1. Chapter 8: The Production Process

2. © 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

3. 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

4. © 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. © 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

10. © 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

11. © 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