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F7 Studios Production Pipeline

Objective

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The objective of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a clear, consistent, and scalable framework for developing, producing, and releasing films at F7 Studios. It is designed to guide creative and operational teams through each phase of the filmmaking process—from initial concept development to final release—ensuring alignment with F7 Studios’ artistic vision, business goals, and production standards. This SOP also serves as a reference for onboarding new team members, managing investor expectations, and maintaining legal and financial compliance throughout the lifecycle of a film.

 

Overview

The F7 Studios Film Production SOP is structured into five distinct phases:

  1. Studio Phase– The foundation of every project, where ideas are developed, scripts are written, budgets are scoped, and legal entities are formed. This phase ensures that each project is creatively viable and financially sound before moving forward.

  2. Pre-Production– The planning phase, where the team is assembled, locations are secured, designs are finalized, and all logistical and legal preparations are made to ensure a smooth shoot.

  3. Production– The execution phase, where the film is physically shot. This includes managing cast, crew, equipment, and data to capture all necessary footage and audio.

  4. Post-Production– The assembly and refinement phase, where the film is edited, sound and music are added, visual effects are integrated, and the final cut is prepared for release.

  5. Release– The distribution and engagement phase, where the film is marketed, premiered, and delivered to audiences through various channels, with a focus on maximizing reach and impact.

 

Each phase includes detailed steps, deliverables, and risk considerations to ensure clarity, accountability, and quality control across the entire production pipeline.

 

Studio Phase (F7 Studios)

Overview:
The Studio Phase is the foundation of every project at F7 Studios. It is where ideas are born, shaped, and evaluated for creative and financial viability. This phase ensures that only well-developed, strategically aligned concepts move forward into pre-production.

 

1. Concept Development

This step involves generating and refining the core idea of the film. The team defines the story arc, tone, genre, and target audience. The goal is to articulate a compelling narrative that aligns with F7 Studios' creative vision and market strategy.

Key Deliverables:

  • Story concept document

  • Defined genre and tone

  • Logline and 1-page synopsis

Key Risks:

  • Misalignment with market trends

  • Incomplete or unclear concept

  • Overly ambitious ideas that exceed budget

 

2. Scriptwriting

Writers develop the screenplay through multiple drafts, incorporating feedback from producers, directors, and creative leads. The final script must be production-ready and locked before moving forward.

Additional note: This step can be a modified step one IF F7 Studios purchases a script.

Key Deliverables:

  • First draft screenplay

  • Revised drafts with notes

  • Final locked script

Key Risks:

  • Writer's block or delays

  • Conflicting feedback

  • Script not aligning with budget

 

3. Budgeting & Financing

Estimate the total cost of the project and identify funding sources. This includes internal funding, grants, or external investors.

Key Deliverables:

  • Preliminary and detailed budget

  • Financing plan

  • Investor pitch deck (if applicable)

Key Risks:

  • Underestimating costs

  • Difficulty securing funding

  • Investor withdrawal

 

4. Legal Formation

Form the film's LLC, establish bank accounts, and prepare legal documentation. Define ownership percentages for investors and F7 Studios. If there are no investors, F7 Studios will wholly own the film.

Key Deliverables:

  • LLC formation documents

  • Bank account setup

  • Ownership agreements

Key Risks:

  • Legal complications

  • Ownership disputes

  • Delays in setup

 

Preparing for Pre-Production:
Ensure the script is finalized, the budget is approved, funding is secured, and the LLC is legally formed. Confirm alignment across creative, legal, and financial stakeholders. F7 Studios DOES NOT authorize hiring until tentative filming dates and budgets are confirmed and approved by the Studio. 

 

Pre-Production

Overview:
Pre-production transforms the script into a tangible plan. It involves assembling the team, securing locations, designing the visual world, and preparing all logistics.

 

1. Scheduling

Create a detailed production schedule covering shoot days, location availability, and resource allocation.

Key Deliverables:

  • Master production calendar

  • Daily shooting schedule

  • Departmental timelines

Key Risks:

  • Scheduling conflicts

  • Inaccurate time estimates

  • Resource bottlenecks

 

2. Casting

Select actors through auditions and callbacks based on talent, chemistry, and alignment with the director’s vision.

Key Deliverables:

  • Final cast list

  • Signed talent agreements

  • Audition tapes and notes

Key Risks:

  • Difficulty finding talent

  • Scheduling conflicts

  • Contract issues

 

3. Hiring Crew

Hire key crew members including the DP, ADs, production designers, and department heads.

Key Deliverables:

  • Crew roster

  • Signed contracts

  • Departmental budgets

Key Risks:

  • Availability of skilled crew

  • Budget constraints

  • Contract disputes

 

4. Location Scouting

Scout and secure locations based on script needs and visual style. Obtain permits and insurance.

Key Deliverables:

  • Location photos and notes

  • Location agreements

  • Permits and insurance

Key Risks:

  • Location availability

  • Permit issues

  • Insurance gaps

 

5. Production Design

Develop the film’s visual world including sets, props, costumes, and makeup.

Key Deliverables:

  • Design boards

  • Prop and wardrobe lists

  • Construction plans

Key Risks:

  • Design misalignment

  • Budget overruns

  • Construction delays

 

6. Legal & Insurance

Prepare contracts, releases, and insurance policies to protect the production.

Key Deliverables:

  • Talent and crew contracts

  • Location and appearance releases

  • Insurance coverage

Key Risks:

  • Legal disputes

  • Incomplete documentation

  • Insurance issues

 

7. Pre-visualization

Create storyboards, animatics, or test shoots to visualize complex scenes.

Key Deliverables:

  • Storyboards or animatics

  • Shot lists

  • Technical diagrams

Key Risks:

  • Misalignment with vision

  • Technical feasibility issues

  • Budget constraints

Preparing for Production:
Finalize the schedule, confirm cast and crew availability, secure locations, and ensure all departments are ready to execute the production plan.

 

Production

Overview:
Production is where the film is physically created. The crew executes the plan developed in pre-production.

 

1. Principal Photography

Shoot scenes according to the schedule, managing actors, lighting, and logistics.

Key Deliverables:

  • Call sheets

  • Scene logs

  • Raw footage

Key Risks:

  • Weather delays

  • Equipment failure

  • Talent issues

 

2. Daily Reviews (Dailies)

Review footage daily to ensure quality and continuity.

Key Deliverables:

  • Review reports

  • Director/DP notes

  • Reshoot recommendations

Key Risks:

  • Missed errors

  • Quality issues

  • Reshoot delays

 

3. On-Set Management

Coordinate all on-set activity, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Key Deliverables:

  • Production reports

  • Safety checklists

  • Incident logs

Key Risks:

  • Safety hazards

  • Coordination breakdowns

  • Schedule overruns

 

4. Data Management

Back up and log all footage. Record metadata for post-production.

Key Deliverables:

  • Backed-up media

  • Camera reports

  • Metadata logs

Key Risks:

  • Data loss

  • Incomplete backups

  • Metadata errors

Preparing for Post-Production:
Ensure all footage is backed up and logged. Confirm that all scenes are completed and ready for editing.

 

Post-Production

Overview:
Post-production is where the film is assembled, polished, and finalized.

 

1. Editing

Assemble the film from raw footage, progressing from rough to final cut.

Key Deliverables:

  • Rough cut

  • Fine cut

  • Final locked cut

Key Risks:

  • Editing delays

  • Continuity issues

  • Narrative clarity problems

 

2. Sound Design

Add or enhance sound elements including ADR and foley.

Key Deliverables:

  • Sound effects

  • ADR/foley recordings

  • Final mix

Key Risks:

  • Audio quality issues

  • Sync problems

  • Recording delays

 

3. Music Composition

Compose or license music and sync it with the final cut.

Key Deliverables:

  • Score or licensed tracks

  • Cue sheet

  • Final music mix

Key Risks:

  • Licensing issues

  • Sync errors

  • Composer delays

 

4. Color Grading

Adjust the visual tone for consistency and mood.

Key Deliverables:

  • Color grade reference

  • Graded final cut

  • LUTs

Key Risks:

  • Inconsistent grading

  • Technical issues

  • Budget constraints

 

5. Visual Effects (VFX)

Create and integrate any required VFX.

Key Deliverables:

  • VFX breakdown

  • Final VFX shots

  • Integration notes

Key Risks:

  • Technical challenges

  • Budget overruns

  • Integration delays

 

6. Titles & Credits

Design and insert opening titles, end credits, and legal text.

Key Deliverables:

  • Title sequences

  • Credit roll

  • Legal disclaimers

Key Risks:

  • Design issues

  • Legal errors

  • Timing problems

 

7. Test Screenings

Gather feedback from test audiences and make final tweaks.

Key Deliverables:

  • Feedback reports

  • Revision notes

  • Final approval

Key Risks:

  • Negative feedback

  • Revision delays

  • Budget constraints

Preparing for Release:
Ensure the final cut is approved, all assets are complete, and the film is ready for distribution and marketing.

 

Release

Overview:
The release phase brings the film to the public and includes marketing, distribution, and engagement.

 

1. Marketing & Publicity

Develop and execute a promotional campaign.

Key Deliverables:

  • Marketing plan

  • Promotional assets

  • Press kit

Key Risks:

  • Ineffective marketing

  • Budget issues

  • Negative press

 

2. Distribution

Secure distribution channels and finalize delivery formats.

Key Deliverables:

  • Distribution agreements

  • Delivery masters

  • Platform formats

Key Risks:

  • Delivery delays

  • Contract issues

  • Format problems

 

3. Film Festivals

Submit the film to festivals for exposure and awards.

Key Deliverables:

  • Submission packets

  • Screening copies

  • Festival calendar

Key Risks:

  • Rejections

  • Submission errors

  • Scheduling conflicts

 

4. Premiere

Organize a premiere event with press and audience engagement.

Key Deliverables:

  • Event plan

  • Guest list

  • Media coverage

Key Risks:

  • Planning issues

  • Attendance problems

  • Media gaps

 

5. Sales & Licensing

Negotiate rights and licensing deals.

Key Deliverables:

  • Sales contracts

  • Licensing agreements

  • Royalty tracking

Key Risks:

  • Negotiation delays

  • Licensing disputes

  • Revenue tracking issues

 

6. Audience Engagement

Engage with audiences post-release through events and social media.

Key Deliverables:

  • Engagement calendar

  • Analytics

  • Feedback reports

Key Risks:

  • Low engagement

  • Negative feedback

  • Social media issues

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