Film Production

Development - This 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 you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.
Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.
Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. '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 you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They 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.

Key Roles:

Screenwriter: A screenwriter is a creative person who researches and develops the story and writes the actual screenplays. A screenplay is the script for the film so it includes what the characters say, stage directions and acting instructions. Screenwriters have to very creative and have a good understanding of the film and its characters so the film remains realistic but still impressive and worth the watch.

Producer: The producer is an organised person who is very good at co-ordinating everything from cast and crew to making the film believable. Overall they are in charge of the production of the film. They have to be able to make film and the story be able to sell and to sell well, to make sure the cast and crew are right for the film and work well together.

 

 

Casting Director: The casting director is someone who are in charge/control of the casting. They have to be very organised as they arrange everything from the interviews/auditions to the contract and pay for the chosen actor. They have to work very closely with the director and producer to make sure they get the right actors/actresses for the role and how the roles need to be portrayed. 

 

Director: The director is very creative as they bring the film to life. They have to get the style of film right to ensure success and make sure their image for the film is done correctly. They link and co-ordinate between the different teams like casting and production. They are involved in most aspects of the film. 

 

Film Finance: The film finance or film finance controller are in charge of all the money aspects and money for the film. They are in charge of the accounts team and have to check everything such as the budget, tax, paying the crew and cast and cash flow. They have to very organised and enjoy numbers and Maths to do this job. 

 

Camera Operator: The camera operator is charge of the camera they have to make sure the camera is ready and the right one for all shots and then they also operate the camera while filming. They work closely with the Director and Director of Photography to ensure that the directors idea is shot the best way to show this. They also have to work with the cast to make sure that they are standing where they need to etc. to create what is effect is needed.

Editor: The editor is in charge of putting all the shots together to create the effects and ideas of the director for the final stage of production. They have to work very well with the director to create the finished film into their ideas and a success. They are creative people who can put in the long hours and with expert technology knowledge.

 

Production Designer: The production designer is in charge of all the visual parts of a film such as set, costumes and makeup. They work with the director to get the right image across and with the Producer to organise a budget and schedule. They are involved in every set and costume change and work hard to ensure they are spotless. 

 

 

Marketing: The marketing producer is in charge of all the marketing and advertising for the film. They are fully in control of planning and creating the marketing campaign. They have to be very good at communicating as they have to work well and correspond with many important people and companies like the film studios.         

 

Exhibition: The exhibition is the retail part of the film process and about how the film is sold.  This person is in charge of organising how the film reaches the cinema and how the film will be shown in the cinema.