The nature of the film determines the size and type of crew required during filmmaking. Many Hollywood adventure films need computer generated imagery (CGI), created by dozens of 3D modellers, animators, rotoscopers and compositors.

However, a low-budget, independent film may be made with a skeleton crew, often paid very little. Filmmaking takes place all over the world using different technologies, styles of acting and genre, and is produced in a variety of economic contexts that range from state-sponsored documentary in China to profit-oriented movie making within the American studio system.

A typical Hollywood-style filmmaking Production cycle comprises five main stages:

1. Development 
2. Preproduction 
3. Production 
4. Post-production 
5. Marketing & Distribution

This production cycle typically takes three years. The first year is taken up with development. The second year comprises preproduction andproduction. The third year, post-production and distribution.