WHAT IS A PRODUCTION COMPANY? (In the Entertainment industry.)

WHAT IS A PRODUCTION COMPANY? (In the Entertainment industry.)

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WHAT IS A PRODUCTION COMPANY?

A production company, production house, production studio, or a production team provides the physical basis for works in the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, comics, interactive arts, video games, websites, and video. Production teams are a group of technical staff who produce the media, generally the term refers to all individuals responsible for the technical aspects of creating of a particular product, regardless of where in the process their expertise is required, or how long they are involved in the project. For example, in a theatrical performance, the production team includes not only the running crew, but also the theatrical producer, designers and theatre direction.

The production company may be directly responsible for fundraising for the production or may accomplish this through a parent company, partner, or private investor. It handles budgeting, scheduling, scripting, the supply with talent and resources, the organization of staff, the production itself, post-production, distribution, and marketing.

Production companies are often either owned or under contract with a media conglomerate, film studio, entertainment company, or Motion Picture Company, who act as the production company's partner or parent company. This has become known as the "studio system". Independent studios usually prefer production house (see Lionsgate), and sometimes as a production studio or production team (see Amazon Studios or Rooster Teeth). In the case of television, a production company would serve under a television network. Production companies can work together in co-productions. In music, the term production team typically refers to a group of individuals filling the role of "record producer" usually reserved for one individual.

Independent production companies are set up by producers, directors, actors, financiers, former sales executive, former studio executives or even graduates. Their sole aim is to get films financed, produced and distributed theatrically to as wide an audience as possible. Production companies can be as small as three people working in a one room office, right through to companies with hundreds of staff on their payroll.

The development of a feature film can be a drawn out protracted affair that is commonly referred to as ‘development hell’ if the project is unable to secure any traction. Hundreds of scripts will be vetted during the year by producers, script readers, office juniors and interns at production companies all over the world. What makes a good script is mostly subjective; however, producers will be looking for originality, marketability and commercial potential. Those that tick the boxes progress from the hands of the intern or development assistant to the desk of the producer. Most, however, will find their way to the development assistant, who will attach a polite letter stating it’s not currently what they are looking for. 

Producers will not just be on the lookout for scripts to option; they will be searching newspaper articles, novels (fiction, non-fiction and biography), plays, and comic strips, listening to pitches, or developing their original ideas. Unsolicited scripts are sent to production companies on a daily basis. Most production companies simply to not have the man/woman power to read them all so they will be sent back, but there are a few companies that do accept unsolicited scripts. The other reason for not opening unsolicited scripts is a legal issue; production companies need to protect themselves from claims of plagiarism - especially if they have a project in development that has a similarity to the script sent in. As companies are often swamped with screenplays from all sources, it’s not uncommon to see junior members of staff or interns writing up reports on scripts dumped unceremoniously on their desk. As much as you can hear the common sign as another heavy wad of paper hits the doormat, or a PDF file makes its way into the office inbox, no one wants to miss a truly inspired story.

Staff and freelancers populate production companies, some working across several productions others brought into the office to work one a single film. One of the best ways into a production company is starting off via an unpaid work experience placement or a paid internship. The industry typically labels both as internships so make sure to swat up on the guidelines to ensure you understand the difference between the two when applying. Starting you career in the industry as an intern is a rite of passage, it's an excellent way to network and get some experience on a thin looking resume. Internships vary in remit, giving you the opportunity let your talents shine. Good interns are always noticed and lazy ones dispatched quickly, it’s wise not to waste any opportunity so take to your tasks with enthusiasm! 

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Bright Hub, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Liberty Me, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search, Prospects, David Mullich, Video University,

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Production Company / Photo Credit: Theme Forest