Broadway Masterclass

Film Production Stages and Roles

Film Production Stages The film production process is broken down into 5 main stages: Development

A script is written and drafted into a workable blueprint for a film

Pre-production

Preparation is made for filming:

• Cast and crew are hired • Locations are selected and film sets, props & costumes

made • A schedule is produced for filming

Production

The raw elements for the film are recorded (film footage and production sound)

Post-production

The raw elements are edited and any additional elements added:

• The film footage and production sound (dialogue) is edited

• Music tracks are composed, performed and recorded • Sound effects are designed and recorded • Any computer-graphic 'visual' effects are digitally added • Introduction sequence and end credits are produced

Sales and Distribution

The film is screened for potential buyers (distributors) who will then organise a cinema and/or home media release (e.g. Blu-ray, DVD, direct download) for the film. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised. Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, press interviews, preview screenings and film festival screenings. Most films also have a website.

Film Roles Watch the credits at the end of any film and youʼll see the range of people it takes to make it happen. These are some of the key roles: Director

Oversees the creative aspects of the film, including controlling the content and flow of the film's plot, directing the performances of actors, selecting the locations in which the film will be shot, and managing technical details such as the positioning of cameras, use of lighting, and the timing and content of the film's soundtrack.

1st Assistant Director (1st AD)

Works along side the Director and Production Manager to ensure the film comes in on schedule while maintaining a working environment in which the director, principal artists and crew can be focused on their work. Also responsible for calling the role.

Production Manager

Responsible for the practical aspects of the film rather than the creative aspects – e.g. budget, schedule, time.

Scriptwriter

Responsible for writing a script and drafting it into a suitable blueprint for a film.

Storyboard Artist

Works under instruction of the Director to create a visual representation of the script indicating how particular scenes are to be shot – e.g. close ups,

Script supervisor

Also known as the ʻcontinuity personʼ – keeps track on what parts of the script have been filmed and what has changed from the original script. Also responsible for making notes on props, costume…etc to ensure continuity between shots and scenes.

Director of photography (DoP)

Makes decisions on lighting and framing of scenes in conjunction with the film's director. Typically the Director tells the DoP how they want the shot to look and the DoP makes the necessary decisions to achieve the desired effect.

Camera Operator

Works under instruction of the Director and DoP to capture the scenes on film.

First Assistant Camera (1st AC)

Operates the clapperboard at the beginning of each take and keeps a written record of the sequence of shots and number of takes to provide instruction for the film editor.

Production Sound Mixer

Responsible for the recording the sound during filming including the deployment of microphones and use of a boom where necessary.

Locations Manager

Responsible for sourcing suitable locations and for ʻfinal clearingʼ – guaranteeing permission to use a location for filming if this is required (e.g. the use of a non-public location or where members of the public may be included in the film).

Art department Responsible for props, costume, set design, hair & make up. Principal Artists

The actors who appear in the film.

Editor

Assembles the various recorded shots into a coherent film with the help of the director.

Head of Sales & Distribution

Makes decisions on how the film is marketed including the name of the film, the design of marketing materials and any associated merchandising.