BPM project background

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Reflecting both the highly agile nature of the processes in the screen business, and the fact that they are characterised by multiple levels of structure and creativity, a framework of creativity-intensive processes was developed for flexible process support. This framework was based on case study findings and a comprehensive literature review (Seidel et al., 2007). The case studies were conducted with the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and Rising Sun Pictures. The framework classifies existing approaches to process modelling based on different criteria and aims to support the introduction of IT support in creative environments.

Business process management (BPM) for the post-production phase in the screen business can benefit from the application of reference models – a widely accepted means to facilitate the design of re-usable information systems and organisations.

However, configuring these models requires a thorough understanding of both the model itself and the language in which it is captured; this hinders the involvement in the process of domain experts who lack a specialised modelling background. We therefore proposed a questionnaire-driven approach to reference model configuration, which has been implemented as an intuitive, tool-based wizard that guides users through the process using a form-based interface. An empirical evaluation of the suitability of this approach is currently underway with the Sound Department in the AFTRS.

The production phase of the screen business is the most expensive. It encompasses the actual shooting of the feature film, TV-commercial, etc. A typical film production process comprises many complex and interdependent steps, and is likely to require sophisticated data handling support. The process can therefore benefit from the application of a workflow system to optimise execution and automate daily document processing procedures, ultimately reducing overall production costs. In 2007, we invested significant resources in the application of the open source workflow system YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language) to the automation of film production processes. A YAWL model was developed which captured the control-flow, data, and resource perspectives of these processes, and customised user forms were designed to support templates used in professional film-making. We have named the resulting system ‘YAWL4Film’. Working closely with the AFTRS, we deployed YAWL4Film in two student film production projects during October 2007. We received positive feedback on these pilot projects, and are currently working on an improved version of YAWL4Film, which is intended to become part of the AFTRS curriculum system for film-making.

The YAWL system is crucial to the application of BPM in the screen business, so we are devoting substantial effort to improving its design environment, where the process models can be defined. In particular, we have created a design document of extended resourcing support for the YAWL environment, which will put us in a strong position to deal with more sophisticated requirements in screen business process automation.

YAWL4Film, a workflow system for the automation of film production processes can be found at: http://yawlfoundation.org/product/yawl4film.php