The final product of a movie that audiences see on screen might usually last between 90 to 150 minutes. However, the time spent creating those movies is far longer than that. Even master filmmakers know that they will have to invest significant time to create a professional film that audiences will love. The question is, how much time are we talking about, and what all goes into that process?

The Filmmaking Process

To understand the amount of time investment necessary to make a film, it is first important to understand the elements of creating a film in the first place. Only when you start to put that all together can you begin to see how long it will take. A few of the tasks that any filmmaker must take on to finish their project include the following:

• Scriptwriting
• Pre-Production
• Filming
• Post-Production

Each step takes some time, but they all have to be done to create the final result that filmmakers are looking for in their production. Skimping out on any of these steps will result in a diminished final product, and no one wants to see that result.

Estimated Timeline to Make a Movie

There are only rough timelines when it comes to making a movie. Each is a little different and depends on the individuals responsible for the process. That said, it is possible to offer estimated timelines based on the experiences of others in the past. For example, it is estimated that it takes roughly 3 to 6 months just for the scriptwriting process alone. That is before you consider the editing and rewriting process that often goes into creating your favorite movies. So, 3 to 6 months is just the baseline you can expect to start at before additional considerations are made.

Pre-production will likely last another 3-6 months, and the filming process can take anywhere from 3-4 months. It all depends on the level of detail that the filmmakers care about and the specifics of the film being produced. It doesn’t all come together quickly and easily for most films, but sometimes, there are some exceptions to that rule.

Cost of Making a Movie

We must never forget the budgetary concerns that all filmmakers must deal with. There will always be at least some restraints on one’s ability to make a movie simply based on the dollars and cents of doing so. That said, what is the cost of making a movie?

Some wild outliers cost very little to make. For example, the smash-hit movie “Napoleon Dynamite” budget was a measly $400,000. However, these days, the average budget for a major studio to put out a movie is $65 million. However, that is just for the creation of the movie itself. The marketing and distribution costs add up quickly, too, and can easily tack on an additional $35 million. That brings the total cost to around $100 million to put out a major motion picture these days.

Are You Interested in Learning How to Make Your Own Professional Movie?

Do you want to learn trade skills and be able to put out your professional movies? If so, then we can help you. At BeOnAir, we are all about educating the next generation of filmmakers. We aim to offer you the tools you require to create your professional masterpieces and show the world something it has never seen before. If you have a passion for filmmaking, there is no time like the present to explore that passion. Reach out today and contact us to get started.