High Definition Film Making

Stages in Film Making

Development

The script/storyboard is written and drafted into a workable blueprint for a film.

Pre-production

Preparations are made for the shoot, casting is done to find the talent (actors etc). The filming and support crew are chosen. Locations are selected, and sets are built.

Production

This is the step most people are familiar with. The raw footage for the finished film are recorded.

Post-Production

The film is edited (often referred to as offline editing). Production sound (dialogue) is also edited while music tracks are composed & recorded or are found from libraries. Sound effects are designed and recorded. After offline editing is complete other computer-graphic 'visual' effects are digitally added. This is known as compositing, special effects and online editing. Once the sound and visual parts are brought together the film is fully completed ("locked").

Distribution

In the digital arena there are a number of ways that your movie can be rendered. From committing to DVD to publishing online via a service like Vimeo or YouTube. From here it may be distributed in a number of ways including embedding it into your website, or selling the DVD on an online shop.

The Roles Behind the Scenes:

Director

Primarily responsible for the artistic content of the film and managing creative functions.

Assistant Director (AD)

The AD manages the shooting schedule and logistics of the production, among other tasks.

Casting Director

Finds actors to fill the parts in the script. This normally requires that actors audition.

Location Manager

Finds and manages film locations. Most pictures are shot in the controllable environment of a studio sound stage but occasionally, outdoor sequences or live events call for filming on location.

Production Manager (Producer)

Manages the production budget and production schedule. They also report to the executives or financiers of the film.

Director of Photography (DP or DoP)

Creates and supervises the photography of the entire film

Director of Audio (DOA) aka audiographer

Creates and supervises the audiography of the entire film and is usually performed by the supervising sound editor.

Production Sound Mixer

Head of the sound department during the production stage of filmmaking. They record and mix the audio (dialogue in mono, room tone in mono, ambience in stereo and sound effects in mono) on the set.

Sound Designer

Creates the aural conception of the film, working with the DOA.

Composer

Creates new music for the film

Production Designer

Creates the visual conception of the film, working with the art director.

Art Director

Manages the art department, which makes production sets.

Costume Designer

Creates the clothing for the characters in the film.

Make-up and Hair Designer

Works closely with the costume designer.

Storyboard Artist

Creates visual images to help the director and production designer communicate their ideas to the production team.

Choreographers

Create and coordinate the movement including dance and fight routines.