded to ScreenSkills from the British Film Institute production. A Hollywood movie, also known as a studio UK receives a cash rebate from the UK sub-plots in a way that cinema doesn’t do the fi lm and video industry work in sales, marketing and distribution. This is where to deliver its Future Film Skills programme government as a thank you for employing so well. you will fi nd them: production, is a fi lm produced through Just as important as the screenings at a system in which the studio owns both UK screen workers and spending their Statistics courtesy of Statistical Yearbook 2018, British Film Institute cinemas is the home entertainment budget with UK companies. While the How it works the production and the distribution arms. market. These are the sales of DVDs, Broadcasters Subscription services These studios, also known as majors, money is being raised, the writer works High-end TV is commissioned by a Design by Dave Gray (iamdavegray.com) Blu-ray and downloads (electronic sell on the script, a casting director scouts for broadcaster, such as Channel 4, the BBC Companies like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Companies like Hulu and Netfl ix have include Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, through or EST). Distribution companies Channel 5 and Sky all have marketing bases in the UK where they have Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures the actors and the producer appoints a or ITV. Each channel, such as ITV2 or BBC Additional research and text by Sarah Gregory and ScreenSkills March 2019 do deals with supermarkets and other director. The development process can Three has its own commissioners. departments, acquisitions departments acquisitions and marketing departments. and Warner Bros. Bollywood operates in a outlets that sell the copies of the fi lm. This and commissioners. similar way with studios in Mumbai. Studio take several years, and includes developing With thanks to Phil Clapp, UK Cinema Association; Charlie Bloye, Film Export UK; Amanda release usually happens 16 weeks after the Commissioners consider ideas for dramas Festivals productions tend to have big budgets, be the whole proposition, not just the script. Wilkie Sweeney, Sky; Max Rumney, Pact; Jo Taylor, fi lm marketing and distribution specialist; release in cinemas, although this can vary from a variety of sources, including Distribution companies Festivals such as Raindance and UK Film big in scale and have wide appeal. Deborah Rowland, We are the Tonic; Emma McCorkell, Team PR; Clare Welch, all3media; signifi cantly from title to title. Most independent productions need a executive producers, producers and The Film Distributors’ Association has a Festival employ people in marketing as Christine Healy, New Pictures; Amy Reith, script editor; Jo Evans, Tiger Aspect; Nanw Rowlands, How it works sales agent. The sales agent aims to sell script writers. They might greenlight a list of distributors (launchingfi lms.com/ well as programmers. Nanw Rowlands Casting; Julie Burnell, ITV Many fi lms are also sold to subscription the rights of the fi lm to a distributor. They project from an independent production fda-members) and Film Export UK has The studios provide the funding for movies. services such as Netfl ix, Amazon Prime or do this by estimating what the fi lm’s value company that has a well-developed idea a list of independent sales companies Cinemas Originally commissioned by Yen Yau from Into Film A development producer within the Hulu. The distributor does those deals too. will be in a certain country, and, to promote with a producer, director and cast already (fi lmexportuk.com/members). These As well as managers and box offi ce studio has an idea and pitches it internally Additionally, the rights might be acquired this, getting programmers to show the fi lm in place. In this scenario the independent companies employ sales people and staff, cinemas have programmers who Based on an original concept by Ian Murphy and Allan Burrell (www.compositingcoach.com) for development. If it’s successful, a by a broadcaster like the BBC or Channel 4. at festivals, like Cannes and Toronto. production company is likely to retain the marketing executives. negotiate with distributors and marketing screenwriter is commissioned to write the rights to the production. The producer teams. The Independent Cinema Offi ce screenplay. Independent feature fi lm Film festivals are competitions through might do deals with broadcasters in Studios has a map of independent cinemas in the Examples: The King’s Speech, God’s Own The screenplay is then developed in line which the process of being nominated different territories, such as the BBC in the Studios like Walt Disney and Warner Bros UK and Ireland. Country, Peterloo with budgets, schedules and maybe for Oscars and Baftas starts. But they UK, Studio Canal in France or Alibaba have arms in the UK through which they some concept art, before it goes before What it is often have markets for distributors, sales in China. acquire, sell and market their movies. Yourself the “green light committee” of studio agents and producers alongside the actual An indie movie is a feature fi lm produced Many people in the industry are self- executives. Then a director is appointed competition. The distributors decide what Alternatively, a writer, usually in partnership Marketing agencies employed. Publicists are often self- outside the major studio system. The with a producer, may develop and pitch a and a casting director sets about fi nding fi lms they want to buy the rights to. Then There are marketing companies that employed. So are the photographers who production company raises the money for script. Or a channel might commission a the actors. The studio has its own they use the sales agents to do deals with specialise in supplying services to the take pictures on a fi lm set to be used in the fi lm itself and fi nds another company writer to write a screenplay which is little producers who bring the production the producers. fi lm industry. Their roles include project marketing campaigns. Once you have got to sell it and distribute it. Independent more than an idea. In those situations, the together. managers, marketing strategists and the core skills and strong contacts, you fi lms are usually lower budget than Once the rights have been agreed, the channel goes on to fi nd a producer, cast account holders. might fi nd you can build your career best The studio’s distribution arm then does Hollywood movies and tend to have a distributor gets the fi lm shown in cinemas, and director and usually retains the rights through the freelance route. Content © 2019 ScreenSkills. All rights reserved. deals with cinemas – or chains of cinemas distinctive style. The Oscar-winning The on DVD and on platforms such as Netfl ix, to the production. – in the US and across the world. They give King’s Speech, for example, focussed on

The standard release process A typical agreement over the rights to screen a fi lm made between its owners and distributors. What to study How to get in Careers in Sales and distribution roles in fi lm and TV Get an apprenticeship 16 weeks 4 months 15 months 3-6 months drama require a combination of industry knowledge with core business skills such An apprenticeship is a job with training, as accounting and marketing. You need to so it’s a great opportunity to earn while Film and TV drama: Transactional you learn. An apprenticeship within the Theatrical First pay Free-to-air make sure you have a good grounding in window both, whether through formal education fi lm and TV industry is ideal. ITV offers window window idea to screen window or through learning it yourself. apprenticeships in its legal, marketing and commissioning departments. Film studies Channel 4 has placed apprentices in sales, commissioning, fi nance, press and DVD, Blu-ray, If you want to learn about fi lm and TV publicity. Sky does apprenticeships in Film shown in cinemas downloads (EST) Sky, Cinema, Netfl ix, Amazon etc BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc drama through formal study, have a look marketing and fi nance. It’s also worth at ScreenSkills Select list of recommended taking an apprenticeship in another sector. courses. Filter with the fi lm and high-end You can learn core skills in marketing, law, TV tags. We recognise courses with strong business or accounting in another industry Job roles Development producer Line producer Distribution executive links with the fi lm and TV industries. and then transfer them to fi lm and TV Finds scripts and gets them into good Is responsible for all members of Gets productions to screens whether (screenskills.com/courses) enough shape to be commissioned by the crew and their contracts. Line that be in the cinema, on TV, or on drama later on. a TV channel or made into a feature producers hire the crew, allocate the Studio executive streaming platforms like Amazon Marketing fi lm. Development producers read money and make sure the fi lming is done Network Leads and manages the whole and Netfl ix. Distribution executives go to fi lm screenplays and make notes on how they can safely, creatively, on budget and on time. They A-levels or Highers in English and business studio. Studio executives receive markets where they look at fi lms and negotiate As well as studying, it’s important to get be improved (script notes). They often pitch are typically the most senior member of the studies are a useful basis for a marketing pitches from agents who are selling for the rights to release them. They then pitch to know people in the industry. Go to fi lm ideas to TV commissioners. production team, second only to the producers. qualifi cation. So are Level 3 vocational their fi lm scripts. They make decisions about the fi lm to cinemas or other platforms and festivals. Look out for events organised qualifi cations in business or marketing. A which fi lms go into production and are manage its release. by ScreenSkills (screenskills.com/events). Sales agent Script editor degree in marketing or digital marketing responsible for the fi nancing, producing, Network online. Use LinkedIn, Twitter and Acts on behalf of the producer to sell Liaises between the script and is useful. The Chartered Institute of marketing and distribution of them. Marketing manager Facebook to keep up with organisations the rights to a fi lm. This is usually production teams. Script editors review Marketing has advice. done before a fi lm is made to raise the scripts to ensure there’s continuity Convinces audiences that theirs you’re interested in and get into is a “must-see” fi lm or TV drama. Producer funds for the production. Sales agents between scenes, as well as episodes. Law conversations about the industry. Marketing managers help to identify Makes sure the fi lm gets made. negotiate with distributors and promote fi lms the audience and create a campaign to bring A background in law is useful in fi lm and Producers spot the potential in an at festivals and fi lm markets. Production accountant Apply for jobs it to their attention. If a fi lm is being screened TV sales and distribution. There are no idea or script, raise the funds and drive Helps the producer prepare budgets Make a list of the companies you would internationally, the campaign needs to be particular A-levels or Highers required the business deals to produce the Commissioner and estimate costs. During fi lming, like to work for. Find out as much as adapted to different cultures and countries. to study law but English, maths and fi lm. They appoint the director, line producer Decides which programmes will production accountants oversee all you can about them. Subscribe to their be right for their TV channel. languages are good. Get a degree in law and other heads of department. They are payments, manage payroll and provide daily or newsletters. Keep an eye on their websites Commissioners discuss new ideas Entry level roles that will enable you to focus on licensing overall responsible for the practical, fi nancial weekly cost reports. and apply for work experience, internships and creative aspects of making a fi lm. and say: “yes” or “no” to them. When and copyright. they have commissioned an independent Marketing assistant and jobs. Film programmer production company to make a drama, they Could do any work that’s needed, Selects the fi lms to be shown in Business and accounting Executive producer give it money up front and keep track of the from scheduling tweets to ordering festivals, cinemas and on TV. Film A-levels or Highers in accounting, business Is the leader of the whole TV drama. production’s progress. lunch for meetings. Marketing Executive producers acquire festivals, like Cannes, are competitions assistants help with proofreading copy, fi ling, studies or maths are useful. Or you could where fi lm professionals see unreleased screenplays for development. They Casting director and using data to help assess effectiveness of take Level 3 vocational courses in business fi lms with their peers. They also function as or accounting. Degrees in business studies pitch ideas to the TV commissioners and Finds the stars to bring the characters campaigns. They might be employed by fi lm £ markets where sales agents and distributors go deal with the legal, fi nancial, and marketing in a fi lm or TV drama to life. Casting sales agencies, marketing agencies, production and accountancy aren’t essential, but they to do deals over the rights of movies they are aspects of the TV series. directors understand the art of acting. companies or broadcasters. will come in handy nonetheless. interested in buying. They read scripts, meet the producers Casting assistant Short courses Screenwriter and directors, get a feel for the roles and fi nd the actors. Publicist Offers general help with fi nding Fill in gaps in your knowledge through a Writes and develops screenplays Create the ‘buzz’ that surrounds the actors to star in a fi lm or TV drama. short course. FutureLearn offers a course for fi lm or TV drama. Screenwriters release of a fi lm. Publicists get the Casting assistants read the script either write from their own ideas or Director on The Business of Film and the National Is in charge on set. Before fi lming, critics talking. They are responsible for and help the casting director draw are commissioned to write someone getting media coverage of the fi lm through up a list of possible actors for the main role. Film and Television School has courses on else’s. They prepare their script in a way directors establish the style and business and marketing directly relevant work with the casting director to having good relationships with journalists and They call agents to check actors’ availability. that enables readers to envisage the setting, critics. They help out with screen tests, operating the to the industry. The Independent Cinema emotion and the way it will work on screen. decide on the actors. On set, they get the best photography and best performance from the camera and doing general offi ce duties. Offi ce does training and events too. actors. After fi lming, they lead on the editing.