On the other end of the spectrum, Boyhood (2014) was shot over twelve years. It tried to show the real journey of a boy from childhood to early adulthood.
In this article, we will guide you through the different stages of movie production. We aim to make filmmakers understand how long does it take to make a movie.
You might be making a short indie film or a grand Hollywood blockbuster. No matter the scope of your movie, we will help you have an extraordinary experience.
So, let us dive in.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Movie?
Making a movie can take months to years to finish. This is because of the various development stages, such as pre-production, shooting, post-production, and distribution.
Small films might take less than a year. In contrast, big projects, like blockbusters with heavy CGI, can take three to five years or more.
Filmmaking has five stages: development, preproduction, filming, postproduction, and distribution. They are:
- Development (story and funding).
- Pre-production (planning and crew).
- Filming (shooting).
- Post-production (editing and effects).
- Distribution (marketing and release).
Each stage has its own timeline. The project's size and goals greatly affect the total duration.
Let's explore these aspects in more detail below.
1. Development Stage: Crafting the Story and Securing Funding
The journey of making a film starts off with an exciting phase of development. Here, the team works on creating the concept, finalizing the script, and finding the finances.
This process can take a few months or even years before it finally gets completed. This is particularly the case for films that look to create a wonderful world or rely on special effects.
Consider, for example, Avatar, which was worked on for nearly a decade. Director James Cameron waited for technology to catch up with his vision.
Screenwriters and producers work closely to perfect the script. They make countless drafts and revisions to get it right.
Of course, funding has to be part of the process since it determines the scope of the production and the resources to be used. Indie films could go forward quickly, especially if filmmakers can self-fund or get crowdfunding.
On the other hand, big productions usually require film production services or investors, so that takes a little more time.
2. Pre-Production: Preparing Every Detail for Filming
After confirming the script and funding, it's time for pre-production. Pre-production will be casting, scouting locations, finalizing the rest of the crew, and designing.
It usually takes 3 to 6 months at this stage. However, some projects may take longer. This is true for those that need more planning or require a lot of travel to special places.
For instance, a film like Mad Max: Fury Road spent years preparing in pre-production, which is a year of intense planning that really pays off.
This is actually the important legwork of making the actual shoot. The team works hard to create storyboards, costumes, and sets.
They also ensure the permits, insurance, and schedules are done perfectly so that the shooting process runs smoothly. This detail makes the movie a whole different experience.
Also Read: How To Not Get Injured In Film Production?
3. Principal Photography: Capturing the Scenes
One of the most exciting things about filming a movie is principal photography. It is one heck of a grueling time. Here lots of manpower are required: a cast, a lot of crew members, and so much equipment is needed.
Different times are taken by different kinds of films. Sometimes, a blockbuster movie would take 3 to 6 months before they could finish shooting the entire film. Sometimes even longer.
On the other hand, indie films finish shooting in only a few weeks, this helps to save expenses. Another interesting aspect of filmmaking is that all parties come together!
For example, filming for The Lord of the Rings trilogy took nearly 15 months in total. During this time, the group created some of the finest set designs and battle scenarios ever, which undoubtedly took time to film.
On the other hand, movies such as Paranormal Activity feature a few leading actors and take place in one place. In fact, they were filmed within a week of completion.
However, several variables can impact the duration of filming.
4. Post-Production: Editing, Special Effects, and Sound
Post-production is where they fine-tune the footage, add VFX, and mix the sound. This creates the final product. The process takes from several months to over a year, depending on the complexities.
For instance, movies like Avengers: Endgame, which are too reliant on CGI, had an unprecedented post-production time due to the tough visual effects work.
This is also when editors work with the director. They ensure the final vision is realized. Visual effects and sound design are also pretty important in this regard. In films like Jurassic Park, CGI creates realistic dinosaurs.
So, post-production is essential for making them believable. This stage also includes color grading, sound mixing, and music. Every scene must have the right tone and feel, with the proper atmosphere.
5. Distribution and Marketing: Bringing the Film to the World
The final stage of the making of a film involves bringing the movie before audiences, which is an extremely fulfilling moment.
This is the stage of creating excitement by merging trailers, posters, and other promos. This is usually the shortest stage, however, for international releases, it may stretch up to several months.
However, marketing can differ quite a bit. It depends on the target audience and the budget.
For example, The Blair Witch Project showed that a bit of creativity could create buzz with a few clever ads.
On the other hand, something like Star Wars would call in a huge campaign to build interest for months before it was released.
Fascinating Facts: How Long Does It Take to Make a Movie?
Some movies have pretty crazy production timelines. You've got films that take over a decade to make, or ones that get shot in a single take, breaking records in the process.
These facts show just how diverse and complex movie production schedules can be. Here’s a quick look at some of the most interesting examples in film production history:
"Boyhood" (2014)
Duration: 12 years
This film was shot over 12 years to capture the cast's genuine aging process.
"Avatar" (2009)
Duration: 10 years
James Cameron held off on filming until tech caught up with his vision for CGI effects.
"
Mughal-e-Azam" (1960)
Duration: 10+ years
This Indian classic had elaborate sets, multiple reshoots, and some early color tech.
"Perspective" (2020)
Duration: 9 years
The crew filmed a new chapter every year for nine years, showing how the storylines changed.
"Eyes Wide Shut" (1999)
Duration: 15 months (shooting)
Stanley Kubrick's perfectionism led to the longest non-stop shoot on record.
"Russian Ark" (2002)
Duration: 1 day (after 2 years prep)
They nailed it in one 96-minute go after weeks of intense rehearsals.
"Logistics" (2012)
Duration: 857 hours (35+ days runtime)
The longest film ever made, it follows the entire lifespan of a pedometer.
"Paranormal Activity" (2007)
Duration: 10 days (shooting)
With a small cast, one location, and simple storytelling, the production moved fast.
"Apocalypse Now" (1979)
Duration: 4 years
Filming was delayed by actors' health issues and huge production hurdles.
These examples show how technology, storytelling, and creativity affect movie-making time. Thus, whether it's a quick shoot or an epic production, filmmaking always has surprises in store.
Key Takeaway
Ultimately, filmmaking is coordinating different departments and talent and, ultimately, succeeding. A movie's scale, resources, and creative choices decide just how long it would take to make a movie.
Aspiring filmmakers must know the requirements of each stage. It's vital for their vision to be realized on screen.
At ORWO Studios, we understand how challenging the process of filmmaking can be.
We would, therefore, like to help you at each step in the filmmaking process.
Sound stages, on-site production services, and top-flight post-production facilities are part of our comprehensive film production services.
These are the differences between a smooth project release and expert help for filmmakers like you.
So, whether you're making a short indie film or a blockbuster, ORWO Studios has everything to get them rolling.
We commit ourselves to providing the right equipment and guidance that will make your production a success.
So, why don't we do something great together?