Film production process

Description

The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

Alternative labels

film production activity
film production processes
film production practice
film production method
film production procedure

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Film production process is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Video and motion picture director: Video and motion picture directors are responsible for the overall production of a movie or television program. They edit and translate the script into audiovisual images. Video and motion picture directors supervise and manage the film crew. They convey their creative vision on the actors, audio and video equipment operators, lighting technicians, etc and direct them. Video and motion picture directors also supervise the editing of the footage.
Movie distributor: Movie distributors are responsible for the coordination of the distribution of motion pictures and television series. They also oversee the sale of these movies on DVD, Blu ray and on other media.
Video and motion picture producer: Video and motion picture producers supervise the entire production of a movie or television programme. They select the scripts that will be turned into motion pictures or series. Video and motion picture producers find the financial means to make a movie or television series. They have the final decision on the whole project, from development and editing to distribution. During large-scale productions, video and motion picture producers can be part of a team of producers and may be responsible for some of these tasks.
Production designer: Production designers are responsible for the complete look (style, colouring and locations) of television programmes, series, motion pictures and commercials. They create the visual concept for the entire production such as set design, lighting, costumes and camera angles. Production designers work together with the director, designers and oversee the art department. They also create sketches, drawings, do colouring and location research and advise props and stage settings to the director.
Post-production supervisor: Post-production supervisors oversee the whole post-production process. They work together with the music editor and video and motion picture editor. Post production supervisors help plan the production workflow to make sure the post production phase is included and budgeted for. They ensure that the final product is delivered and distributed.
Director of photography: Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.
Assistant video and motion picture director: Assistant video and motion picture directors are responsible for the organisation, scheduling and planning of the cast, crew and activities on a set. They assist the video and motion picture directors, maintain budgets and ensure that all production activities go according to schedule.
Script supervisor: Script supervisors are responsible for the continuity of the movie or television program. They watch every shot to make sure that it’s according to the script. Script supervisors ensure that during editing the story makes visual and verbal sense and does not contain any continuity errors.
Set buyer: Set buyers analyse the script in order to identify the set dressing and the props needed for all individual scenes. They also consult with the production designer and the prop and set making team. Set buyers buy, rent or commission the making of the props. Set buyers make sure sets are authentic and believable.
Video and motion picture editor: Video and motion picture editors are responsible for the assembly and cutting of raw footage into a logically and aesthetically either for movies, television series, or domestic purposes. They reorganize scenes that have been shot and decide which special effects are needed. Video and motion picture editors work closely together with sound editors and music directors.
Storyboard artist: Storyboard artists draw out the scenes of a motion picture or television series according to the script in order to see what will be possible during production. They work together with the producer and video and motion picture director.
Costume buyer: Costume buyers work with the costume designer in order to identify the materials for the costumes. They buy and rent fabric, thread, accessories and other items needed to finish the wardrobe. Costume buyers may also purchase clothing items “off the peg”, ready made. They base their purchases on the sketches of the costume designer.
Script writer: Script writers create scripts for motion pictures or television series. They write a detailed story that consists of plot, characters, dialogue and physical environment.

Optional knowledge

Film production process is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Music director: Music directors lead musical groups such as orchestras and bands during live performances or recording sessions. They organise the music and composition, coordinate the playing musicians and record the performance. Music directors are professionals working in diverse places such as the film industry, music videos, radio stations, musical ensembles or schools.
Stand-in: Stand-ins replace actors before the filming starts. They perform the actions of the actors during the lighting and audiovisual setup, so everything is in the right place during the actual shooting with the actors.
Lighting director: Lighting directors determine what lights are needed during production, according to the video and motion picture director’s creative vision. They use the script to design the lighting requirements for each shot. Lighting directors oversee the lighting setup and operation.
Sound editor: Sound editors create the soundtrack and sound effects for motion pictures, television series or other multimedia productions. They are responsible for all the music and sound featured in the movie, series or videogames. Sound editors use equipment to edit and mix image and sound recordings and make sure that the music, sound and dialogue is synchronised with and fits in the scene. They work closely together with the video and motion picture editor.
Casting director: Casting directors select actors for all roles in a motion picture or television series. They co-operate with the producer and director to determine what they are looking for. Casting directors contact talent agents and organise interviews and auditions for the parts. They determine the fees and contracts for the actors and extras.
Producer: Producers are responsible for managing the production of music, motion pictures or series. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the production such as the direction, publication and financing. Producers oversee the production and manage all technical and logistic aspects of recording and editing.
Camera operator: Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.
Stunt performer: Stunt performers execute actions that are too dangerous for actors to perform, that they are not physically able to do or require specialised skills such as fight scenes, jumping from building, dancing and others.
Miniature set designer: Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production Miniature set designers cut material using hand tools to construct three-dimensional props and sets.
Location manager: Location managers are responsible for procuring locations for filming outside of the studio and all the logistics this includes. They negotiate site use, and manage and maintain the site during shooting. Location managers manage the safety and security of the film crew on site.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Voice-over artist: Voice-over artists perform the dialogues of animated television or movie characters. They empathise with their characters and make them come alive with their voice.
Accountant:
Accountants review and analyse financial statements, budgets, financial reports, and business plans in order to check for irregularities resulting from error or fraud, and provide their clients with financial advice in matters such as financial forecasting and risk analysis. They may audit financial data, resolve insolvency cases, prepare tax returns and provide other tax-related advice in reference to current legislation.

 


 

References

  1. Film production process – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022