Film pundits say it is difficult to judge the success of movies at the time of their making. Everyone wants to deliver a successful movie. But, 90% of the films turn out to be average grosser or a disaster at the box office. I am sure that no one wants to deliver a disastrous movie nor willing to waste the money as a learning experience. Several things stop the filmmakers from converting their efforts into success.The first one is the myths roaming in the industry. Right from Pooja Muhurath till its release, filmmakers fall prey to various superstitious practices. Instead of believing in their efforts, they believe in numerology, perfect dates, costume color, artist acceptance, etc. That is also required but on a thin layer. The major concentration needs to be on ticking various checkboxes at the right time. I would like to share a research of mine as a checklist to deliver successful movies.
Script Value - Never create lethargic plots, story worlds, characters, situations, and dialogues. Create a believable Story World where all the actions look real.
Perfect Casting - Never compromise on the casting part. They are the ones who can make your story believable to the audience. If you cast people based on less salary, you will find their performance to be ordinary.
Dedicated Technicians - Put the right people in the right place. Film-making is all about teamwork. Work with passionate people who can lift the weight on their shoulders. Create a decentralized leadership and reporting mechanism.
Pre-production Work - Many filmmakers don't take this part seriously way. All the planning work, preparations, and processes are done here. If chaos happens in the set, then it is said that the Pre-production activities are not done properly. Budget-related approvals, salaries, and location hunts are all part of this stage.
Production Value - Never make a movie for the sake of pride. If the production company has budget discrepancies with the creative team, discuss that in the Pre-production stage. Compromising the script based on the budget can spoil momentum and success.
On-time delivery - Make clear schedules and don't overrun them. Pre-Production, Casting, Production, and Post-Production should complete as per the schedule.
Film Narration - Choose the best screenplay that engages the audience and feels that they are traveling with the characters without any chaos. The moment audience turns sideways and asks for clarification, you are detaching them from the story world. Film-making is not only a platform to show your ability but to handhold the audience and dance to your tunes.
Sound and Music - Many movies had Sound and Music as a key element for their success. Through the music, you are pulling the audience to the theatre. Through Sound, you are pulling the audience inside the story world.
Perfect Post-production - This includes DI, Sleek Editing Pattern, Mixing, and Final output.
Publicity and Distribution - Right from choosing the name of the movie to the theatrical release, you need to concentrate on every step. This is the stage where all your hard work will get paid. Choose a pronounceable, small, and catchy title that the audience can remember and share with others. Most of the producers, spend their money on making the movie but fail to promote it on various channels. Release dates and the number of shows also matter.
Reports and Management - Create an internal reporting system to identify production-related flaws, issues, and gaps happening daily.
On a secondary note, you have to create a second layer of the Checklist. For example,
Script Value - Do proper script auditing using a third-person point of view. Verify the need for the theme, plot, genre, characters, and so on. Ask yourself if you want to change the above or if you find it an apt fit.
Perfect Casting - Why do you want to consider this person for a character? What qualities do you find to be a fit?
Likewise, you can create a detailed checklist for all the Primary checklists.
Film-making is not a luck or fluke. One in a hundred films can become successful despite having all the flaws. Sometimes, perfect casting can pull off the show. Sometimes, music can mesmerize people. Just because a movie is successful with all its flaws, it should not be repeated by everyone.
The major question that the audience will raise is - What is in there for me? If you can answer that question, you are a winner.