Major studio productions follow a structured process for movie financing, which typically involves multiple stages and various sources of funding. Here is a detailed overview of the process:

1. Development: During the development stage, a studio acquires a script or story idea and begins shaping it into a viable film project. This phase may involve hiring screenwriters to refine the script, attaching a director, and identifying potential lead actors. The studio will also create a preliminary budget and production timeline. Initial financing during this stage comes from the studio’s own funds or development funds provided by investors.
2. Packaging: The studio assembles the key elements of the project, such as the director, lead actors, and other essential creative personnel. These elements, or the “package,” can significantly impact the film’s budget, financing prospects, and marketability.
3. Pre-sales: In some cases, studios may engage in pre-sales of distribution rights to foreign territories or streaming platforms. Pre-sales agreements are based on the perceived commercial potential of the film and can provide an early source of funding that helps reduce the studio’s financial risk.
4. Greenlighting: Once the project’s package and budget are finalized, the studio decides whether to greenlight the film for production. This decision is based on several factors, including the project’s commercial viability, budget, market conditions, and the studio’s overall slate of films.
5. Securing financing: With the green light, the studio seeks financing to cover the film’s budget. Financing can come from various sources, including the studio’s own funds, private equity investors, tax incentives, and co-production deals with other studios or production companies. In some cases, the studio may also secure a completion bond, which is a form of insurance that guarantees the film will be finished on budget and on time.
6. Production: With financing in place, the studio moves forward with the actual production of the film. This stage involves shooting the movie, as well as post-production activities like editing, visual effects, and sound design. The funds allocated for production are released incrementally, based on progress and the completion of specific milestones.
7. Marketing and distribution: As the film nears completion, the studio ramps up its marketing efforts, including promotional campaigns, trailers, and publicity events. The marketing budget is often separate from the production budget and can be substantial, depending on the film’s target audience and the studio’s expectations. The studio also handles the film’s distribution, either through its own distribution channels or in partnership with other distributors.
8. Box office and ancillary revenues: The studio recoups its investment through box office receipts, as well as ancillary revenue streams like home video sales, streaming rights, and merchandising. Profits are then shared among the studio, investors, and other stakeholders according to contractual agreements.

The financing process for major studio productions is complex and often requires a delicate balance of creative, financial, and market considerations. Each project is unique, and the specific details of financing arrangements can vary widely depending on the film, the studio, and the parties involved.