production research

content -
when making a shirt film or a hollywood film, you will need to conduct research tasks.
your content may be original or optioned - both of which require research.
An option is a contractual agreement between a potential film producer (such as a movie, a production company, or an individual) and a writer or third party holding ownership of a screenplay. you would have to research what screenplays are available.

Within content, we have to think about copyright. It is an intellectual property that cannot normally be used without the permission of the owner. like other forms of intellectual property, copyright can be bought or sold. copyright owners can choose to license whilst others use their work while retaining copyright ownership over their rights themselves.

for those whom have independent material, which don't have copyright work, their material may be used without any rules or regulations. they do not have any copyright work which means nobody has to ask then or contact them in any way to use any of their material, they aren't attached to  record label, their work is completely free.

script auction, you have 1-2 years to have film made or then they have the right to then sell the script onto somebody else.

viability -
another part of important production research is to demonstrate that your planned product is viable (workable.) you will need to test the viability of your product at a number of different levels:
is the product financially viable
Do you have enough time on your hands to complete your project
what help and support will you require?
is it achievable?
Do you have the right equipment  and technology to support your project?
Do you have enough skills to undertake the production?

financial costs -
Is the product financially viable?
Short films have specific things you need to consider:
crew locations
talent
props / costume
permissions
equipment
miscellaneous e.g. food and drink
Production distributer and exchange.

Technological resources -
Audio and moving image  products will require the use of various types of recording and editing equipment. A range if hardware and soft ware options are available for print and multimedia production. however, if you were working as an independent producer then your equipment would have to be purchased of hired for the duration of the production process. you would need to conduct research costs.

personnel -
You would need creative people to help research and develop your ideas, technical expertise assist in the production stages, and then marketing people to help sell your product and generate income from advertising, sales and merchandising. 

locations  - 
In addition. the filmmaker will have to undertake some location research (called a recce) to identify suitable venues for filming to take place, assist in the planning of specific shots and assess any problems or health and safety issues that the crew might face.  



http://www.film.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/4897/Crew-Roles-and-Departments-Guide.pdf