Yes. For example, an action/adventure film released in the summer months will have a greater chance at success than say, an action/adventure film released in January.
Q: Do different cast and crew combinations effect different genres, er, differently?
Absolutely. For example, you wouldn't expect a horror film starring Jim Varney and Carrot Top, directed by Woody Allen, with no special effects and no musical composition, to do very well at the box office. (that really WOULD be a horror film!)
Q: Why do I always run out of money before I can finish production on a film?
Chances are you didn't have the budget to back up the kind of movie you were attempting to create (duh!). When you're just starting out, and have very little company funds and even less Hollywood recognition, produce projects that are a little less budget-sucking. For example, don't make your first film an action/adventure with big name talent. Because if you could afford the talent, it's likely you're not going have a whole lot of dough left over to work with sets/filming etc.
Q: Do a film's tag line and description effect the outcome?
No. They're present only for the player's enjoyment.
Q: I can never make a successful drama. Is it possible to do so?
It's possible to be successful with every genre. Some genres just tend to be more appealing to the masses. For example, you'd expect a comedy or an action/adventure film to be more successful than a drama or horror film. Also, you have to have the right elements for the respective genre. Refer to question #2.
Q: What determines whether a film is successful or not in the company window?
A film being successful or not is based on whether or not it turned a profit (duh!). So if a film you released made more or at least as much as it cost to make, it was a success.
Q: [complaint] I want to create a drama with big name talent, but the distributor never provides a large enough budget to do so.
Again, wait until you have a large enough production company to tackle larger projects. Once your company reaches a certain point in success, not only will the distributors provide you with larger budgets for all genres, but you'll be able to fund your own projects. Also, refer to question #3.
Q: [complaint] I can never create a successful film-- they all tank.
Remember, the key to success is advertising. You have to let the public know about the product. Sure, some magazine may print up a small article on your film, but that's not going to draw the masses. TV, Posters, Trailers, Magazines-- buy as much advertising as you can in all medias. Refer to pretty much every other question on this page, for help in each individual element.
Direct all additional questions (questions you'd like to see answered in this FAQ in future releases) to Shannon Schroeder.
