What are all the steps to developing a movie?

Question by Melissa: What are all the steps to developing a movie?
I thought of a really good idea for a movie, like a major motion picture, NOT a home-made video, and I would love it if it could become a real Hollywood movie. I was wondering all of the steps you had to go through to make a movie. I’ve already started making up the lines for the movie and all the characters, but what else? I heard of directors drawing sketches and stuff…? But I’m not much of an artist, so I’m not sure what to do. Please help me out. My idea is actually really good and I really hope it becomes a real movie. Thank you for your help. It means a lot.

Best answer:

Answer by toasterphantom
You wouldn’t do storyboarding (drawing sketches). It would be someones job to do this.

It’s quite a process and you have two options. You can try to sell the ESSENCE of the story (a vague idea, not characters, just the idea) to a producer. If they really REALLY like it, they could assign a writer to write it.

The other option is to either A) Write the script yourself. It’ll be hard and long, but you’ll get it done, or B ) find someone else to write it for you. Or co-write it with you.

This option is nice because you have a bit more control. You then submit your script and it will enter through a long line of people. If it gets picked up, it’ll be given to a director/producer, and made into a movie. The downside of both of these, is that you will need to sell the idea. Meaning it will no longer be yours. If the director decides to take the vague concept and change parts of your plot, he will be legally allowed to do that.

The only way to have complete control over your story is to produce/direct it yourself… and that falls out of the major motion picture scene.

Good luck though!

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