The Production Process and Who’s Who in the ‘Central Producer’ system. FILM PRODUCTION The Production Process and Who’s Who in the ‘Central Producer’ system.

THE PROCESS

Development and Pre-production The idea from a book, play or original script. Before it can be developed Rights Clearance is needed. Development money obtained from various sources. Script developed with writer. Several drafts are written.

Development and Pre-production The package: producer, director, stars etc. Initial budget arranged. Finance secured via co-producers, investors and distributors. At any point TV and Video rights are sold. Finance, Schedule and budget approved by investor

Development and Pre-production Completion guarantee fixed on budget. Insurance arranged. Pre-production begins. Production staff and cast hired, studios and locations selected. Sets, costumes and special effects designed.

Production Set Construction begins. Costumes made/ hired. Film unit assemblies. Principal photography begins. Rushes viewed daily. Daily report on production to financiers. Unit publicity begins. Promotional campaign begins at any time.

Production Composer starts work on the music. Marketing strategy developed. Principal photography completed. Rushes assembled into working print. Rough cut approved.

Post Production and Release Sound and picture editing. Computer special effects added. Fine cut approved. Music composed and recorded. Soundtrack (music, dialogue and sound effects) dubbed. Film to censor for certification. Advertising campaign approved and booked.

Post Production and Release Some films are test screened. Film booked into cinemas. Film, stills and information are sent to the distributor. Advertising begins. Premiere then release of film. Video distributed. Satellite, cable, TV screening depending on rights.

WHO’S INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS?

Who’s Who? EXECUTIVE PRODUCER- distant from the film project but will usually have provided the money or at least a part of it. They would want regular updates of the film’s progress. PRODUCER- financial and organizational role. They will develop the film from the script, obtain funds and assign roles, employ actors etc.

Who’s Who? WRITER- ideas can be developed in association with the producer or a particular concept can be adapted by screenwriters. Once the original idea is received the writer’s role is usually minimised in favour of the director or scriptwriter. Can you think of any films where the writer is heavily involved?

Who’s Who? DIRECTOR- responsible for overseeing the shooting process. They will control camera positions, locations etc. (Will have a crew of people working under him/her.) PRODUCTION DESIGNER- visualizes the film settings. Sometimes a storyboard will be created to aid in this.

Who’s Who? CAST- who will be in the film. This includes stars, a supporting cast and extras. Before appearing in the film all actors undergo a screen test. This could be any number from one to 500. Directors spend much of their time with the actors discussing how lines should be spoken, emotions that should be displayed etc.

Who’s Who? DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY- this person will be an expert on photographic processes. They will be in constant consultation with the director. Their crew involves: CAMERAMEN- Although they undertake camera work they are usually under strict instructions from the director.

Who’s Who? KEY GRIP- arranges props and equipment. They will also work closely with those responsible for continuity. GAFFER- head electrician. This is one of the most important jobs on set. The gaffer will usually be responsible for the safety of cast and crew. BEST BOY- gaffer’s assistant.

Who’s Who? SOUND MIXER- balances the inputs from the microphones. They also control the non-diegetic music in a film. His crew involves: BOOM OPERATOR- holds/ controls the portable microphone generally used for ext. shots. SPECIAL EFFECTS UNIT- specialists in this field. They can include experts in CGI, stop- motion animation or model making.

Who’s Who? OTHER ROLES: STUNT COORDINATOR/ CHOREOGRAPHER- sometimes used in certain genres and actually perform very similar roles. MAKE-UP STAFF, COSTUME DESIGNERS, HAIRDRESSERS, RUNNERS and DRIVERS.