Slumdog Millionaire- Background, Context and Production

The idea of Slumdog Millionaire originated from Vikas Swarup's Q & A, a published novel made up of twelve short stories. In order to create a full length screenplay Stephen Beauskfy, adapted and changed each storyline, which caught the attention of director Danny Boyle. Due to the way Beausky was able to intertwine each separate short story, Boyle became quickly interested. In order to truly interpret the stories from the novel successfully Beausky travelled India to ensure he was totally knowledgeable with the Indian culture and way of life. As being a fan of Beauskys The Full Monty Danny agreed to become director of the film. Initially Boyle was sceptical of the movie plot as it heavily focuses around game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, an extremely mainstream television show which could be seen as being unlike many of Boyles previous projects usually being low budget, independent ventures. Filming began on 5th November.2007, with both Pathe and Film 4 on board with help from Fox Search Light Pictures. 

The casting process for the movie took Boyle and producer Christian Colson all over the US, Canada, India and the UK in search of the correct actors to deliver a convincing performce across three ages, 7, 13 and 18. Loveleen Tandan, India's casting director helped not just with the casting process but also offered her services with translation and direction particularly with Indian cast members. Danny Boyle believed Tandan played a vital role in casting and helping with cast members saying, "she helped me guide me through the finer cultural complexities of life on the street, and eventually directing the 2nd unit as it followed us around the city. She was a true co-director at times and I couldn’t have made the film without her”

Many of the films cast surprisingly had little or if any previous acting experiences. Boyle found difficulty in finding the role of 18 year old Jamal as he wanted a particular look. Many castings where held with many potential candidates either being to old or not the ideal look Boyle had in mind. Eventually with help from his daughter Caitlin, Boyle gave the role to Dev Patel a British television actor best known for his role on edgy, teen show 'Skins'. Patel was one of few people who ended up being cast from London as the majority of the cast came from Mumbai. Model turned actress Freida Pinto stars as 18 year old Jamals love interest. Writer, Beaufoy believed Pinto was the ideal candidate for the role of Latika as, "she had that extraordinary beauty alongside a strong sense of sadness about her, which we needed very much for her part in the film." 

Whilst shooting the film, Boyle and cast found in difficult adapting to the Mumbai lifestyle and changes within the city. The streets were often crowded and many of times people would stand round and watch the film being shot. This was not just distracting for the crew and actors but also made it hard for the scene to look completely natural and lifelike. Setting the scenes in Mumbai were also a challenge to which Boyle described it as being like the sea, 'always the same but constantly changing.' Often going back to scenes that had been previously shot was difficult as the environment, buildings and scenery was constantly changing.
Slumdog Millionaire was first released in August of 2008 at Telluride Film Festival and was completely made on a budget of $15,000,000.