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

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

3. 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…

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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…

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

16. 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.)

17. 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

18. 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!

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

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

21. 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.