Production

The entire process of film production is generally unorganized in India. Very often, the film gets made even without a complete script. There are several last minute changes made to the film because of pressure from distributors, and this, at times, takes away the essence of the film. Shootings get cancelled due to the whims and fancies of the actors. Sometimes, the dates for the star cast are impossible to get, resulting in a delay in the release of the film.

The producer's production team is headed by the line producer, who has actual hands-on experience and is aided by the production manager and the production designer.

(a) Star Dates

The producer plans his production schedule by getting dates from his star cast, firm commitments from equipment rental firms, technical crew, studio facilities, location hiring, etc. In Bollywood, all scheduling revolves around the all-important star dates. In contrast, a Sollywood producer's schedule revolves around the availability of studio space and other production inputs. The star cast in Sollywood is relatively more disciplined regarding their dates and timings as compared to their counterparts in Mumbai. While a Hindi film may take anywhere between 6-18 months to complete, a Sollywood film takes relatively less time. However, in the recent times, we have witnessed Hindi films being completed within a quicker time frame as producers are getting cost conscious and a lot of films are shot start to finish in one or two shooting schedules.

(b) Selection of Support Cast and Film Crew

The other level of casting is the support actors/actresses, the background staff, the spot boys, dancers, cameramen, light boys, etc. The production manager pays the technical staff and maintains a voucher book for all the daily transactions. The extras and the dance troupes are generally paid on an everyday basis. The cameramen, technicians and other members of the crew have monthly contracts. The star cast of the film takes a staggered payment, partly upfront, some during the course of the film and the majority upon completion of the film. The junior artists or support staff and extras are organized into various labor unions.

The junior artists have to be taken from any of the existing labor unions in Bollywood and no outside personnel can be generally brought in.

In comparison, the production process in Hollywood is well-planned and organized.

(a) Selection of Support Cast and Film Crew

The selection of the support cast - actor/actresses who play supporting/minor roles in the film - including the film extras is normally done through a talent/casting agency. Usually one must be a member of the Screen Actors Guild ("SAG") (described hereinafter) to be considered for even the most minor parts. While low-budget productions may use non-union crews and non-guild writers and directors, they rarely employ actors who are not members of SAG. As far as the rest of the film crew (i.e. special effects, stunts, hairdressers, prop masters, production assistants, grips, gaffers, etc.) is concerned, department heads are hired first and are responsible for putting together their own teams. They are provided with the script and a budget within which they are expected to operate. The budget of each department goes through much discussion before it is finalized.

(b) Execution of Employment Contracts

Usually, employment contracts, commonly referred to as "Deal Memos", are negotiated and signed by the time production begins. Deal Memos may be provided for both "above-the-line"⁴⁰ and "below-the-line”⁴¹ personnel.

(c) Executive and Line Producer

The production functions are generally carried out by the executive producer and the line producer. The executive producer arranges for the financing, packages the film and negotiates the arrangements with the stars and director. The line producer is a "nuts and bolts" guy, supervising the logistics of production and takes all the significant day-to-day business decisions during production.