 In early 2003 , Nolan planned to direct the film before the production of Batman Begins accelerated . Following the release of Batman Begins , Nolan started up the project again , negotiating with Bale and Jackman in October 2005 . While the screenplay was still being written , production designer Nathan Crowley began the set design process in Nolan 's garage , employing a " visual script " consisting of scale models , images , drawings , and notes . Jonathan and Christopher Nolan finished the final shooting draft on January 13 , 2006 , and began production three days later on January 16 . Filming ended on April 9 . 
