Film making: The process of making a film, from an initial story idea or commission, through
scriptwriting, shooting, editing, directing and distribution to an audience. Film making
takes place all over the world in a huge range of economic, social, and political contexts,
and using a variety of technologies and techniques. Typically, it involves a large number of
people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete this process, although it
may take longer if there are production issues, and the record for the longest production
time for a major motion picture is The Thief and the Cobbler's it took 28 years development.
STAGES :-
Film production occurs in five stages
1- Development
2- Pre-production
3- Production
4- Post-Production
5- Sales and distribution
1- Development
In this stage, the project's producer finds a story, which may come from a book, play, another film, a true story, original idea, etc. Next, a screenwriter writes a screenplay over a period of several months. The screenwriter may rewrite it several times to improve dramatization, clarity, structure, characters, dialogue, and overall style. However, producers often skip the previous steps and develop submitted screenplays which investors, studios, and other interested parties assess through a process called script coverage
The producer and screenwriter prepare a film pitch, or treatment, and present it to potential financiers. If the pitch is successful, the film receives a "Green light" meaning someone offers financial backing typically a major film studio, film council, or independent investor. The parties involved negotiate a deal and sign contracts. Once all parties have met and the deal has been set, the film may proceed into the pre-production period. By this stage, the film should have a clearly defined marketing strategy and target audience.
2- Pre-production
In pre-production, every step of actually creating the film is carefully designed and planned. The producer hires a crew. The nature of the film, and the budget, determine the size and type of crew used during filmmaking. The director is primarily responsible for the storytelling, creative decisions and acting of the film. The assistant director manages the shooting schedule and logistics of the production, among other tasks. The location manager finds and manages film locations. The director of photography (DoP) is the cinematographer who supervises the photography of the entire film. The director of audiography (DoA) is the audiographer who supervises the audiography of the entire film.
The composer creates new music for the film. (usually not until post-production)
The production designer creates the visual conception of the film, working with the art director.
The art director manages the art department, which makes production sets
The costume designer creates the clothing for the characters in the film working closely with the actors, as well as other departments.
The make up and hair designer works closely with the costume designer in addition to create a certain look for a character.
The storyboard artist creates visual images to help the director and production designer communicate their ideas to the production team.
The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance
3- Production
In production, the video/film is created and shot. More crew will be recruited at this stage, such as the property master, script supervisor, assistant directors, stills photographer, picture editor, and sound editors.
A typical day's shooting begins with the crew coming on the set/location by their call time. Actors usually have their own separate call times. Since set construction, dressing and lighting can take many hours or even days, they are often set up in advance.
While the crew prepare their equipment, the actors are wardrobed in their costumes and attend the hair and make-up departments.
The assistant director calls "picture is up!" to inform everyone that a take is about to be recorded, and then "quiet, everyone!" Once everyone is ready to shoot, he calls "roll sound" (if the take involves sound), and the production sound mixer will start their equipment, record a verbal slate of the take's information, and announce "sound speed" when they are ready. The AD follows with "roll camera", answered by "speed!" by the camera operator once the camera is recording. The clapper, who is already in front of the camera with the clapperboard, calls "marker!" and slaps it shut. If the take involves extras or background action, the AD will cue them "action background!" and last is the director, telling the actors "action!".
A take is over when the director calls "cut!", and camera and sound stop recording. The script supervisor will note any continuity issues and the sound and camera teams log technical notes for the take on their respective report sheets. If the director decides additional takes are required, the whole process repeats. Once satisfied, the crew moves on to the next camera angle or "setup," until the whole scene is "covered." When shooting is finished for the scene, the assistant director declares a "wrap" or "moving on," and the crew will "strike," or dismantle, the set for that scene.
At the end of the day, the director approves the next day's shooting schedule and a daily progress report is sent to the production office. This includes the report sheets from continuity, sound, and camera teams. Call sheets are distributed to the cast and crew to tell them when and where to turn up the next shooting day. Later on, the director, producer, other department heads, and, sometimes, the cast, may gather to watch that day or yesterday's footage, called dailies, and review their work.
With workdays often lasting 14 or 18 hours in remote locations, film production tends to create a team spirit. When the entire film is in the can, or in the completion of the production phase, it is customary for the production office to arrange a wrap party, to thank all the cast and crew for their efforts.
4- Post-production
Here the video/film is assembled by the video/film editor. The modern use of video in the filmmaking process has resulted in two workflow variants: one using entirely film, and the other using a mixture of film and video.
In the film work, the original camera film is developed and copied to a one-light workprint (positive) for editing with a mechanical editing machine. An edge code is recorded onto film to locate the position of picture frames.
The first job of the film editor is to build a rough cut taken from sequences (or scenes) based on individual "takes" (shots). The purpose of the rough cut is to select and order the best shots. The director usually works with the editor to ensure the envisioned shots are selected. The next step is to create a fine cut by getting all the shots to flow smoothly in a seamless story.
Once the picture is locked, the film is passed into the hands of the postproduction supervising sound editor of the sound department to build up the sound track. The voice recordings are synchronised and the final sound mix is created by the re-recording mixer. The sound mix combines dialogue, sound effects, atmos, ADR, walla, foleys and music.
The sound track and picture are combined together, resulting in a low quality answer print of the film.
In the film workflow, the cut list that describes the film-based answer print is used to cut the original color negative (OCN) and create a color timed copy called the color master positive or interpositive print. For all subsequent steps this effectively becomes the master copy. The next step is to create a one-light copy called the color duplicate negative or internegative. It is from this that many copies of the final theatrical release print are made.
In the video workflow, the edit decision list that describes the video-based answer print is used to edit the original color tape (OCT) and create a high quality color master tape.
Finally the film is previewed, normally by the target audience, and any feedback may result in further shooting or edits to the film.
There are two ways that film can be put together. One way is linear editing and the other is non-linear editing.
Linear editing uses the film as it is in a continuous strip. All of the parts of the film are already in order and need not be moved.
Conversely, non-linear editing is not subject to using the film in the order it is taped. Scenes can be moved around or even removed.
5- Sales and distribution (Distribution and exhibition)
This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, to consumer media (DVD, VCD, VHS, Blu-ray) or direct download from a provider. The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised. film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later. The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.
scriptwriting, shooting, editing, directing and distribution to an audience. Film making
takes place all over the world in a huge range of economic, social, and political contexts,
and using a variety of technologies and techniques. Typically, it involves a large number of
people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete this process, although it
may take longer if there are production issues, and the record for the longest production
time for a major motion picture is The Thief and the Cobbler's it took 28 years development.
STAGES :-
Film production occurs in five stages
1- Development
2- Pre-production
3- Production
4- Post-Production
5- Sales and distribution
1- Development
In this stage, the project's producer finds a story, which may come from a book, play, another film, a true story, original idea, etc. Next, a screenwriter writes a screenplay over a period of several months. The screenwriter may rewrite it several times to improve dramatization, clarity, structure, characters, dialogue, and overall style. However, producers often skip the previous steps and develop submitted screenplays which investors, studios, and other interested parties assess through a process called script coverage
The producer and screenwriter prepare a film pitch, or treatment, and present it to potential financiers. If the pitch is successful, the film receives a "Green light" meaning someone offers financial backing typically a major film studio, film council, or independent investor. The parties involved negotiate a deal and sign contracts. Once all parties have met and the deal has been set, the film may proceed into the pre-production period. By this stage, the film should have a clearly defined marketing strategy and target audience.
2- Pre-production
In pre-production, every step of actually creating the film is carefully designed and planned. The producer hires a crew. The nature of the film, and the budget, determine the size and type of crew used during filmmaking. The director is primarily responsible for the storytelling, creative decisions and acting of the film. The assistant director manages the shooting schedule and logistics of the production, among other tasks. The location manager finds and manages film locations. The director of photography (DoP) is the cinematographer who supervises the photography of the entire film. The director of audiography (DoA) is the audiographer who supervises the audiography of the entire film.
The composer creates new music for the film. (usually not until post-production)
The production designer creates the visual conception of the film, working with the art director.
The art director manages the art department, which makes production sets
The costume designer creates the clothing for the characters in the film working closely with the actors, as well as other departments.
The make up and hair designer works closely with the costume designer in addition to create a certain look for a character.
The storyboard artist creates visual images to help the director and production designer communicate their ideas to the production team.
The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance
3- Production
In production, the video/film is created and shot. More crew will be recruited at this stage, such as the property master, script supervisor, assistant directors, stills photographer, picture editor, and sound editors.
A typical day's shooting begins with the crew coming on the set/location by their call time. Actors usually have their own separate call times. Since set construction, dressing and lighting can take many hours or even days, they are often set up in advance.
While the crew prepare their equipment, the actors are wardrobed in their costumes and attend the hair and make-up departments.
The assistant director calls "picture is up!" to inform everyone that a take is about to be recorded, and then "quiet, everyone!" Once everyone is ready to shoot, he calls "roll sound" (if the take involves sound), and the production sound mixer will start their equipment, record a verbal slate of the take's information, and announce "sound speed" when they are ready. The AD follows with "roll camera", answered by "speed!" by the camera operator once the camera is recording. The clapper, who is already in front of the camera with the clapperboard, calls "marker!" and slaps it shut. If the take involves extras or background action, the AD will cue them "action background!" and last is the director, telling the actors "action!".
A take is over when the director calls "cut!", and camera and sound stop recording. The script supervisor will note any continuity issues and the sound and camera teams log technical notes for the take on their respective report sheets. If the director decides additional takes are required, the whole process repeats. Once satisfied, the crew moves on to the next camera angle or "setup," until the whole scene is "covered." When shooting is finished for the scene, the assistant director declares a "wrap" or "moving on," and the crew will "strike," or dismantle, the set for that scene.
At the end of the day, the director approves the next day's shooting schedule and a daily progress report is sent to the production office. This includes the report sheets from continuity, sound, and camera teams. Call sheets are distributed to the cast and crew to tell them when and where to turn up the next shooting day. Later on, the director, producer, other department heads, and, sometimes, the cast, may gather to watch that day or yesterday's footage, called dailies, and review their work.
With workdays often lasting 14 or 18 hours in remote locations, film production tends to create a team spirit. When the entire film is in the can, or in the completion of the production phase, it is customary for the production office to arrange a wrap party, to thank all the cast and crew for their efforts.
4- Post-production
Here the video/film is assembled by the video/film editor. The modern use of video in the filmmaking process has resulted in two workflow variants: one using entirely film, and the other using a mixture of film and video.
In the film work, the original camera film is developed and copied to a one-light workprint (positive) for editing with a mechanical editing machine. An edge code is recorded onto film to locate the position of picture frames.
The first job of the film editor is to build a rough cut taken from sequences (or scenes) based on individual "takes" (shots). The purpose of the rough cut is to select and order the best shots. The director usually works with the editor to ensure the envisioned shots are selected. The next step is to create a fine cut by getting all the shots to flow smoothly in a seamless story.
Once the picture is locked, the film is passed into the hands of the postproduction supervising sound editor of the sound department to build up the sound track. The voice recordings are synchronised and the final sound mix is created by the re-recording mixer. The sound mix combines dialogue, sound effects, atmos, ADR, walla, foleys and music.
The sound track and picture are combined together, resulting in a low quality answer print of the film.
In the film workflow, the cut list that describes the film-based answer print is used to cut the original color negative (OCN) and create a color timed copy called the color master positive or interpositive print. For all subsequent steps this effectively becomes the master copy. The next step is to create a one-light copy called the color duplicate negative or internegative. It is from this that many copies of the final theatrical release print are made.
In the video workflow, the edit decision list that describes the video-based answer print is used to edit the original color tape (OCT) and create a high quality color master tape.
Finally the film is previewed, normally by the target audience, and any feedback may result in further shooting or edits to the film.
There are two ways that film can be put together. One way is linear editing and the other is non-linear editing.
Linear editing uses the film as it is in a continuous strip. All of the parts of the film are already in order and need not be moved.
Conversely, non-linear editing is not subject to using the film in the order it is taped. Scenes can be moved around or even removed.
5- Sales and distribution (Distribution and exhibition)
This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, to consumer media (DVD, VCD, VHS, Blu-ray) or direct download from a provider. The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised. film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later. The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.
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