Chapter 8: The Production Process

© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning Objectives Create a short motion picture that features multiple production departments. Investigate personnel roles in preproduction, production, and postproduction. Evaluate the work of key crew positions in the creation of motion pictures. © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Producing a Motion Picture Producer Development Oversees financial aspects of movie Into preproduction Oversees production and moves to postproduction The roles: Executive producer Line producer Other roles: coproducer, assistant producer, etc. Courtesy Universal/Photofest © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning Production Team Unit production manager (UPM) Responsible for the supervision of personnel and budget Oversees the negotiation of contracts and purchases Makes sure that shooting schedule & budget are maintained First assistant director (1st AD) Assists director & UPM in assuring management of set Devises a board to set schedule using color-coded format Coordinates actors and extras “Calls out roll” on the set Second assistant director (2nd AD) Creates call sheets and assists the 1st AD © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Development and Preproduction Casting Greenlighting a project: actors needed? Work of casting director Finding the synergy in cast Location scouting and sets Sound stages Feasibility & script breakdowns Production value Courtesy Blue-Tongue Films © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Camera, Lighting, and Grips Cinematographer/Director of photography Camera department Camera operator First assistant camera (1st AC) or focus puller Second assistant camera (2nd AC) and/or clapper/loader Dolly grip Lighting and grips Gaffer Best boy electric and second electric Key grip Best boy grip, assisted by grips Photo by Seth Rubin, Courtesy Market Road Films © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Production Design, Wardrobe, and Makeup Production designer Develops plans & overall style for motion picture Collaborates with entire production team Production design team Art directors Set designer Construction manager Wardrobe and makeup Costume designer Works in tandem with entire production team Oversees the wardrobe supervisor and creates of costumes Makeup artists and hairdressers © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Illusions of Space and Movement Optical effects Matte painting Models Historic example: Shüfftan effect Stop-motion cinematography Compositing Blue screen and green screen Visual effects supervisor Oversees team of visual effects personnel Creation of digital effects integrated with principal photography, including backgrounds Creation of complete imagery for movie Courtesy Columbia Pictures/Photofest © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning Special Effects Illusions created during production Special effects coordinator Creation of fire, snow, explosions, and all other effects necessary during production Consults with visual effects coordinator Stunt coordinator In charge of safely preparing & executing stunts Oversees stunt personnel Photo by Spencer Susser, Courtesy Blue-Tongue Films © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning The Editorial Process Assembly and rough cuts typically begin during production Head editor oversees team to cut footage Consults with director Gives structure to sequences and overall movie Presents issues with footage and need for additional material Sound editing Sound designer develops range of tracks for mix Works with editor to develop fine cut and final cut Courtesy Ross Martin © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning

© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning Summary In Chapter 8, you have reviewed the standard departments of major motion picture productions, starting with producers and the production staff. You explored the work completed by the production team as they prepare for the shoot during preproduction. Next, you investigated the work of departments during principal photography including camera, lighting, grip, production design, wardrobe, makeup, stunt, and special effects personnel. Finally, you studied the teams that take center stage during postproduction: editing, visual effects, and sound design. © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning