Weemploy small collaborative teams that are responsible for preparing storylines and ideas for the initial stages of development. These teams, through a system of creative development controls, are responsible for ensuring that ideas follow the best creative path within a desired budget and schedule parameter. The table below depicts, in a very general manner, a timeline for the filmmaking process, and describes the four general and overlapping phases that constitute the process and their components: An animated film, in its most basic state, is a collection of shots that are assembled and combined with dialogue, sound effects and music to create a cohesive story. A group of shots—for example a close up of Shrek speaking followed by a close-up of Puss-in-Boots responding would constitute two shots—that logically flow together and form a cohesive group is known as a sequence. The collection of sequences that make up the entire film is called the story reel. The story reel is the most important tool for providing continuity and comprehension during the filmmaking process and is the most basic form of the film that will ultimately reach theaters some three-plus years later. All of the component shots and sequences in the story reel (characters, voices, sets, music, and the like) are manipulated using a digital editing console that keeps track of the high-resolution shots and sequences stored in our database and allows for quick, non-linear editing and manipulation of low-resolution duplicates on the story reel. Throughout the filmmaking process, new and modified shots and sequences are integrated into the story reel and replace older shots, sequences and placeholders. As each shot and sequence follows its path to completion, a copy of it is edited into the story reel, which allows the filmmakers to access the most complete version of the film at all times. Development. The development phase generally consists of story and visual development and its duration can vary project by project—from a matter of months to a number of years. The primary components of the development stage are: Treatment: Typically a three to five page outline of the story. Screenplay: An approximately 80-page script of the story that combines dialogue and stage directions to elaborate the outline of the story. Storyboarding: Avisual script, or storyboard, developed from the screenplay that breaks down the story into thousands of hand-drawn still pictures, similar to a comic book. The storyboard describes and further weaves the plot and characters into a continuous narrative fabric. This is the first stage of the process that adds motion and personality to our characters. Visual Development: Artists begin to draw character designs, backgrounds and other images that help develop the characters and the setting of the film. Decisions on stylistic approaches, color, use of space and light and other elements, in other words, how the film will eventually look, are all decided in this phase of development. 17