Overview of Filmmaking and Tips for the Beginner

We all enjoy movies but do we realize just how much patient work goes into them? There are five major steps in the process of filmmaking; tips for those who may be unaware:

1) Development

This is where the concept/theme is born. It’s elaborated into a script, which is broken into scenes. Then, the mood and the characters of the film are decided. Producer will pay a high price for a good script.

The screenplay is a practical adaptation of the script and will take a few months to write. It needs to be edited several times so that characters, actions and locations all fit smoothly within the main theme. A film distributor needs to be consulted early on to make sure the screenplay is marketable.

A ‘movie pitch’ will entice financiers to invest in the film. Once monetary support is secured, a contract will be signed by involved parties.

2) Pre-production

This involves casting, choosing a location, getting a crew together and organizing the background necessities like the sets, props and equipment. The production company is finalized at this stage and the budget for the film will be drawn up.

The number of crew and cast depends on whether the planned movie is an independent production or a blockbuster. The crew typically consists of a director, assistant director, casting director, location manager, production manager, production designer, director of photography, art director, production sound mixer, sound designer, composer and a choreographer.

3) Production

The actual filming begins here and this usually takes the longest time. Additional crew will be needed at this stage, mainly for photography and sound and picture editing. The film sets are completed in the specified location and actors prepare for their roles, both physically and psychologically.

The cast and crew rehearse for ‘takes’. Each take is carefully marked and stored for later use. Sound is recorded separately and later mixed with visuals. When a take has been successful, the director calls it a ‘wrap’ and the crew will move on to the next scene.

4) Post-production

The string of shot sequences is finally put together by the film editor. A film can be touched up, added to or trimmed to give the final product. Technology plays a big role here. Usually negatives are developed and then converted to video for editing by the computer. The rough cut is turned into a seamless story which is then sent to the sound department for the making of the soundtrack. Finally, a high quality output is achieved.

5) Circulation

The movie is released to cinemas and as VCDs/DVDs. A movie website will be set up for promotion. Advance screenings will be made for target audiences and film reviewers. Profits are shared by the distributor and the production company. The latter receives a higher share in the first weeks of release.

Article Summary- Development, pre-production, production, post-production and circulation are the five main steps in film making. Each contribute significantly to the final release and involves many people specialized in different areas working together as a team.