Production value refers to the quality of a film, with higher budgets resulting in more resources and better effects. Low-budget “B movies” can be intentionally campy, while filmmakers may use tricks to increase production value. Commercial success often requires high production value, and investors may require proof of concept. Strong script, acting, cinematography, and effects contribute to production value.
In the film industry, the quality of a film is referred to as its “production value”. Higher budget films will generally have a high production value, due to the higher investment of resources. The goal of most filmmakers is to make movies that are stylish, attractive, and use high-quality special effects in combination with exotic locations. These films can be quite expensive to make, making them a major gamble for potential investors.
In some cases, the movies are deliberately made with low production value, because the campy look of cheap movies is enjoyed in some genres. “B movies,” as they are called, are characterized by unrealistic special effects, poor continuity, and grainy film. In some cases, these movies are fun to watch and often fun to make as well. Low-budget filmmaking is an art form, and particularly in the 1990s, when people could easily record and distribute video content, it became very popular.
Most moviegoers expect high production value when they go to the theater, and as a result, Hollywood directors strive for realistic-looking effects and sophisticated filming. Big-budget films often use unique locations, stellar special effects, and sophisticated technology to create what they hope will be a crowd-pleasing film. Also, many well-known actors will increase the production value of a film.
Many low-budget filmmakers work to achieve the look of a high-production-value film, either by investing a large amount of resources in a scene or two, or by using various tricks of the trade to improve the quality of the film. These tricks include playing with camera angles, relying on a strong script, using lesser-known character actors, and incorporating unique lighting techniques. Using old skills in a new way can increase a film’s production value, ultimately making it more attractive to investors.
For a film to be commercially successful, it usually requires a high production value unless the filmmakers have made a conscious artistic decision to go for the look of a low production value film. As a result, prospective producers and investors like to be confident that the film they are funding will meet these criteria, resulting in a substantial box office return. Many filmmakers provide investors with a proof of concept, showing how the film will be presented and how new techniques will be used. This is often the case with films that are heavily dependent on digital elements.
Ultimately, the high production value is the result of a combination of factors, including a strong script, good acting, cinematography and special effects. A determined filmmaker can make a great movie in a basement with the right techniques, even if the millions of dollars behind big movies usually make that easier.
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