Production Process - overview Three major stages of production Preproduction Planning, research, writing, organizing Production Shooting, recording, acting, performing

Production Process - overview Three major stages of production Postproduction Editing, fixing, sweetening, copying, evaluating

Production Process - Preproduction 1 Cannot just run out and shoot… Work closely with client throughout Program idea - from basic to specific Inspiration - for style & content… be aware, alert, curious…

Production Process - Preproduction 1 Goals, purpose of production, audience, outlet (distribution) Research - background, details Client history, background, relationship Budget

Production Process - Preproduction 2 Planning - creative ideas, production style, persuasive style, scriptwriting and re-writing, storyboard Production decisions: Final budget

Production Process - Preproduction 2 Types and sources of music, crew & equipment, locations, talent Schedule of activities Time frame, final “deliverables”

Production Process - Preproduction 3 Key preproduction personnel Director - overall responsibility for translating script to production Producer - coordinator, manager of production activities

Production Process - Preproduction 3 Key preproduction personnel Scriptwriter Music coordinator Post-production supervisor Client contact (the right person)

Production Process - Preproduction 5 Key preproduction personnel Art director - set design Lighting director Floor manager (studio only) Technical director (studio only) Small company, small project yields more overlap of duties

Production Process - Production 1 Translate idea into program (encode message) Location or studio shoot (edited or “mixed” live) Additional footage - cover video, b-roll, 2nd unit Reshoots Archival pictures/film/video - source, location

Production Process - Production 1 Stock footage - source Music/score - original, library Graphics - design & creation Narration, voice-over - talent, facilities

Production Process - Production 2 Key Production Personnel (note - field vs. studio) Director, assistant director Producer & assistants/associates Videographer, Director of Photography (DP) & assistants, camera operators

Production Process - Production 2 Key Production Personnel (note - field vs. studio) Lighting director Audio director/engineer Studio: Technical director (TD), floor person (grip), Character Generator (CG), videotape operator, video engineer

Production Process - Postproduction (editing) 1 Multi-camera style (game show, talk show, sporting event) Option 1: live broadcast, no need to “post produce” Option 2: clean up errors, remove bad language, condense/consolidate, add necessary video/titles/credits, music, etc…

Production Process - Postproduction (editing) 1 Multi-camera style (game show, talk show, sporting event) Option 3: “repurpose” - edit program for a different use

Production Process - Postproduction 2 Single camera (“film style”): Following script select best takes/shots/still photos, etc…combine with audio to create final program (Note: it’s not that simple, keep reading.)

Production Process - Postproduction 3 Documentary, news, news magazine example: Log footage (20, 30, 50:1 shooting ratio) View footage, write down or digitally store shots you plan to use Very important step - re-familiarize yourself with what you have, select best shots, quotes

Production Process - Postproduction 3 Capture footage to computer for digital editing Identify additional needs - acquire elements Rough edit in sections Final edit - transitions, titles, credits, audio sweetening, color correction Editing - very creative and stimulating, very time consuming and tedious at times. Computer skills a must!

Production Process - Postproduction 4 Review by client Make changes Formative Evaluation of production with test audience - formal/informal During process, make changes to program

Production Process - Postproduction 4 Final edit Distribute Summative Evaluation - evaluate effectiveness of production or campaign in the real world

Production Process Summary All three steps important Failure to plan is a plan to fail (cliché but true) Always keep client’s goals, audience effects in mind throughout the process Part of your job as producer/director is to determine needs, goals, capabilities of client and production team and to educate your clients in the process.