Production Glossary
Filmmaking
The method of creating a movie from the elements of idea, script, production, direction, and finally distribution, is known as filmmaking. In academic circles this process is commonly referred to as film production. Filmmaking is an art form that occurs all over the world in many different political, economical, and social environments. The process of making a film can be long and painstaking, with time frames ranging from a few months to multiple years.Filmmaking occurs in five different phases. These phases are development, pre-production, production, post-production, and finally, sales and dispersion.
The basic elements of development consist of finding a story, creating a step outline (a set of paragraphs that establish the thematic structure of the film) and treatment (a more extensive overview of the film including tone and characters), commissioning a screenplay, and then pitching the idea and script to the movie studio. In the case of an original screenplay, the first few steps are discarded and the producers move straight to pitching the idea. The development process can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the number of re-writes or story revisions that occur. The film will move into the pre-production phase once the script has received a “green light” from the studio or investors.
Pre-production of a film is an extensive planning process. Each and every detail of the film from casting to editing is discussed and determined to ensure a fulfilling creative environment. Any film must have a budget and the pre-production stage is where that number is determined. The head of the filmmaking process is the producer. This role is responsible for carrying out the filmmaking process and handling the budget. The producer also sees to the hiring of the crew that will carry out the actual day-to-day work of the film. The following positions are standard on movie sets: storyboard artist, sound designer, production sound mixer, art director, director of audiography, casting director, director of photography, location manager, composer, costume designer, production designer, director, and assistant director. It is in pre-production that the primary creative team of a film is put together. The director, cast, cinematographer, and writers begin to collaborate and focus on the artistic aspects of the film.
Once the cast is set, the director’s vision is cast, and the equipment is set the production of the the film begins. Unless the film is shooting on location, the building, dressing, and lighting of the sets are carried out and actors receive their call times, or times they are required to be on set. All departments are utilized during the production phase. The pace is quick and requires the technical departments to be a few steps ahead of the actors, costumers, and hair/make-up artists. The production phase of the film often lasts a few months with 12 -18 hour workdays.
All editing is done in the post-production phase. Both the film and the audio recording of the film are the responsibility of the film’s editor. In collaboration with the producer and director, the editor sculpts the final product by removing unnecessary scenes or dialogue and creating a seamless flow of tone and emotion from frame to frame. Any voice dubbing or re-shoots are also carried out during post-production.
The final phase of filmmaking is the sales and dispersion of the final product. This includes the film’s release in theaters as well as the future DVD print and sales. All promotional materials including posters, commercials, and print advertising are determined in this stage. A film is generally released with a premiere and press tour with the cast and director.
