Film Production Process –
There are 5 stages in the professional production process:
1) Development
- Concept
- Treatment
- Script
- Pitch (Green Light?)
2) Pre-production
- Storyboard
- Shot List
- Crew Hiring
- Location Scouting
- Set Building
- Casting
- Rehearsing
3) Production
- Filming
- Sound Recording
- Re-shooting
4) Post-production
- Video Editing
- Sound Editing
- Foley Work
- Score Recorded/Soundtrack Built
5) Distribution
- Potential Film Festivals
- Deal made with Distribution Company
- Publicity
- Screenings Worldwide!
- Video
*Hope you made some money or got paid!
*Also hope that your movie was a hit, or you’re potentially finished in the movie business!
The Writer envisions the film in the first place.
The Producer:
Producer: the individual who has the greatest involvement and oversight among a film's various producers. In smaller companies or independent projects, may be the equivalent of the executive producer.
Executive producer: In major productions, usually a representative or CEO of the film studio - although the title may be given as an honorarium to a major investor - often oversees the financial, administrative and creative aspects of production, though not technical aspects. In smaller companies or independent projects, may be synonymous with creator/writer.
Co-producer: A producer who reports to the Executive Producer and provides money to finance a project. In large productions, the co-producer is more involved in the day-to-day production. In independent projects, the title can connote an involvement in the inception of the production.
Associate producer: Usually acts as a representative of the Producer, who may share financial, creative, or administrative responsibilities, delegated from that producer. Often, a title for an experienced film professional acting as a consultant or a title granted as a courtesy to one who makes a major financial or creative contribution to the production.
Assistant producer: Usually works under the direction of the Associate Producer.
Production director: A representative of the film company assigned to the set and given the authority to act on behalf of the senior production-team members.
Line Producer: Oversees a film's budget and day-to-day activities
Production supervisor: Usually performs managerial duties on one aspect of the production.
Production manager: Manages the studio.
Post production supervisor: Usually performs the post team in movies.
Production designer: Usually oversees the on screen visual aspects of a location or set - including stage dressing, props, color palette, and set design.
Administrative Producer: Reports to the Board of Directors. Freelancers are employed by the Administrative Producer for specific tasks such as press and publicity activities, design, production management, etc.
The director is primarily responsible for the acting in the movie and managing the creative elements.
The assistant director (AD) manages the shooting schedule and logistics of the production, among other tasks. First AD and second AD are different jobs with different responsibilities.
The casting director finds actors for the parts in the script. This normally requires an audition by the actor. Lead actors are carefully chosen and are often based on the actor's reputation or "star power."
The location manager finds and manages the film locations. Most pictures are shot in the predictable environment of a studio sound stage but occasionally outdoor sequences will call for filming on location.
The production manager manages the production budget and production schedule. He or she also reports on behalf of the production office to the studio executives or financiers of the film.
The director of photography (DP or DOP) or cinematographer creates the photography of the film. He or she cooperates with the director, director of audiography (DOA) and AD.
The production designer creates the look and feel of the production sets and props, working with the art director to create these elements.
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 production sound mixer is the head of the sound department during the production stage of a film. He or she records and mixes the audio (dialogue and occasional effects) on the set. He or she works with the director, DOP, and 1st AD.
The sound designer creates new sounds and enhances the aural feel of the film with the help of foley artists.
The composer creates new music for the film.
The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance - typically for musicals. Some films also credit a fight choreographer.