FIL110 WA7

Movies today are extremely expensive to make and are typically financed through either film studio contracts or from investors willing to take a risk. In order to be successful, movies need to be marketed and distributed either under contract by the film studios or by companies that specialize in such services. The aspects of financing, marketing and distribution of films have changed between the studio and independent systems over the years as the evolution of the film industry took place.
The reason why movies are so expensive to produce, market and distribute is that there is a long list of people involved in the process of filmmaking. Producers, writers, directors, actors, technical crews, film crews, set designers, costume designers, hair stylists and makeup artists, are some of the people who need to be paid whose names are seen as the credits roll at the end of any film. Not to mention the overhead costs of a myriad of equipment, props and the costumes themselves required in the production of a film. There are travel, food and shelter expenses if a movie is filmed on location and not in a Hollywood studio (there is a fee to use studio space as well). Once the actual filming of a movie is completed, more people are involved in editing, special effects and sound. These expenses are dependent on the sophistication of the technology and expertise. Additionally, and most costly is the marketing and distribution of a film.
Filmmakers that have a multiple picture deal with a studio are guaranteed the financing to produce the films expected. Independent non-contractual filmmakers must worry about finding funding through other sources if they cannot afford to pay out of their own pocket. According to Hamlett (“How to F...

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...s have been regaining ownership of theaters due to the reluctance of anyone filing suit against them, “new Hollywood it is just like the old days before divestiture only better” (Lewis, 2008, p. 406). In conclusion, the giant head of the studio system monster was cut off only for a bigger more powerful one of the new Hollywood to have grown back in its place. Ultimately, Hollywood studios remain more interested about making money, than making better films and “The independent producer does what a movie producer has always done: choose the right stories, directors and actors to produce quality films” (Lewis, 2008, p. 502).

References
Hamlett, C. (n.d.). How to finance a movie. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_6459145_finance-movie.html
Lewis, J. (2008). American Film: A History. New York, NY. W.W. Norton and Co. Inc. (p. 405,406,502).