How to Make a Movie or Film : An Overview

How to Make a Movie or Film : An Overview 

Professor Ram Lakhan Meena, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer,INDIA

Film Production Process : An overview

v  Three major stages of production

v  Preproduction –   Planning, research, writing, organizing

v  Production –  Shooting, recording, acting, performing

v  Postproduction –   Editing, fixing, sweetening, copying, evaluating

Production Process - Preproduction 1(Part-A)

v  Cannot just run out and shoot…

v  Work closely with client throughout

v  Program idea - from basic to specific

v  Inspiration - for style & content… be aware, alert, curious…

v  Goals, purpose of production, audience, outlet (distribution)

v  Research - background, details

v  Client history, background, relationship

v  Budget

Production Process - Production 1(Part-B)

v  Translate idea into program (encode message)

v  Location or studio shoot (edited or “mixed” live)

v  Additional footage - cover video, b-roll, 2nd unit

v  Reshoots

v  Archival pictures/film/video - source, location

v  Stock footage - source

v  Music/score - original, library

v  Graphics - design & creation

v  Narration, voice-over - talent, facilities

Production Process - Preproduction 2 (Part-A)

v  Planning - creative ideas, production style, persuasive style, scriptwriting and re-writing, storyboard

v  Production decisions:

v  Final budget

v  Types and sources of music, crew & equipment, locations, talent

v  Schedule of activities

v  Time frame, final “deliverables”

Production Process - Preproduction 2 (Part-B)

v  Key Production Personnel (note - field vs. studio)

v  Director, assistant director

v  Producer & assistants/associates

v  Videographer, Director of Photography (DP) & assistants, camera operators

v  Key Production Personnel (note - field vs. studio)

v  Lighting director

v  Audio director/engineer

v  Studio: Technical director (TD), floor person (grip), Character Generator (CG), videotape operator, video engineer

Production Process - Preproduction 3

v  Key preproduction personnel

v  Director - overall responsibility for translating script to production

v  Producer - coordinator, manager of production activities

v  Key preproduction personnel

v  Scriptwriter

v  Music coordinator

v  Post-production supervisor

v  Client contact (the right person)

Production Process - Preproduction 4

v  Key preproduction personnel

v  Art director - set design

v  Lighting director

v  Floor manager (studio only)

v  Technical director (studio only)

v  Small company, small project yields more overlap of duties

Production Process - Postproduction (editing) 1

v  Multi-camera style (game show, talk show, sporting event)

v  Option 1: live broadcast, no need to “post produce”

v  Option 2: clean up errors, remove bad language, condense/consolidate, add necessary video/titles/credits, music, etc…

v  Multi-camera style (game show, talk show, sporting event)

v  Option 3: “repurpose” - edit program for a different use

Production Process - Postproduction 2

v  Single camera (“film style”):

v  Following script select best takes/shots/still photos, etc…combine with audio to create final program

v  (Note: it’s not that simple, keep reading.)

Production Process - Postproduction 3

v  Documentary, news, news magazine example:

v  Log footage (20, 30, 50:1 shooting ratio)

–        View footage, write down or digitally store shots you plan to use

–        Very important step - re-familiarize yourself with what you have, select best shots, quotes

v  Capture footage to computer for digital editing

v  Identify additional needs - acquire elements

v  Rough edit in sections

v  Final edit - transitions, titles, credits, audio sweetening, color correction

v  Editing - very creative and stimulating, very time consuming and tedious at times.  Computer skills a must!

Production Process - Post production 4

v  Review by client

v  Make changes

v  Formative Evaluation of production with test audience - formal/informal

–        During process, make changes to program

v  Final edit

v  Distribute

v  Summative Evaluation - evaluate effectiveness of production or campaign in the real world

Production Process Summary

v  All three steps important

v  Failure to plan is a plan to fail (cliché but true)

v  Always keep client’s goals, audience effects in mind throughout the process

v  Part of your job as producer/director is to determine needs, goals, capabilities of client and production team and to educate your clients in the process.