Film Production Management System
 
This web-based Film Production Management System was developed for a Hollywood film production company. The system runs on the highly secured and cost-effective Linux OS and MySQL database, and is developed based on Java technology and J2EE. It supports major platforms (Windows, Macintosh, etc.) and browsers (Internet Explore, Netscape, etc.) that running on end user side.
 
1. System Structure and Technology
Multi-Tier enterprise architecture is used in development of this Film Production Management System. It consists of three tiers: (1). Browser on client side; (2). Application server; and (3). Database server. (See Figure. 1)
 

Figure.1 System Structure of Film production Management System

 
Three J2EE technologies are employed in this system.
  • J2EE Component Technology: Servlet, JSP, JavaBeans, etc.
  • J2EE Service Technology: JDBC, JNDI, etc.
  • J2EE Communication Technology: JMS, JavaMail, etc.
In addition, the following applications are also been implemented into the system to meet customer's specific needs.
  • Globalization Support: Multilingual and multi-locations support; Display in different languages and different time zones
  • Pre-definition of Taglib (JSTL): Simplify and standardize complex JSP and programming elements with a set of pre-defined Taglib
  • Connection Pool: Enhanced system performance using JDBC connection pool for database access
  • Sustainable Durability: Two kinds of methodologies are employed to achieve database access durability
  • Enhanced Security: User ID and user's authorized access level are verified at the time of access. Request user to re-login while a certain idle period exists to protect privacy and prevent unnecessary exposure to invasion.
 
2. Overview of System Process
Based on the MVC technical design, web-based Film Production Management System is comprised of three parts: (1). The Model (business logics); (2). The View (user interface); and (3). The Controller.
  • The View (User Interface): Provide display and output functions with TagLib and JSP technology
  • The Controller: Receive inputs from The View, and return the outputs to The View after identifying and analyzing their contents based on system-selected business logics. (Servlet technology is employed)
  • The Model (Business Logics): Provide functions for data accessing and processing. Based on object-oriented design, business logics are encapsulated by JavaBeans to enable user accessing to separate database individually and conduct verification on multiple integrated databases.
 
3. Overview of System Process
This Film Production Management System combines and creates various functions that are necessary in the film production. Such functions include script writing, shooting schedule, budget and payment management, cast/crew information registration, progress status monitor, document sharing (Online Production Office), and user administration.

To realize all these functions, we divide the whole system into following separate modules, so that each module is more functional and easy to enhance or upgrade for the long run. (See Figure. 2)

  • Story Module: Provide functions to create/edit/display/print/manage scripts, storyboards, scenes, shots and revisions
  • Schedule Module: Provide functions to manage the shooting plans and progress, for example, stripboard, shooting schedule, call sheet, etc.
  • Financial Module: Provide payment management functions in film production, such as payment, budget, and balance reports
  • People Module: Provide functions to register and manage cast, crew, and stuff information that are involved in film production
  • Office Module: Provide various document templates in film production, and efficiently manage these document outputs on server
  • Media Module: Provide functions to register digital media (sketch, audio, video and thumbnail) related to film production
  • Executive Summary Module: Display overall budgeting and progress status to the executives of the production
  • Admin Module: Provide administrator to customize and manage the overall system, for example, production information, department/title registration, access control, and log analysis
  • Instant Mail Module: An internal messaging system enables users to send and receive notification between divisions whenever script and/or schedule has been updated. It can also be used as an email system to communicate between staff members during the film production.
 

Figure.2 Modules of Film Production Management System

 
This Film Production Management System was released at the end of 2002, and has been used in actual movie production. It has gained a favorable reputation from clients on achieving their goals by increasing productivity in overall film making process and helping users to manage data and communicate with each other in a more efficient way.
 
 
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