Film Production

Behind the scenes of the making of The Shining

There are several stages to the production of a film:

Development 

Development is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once there's an idea, someone will write a pitch which is then taken to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make the film. At this very early stage, a very clear idea of who the film is aimed at is needed - so elements that will appeal to them can be included.

Pre-production 

Once funding is achieved, the budget of the film is established and a film crew can be organised. The script can also be made in a storyboard format and then broken down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.

Production 

Production is the process of 'making' the film.' Film' is very expensive and difficult to store, so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.

Post-production

During this stage, all the 'film' that has been shot is given to a film editor - who will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.




Darth Vader looks slightly less menacing in this behind-the-scenes pic

Roles in film production

Writer

A screenwriter (screenplay writer) is a person who writes scripts for films, as well as other mass media like television programs or video games. Most screenwriters are freelance and are integral for a film to be successful: they provide imagination and creativity to the planning of a film - coming up with ideas that some would be incapable of creating.

Producer

Producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, including: selecting the script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing. They are considered important in the film production, as they hold so many responsibilities.

Director

Directors are given the task to creatively translate he film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. Essentially, they are responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. Not only this, but they also manage the technical aspects of filming including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments; its a heavy role to play (they deserve their name on the front of the DVD box).

Casting Director

Casting directors organise the casting (selecting) of actors for all roles in a film. They arrange and conduct interviews and auditions with artists, as well as negotiating fees and contracts for the actors who get the part. Casting directors also work with the director and producer to understand their requirements.

Film Finance

The role of a financial controller is challenging. They are responsible for controlling the accounting, taxation and financial analysis for all of the work a company does, including development, production and distribution. The finance of a film is spent in a variety of different ways and needs to be managed sensibly, in order to ensure that the budget of a film isn't broken.

Camera Operator

Camera operators carry out the director's instructions for shot composition and development and, during shooting, are responsible for all aspects of camera operation. Camera operators are important because whatever they film will appear in the final cut - therefore they must be expertly trained in the use of cameras and need to show somewhat artistic talent.

Editor

The editor works closely with the director crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole and ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film. Editors select the best takes and edit them together to create scenes. In some cases, an improvised line or an actor's interpretation of their role may create some on-screen magic that can be developed into a new scene.

Production designer

Production designers are major heads of department on film crews and are responsible for the entire art department, they help the director achieve the look and feel of a film; the look of a set or location is vital in drawing the audience into the story and making a film convincing.

Marketing

Marketing is often an area where lots of money is spent, because its role in making a film successful is huge - it essentially dictates how well the film will do and can increase box office results. It's hard to market a film well because the film is usually being marketed to the whole world; different people enjoy different things, and therefore the film will need to be marketed in different ways.

Exhibition

Exhibiting a film is the process of showing it to a wider audience and is a form of distribution. It is important that a film is exhibited well because popularity should increase.