Film Production: Tips, Services and Equipments

Anybody can direct a picture once they know the fundamentals. Directing is not a mystery; it's not an art. The main thing about directing is: photograph the people's eyes. - Jon Ford.

Lights, Camera, Action! Well that is how vaguely most of us understand the intricacies of film making or film production. Although we watch films regularly, enjoy some detest many and analyze almost every thing that is dished out to us on celluloid, very rarely do we sit down and think about the numerous facets of the film production process that go into the making of a complete film. Film-making or Film Production is like any other form of art, and most of all a means of expression. A story or a narrative penned down by the writer has to be transformed into an active screenplay, which is in turn re-created by the troupe of actors, captured through the lens of the camera and then edited again to insert sound, special effects and create a seamless piece of film that is ready to be screened for the audience. The film production process can be divided into four main stages which are as follows:

• Development
• Pre-production
• Production
• Post-production

Let us have a look at each of these steps to see what happens at every stage of film production.

Development

This is the stage where the hunt for a viable idea for a film begins. The script can either be an original script written by a scriptwriter or it can be inspired from an existing book or even a play. Once the idea is finalized a synopsis of the theme will be created. The next step is sketching a step outline. In a step outline the entire story is broken down into one-paragraph scenes that are numbered and include indications for dialogue and character interactions.

The Treatment for the film is also created which is like a descriptive piece of prose about the film, which is longer than the synopsis but shorter and less detailed than the step outline. Once the script is ready, it has to be transformed into a screenplay. The main difference between a script and a screenplay is that a script is a narrative but a screenplay is a detailed description of every event and every detail, which will be seen on the screen. The screenplay is written and re-written to improvise on elements like characterization, dramatization and the overall style and feel. After this the "pitch" is made and presented to potential financiers for the film. If the pitch is triumphant, the movie is Okayed. Financial backing is offered, usually from a film studio, film council or in some cases from some independent investors. After this the deal is negotiated and all the official contracts are signed.

Pre-Production

Pre-production involved planning for the film production which first requires setting up of a production company and a production office. The entire screenplay is storyboarded by means of illustrators and concept artists. Famous Indian Director Satyajit Ray, was known for his perfectionist attitude and was known to sketch his own storyboards for every scene with attention to the finest of details that he wanted on the screen. After the story boarding the pre-production process also involves hiring an entire crew for the film production.

A Typical Film Production Crew includes:

Director

Assistant director

Casting Director

Director of Photography

Location Manager

Art Director

Production Manager

Production Designer

Cameramen

Production Sound Mixer

Sound Designer

Composer

Choreographer

Make-up artists

Costume Designers

Property Master

Script Supervisor

Picture Editor

Production

The director is the captain of the ship. He is responsible for every step in the production process. This is the stage where the movie is actually shot. A typical shooting schedule starts when the sets are constructed with additional props; lighting and the camera and sound recording equipment are all in place. Simultaneously the actors get ready with their costumes and make-up. The actors rehearse their dialogue and discuss the blocking (which refers to the precise movement and positioning of the actors) with the director. The actors then have a live rehearsal with the picture and sound crews and the action is shot until the director gets the desired result. Every report sheet in all the departments, make it a point to record the important technical notes for every take. If traditional photographic film is being used in the film production process, the negatives are sent to the film laboratory for processing and are then reviewed and edited. However the advances in technology now enable easy review and digital editing of films on the computer with the help of latest software.

Post Production

The role of the film-editor is chiefly instrumental in the post-production process of film making. Film editing work flow can be accomplished by two possible methods:

Film Workflow: In this process the original camera film which is also called the negative is developed and made into a one-light work print which is known as the positive. These positives or work prints are then edited using a mechanical editing machine. A simple edge code is marked onto the film to locate the positions of numerous picture frames.

Video Workflow: In this process the picture film or the negative is transferred into electronic form and then edited with various non-linear editing systems like Avid, Quantel or Final Cut Pro. This is technically advanced method and hence is less time consuming while rendering good quality.

The editor first chooses the best shots from the available options and manages to create a rough cut of the movie which is then polished and edited further to give the final cut of the film. Once the picture is ready, the film is forwarded to the sound department to create the sound track. The final stage of film production process is distribution of the film, which involves making copies of the movie according to the releasing requirement of cinema owners or sometimes the DVD/ VCD or VHS distributors. The movie is advertised through press kits, posters, trailers and other possible media options that are convenient for the film producer.

Tips for Film Production

• Always plan ahead. The pre-production process is instrumental in shaping up of the entire movie. Plan every step carefully
• Before finalizing a script, analyze it for its viability and possible target audience.
• Always plan every step according to your production budget, do not go overboard, try and stick by the allotted production budget.
• Plan your shooting schedules well in advance and co-ordinate with the entire crew to maintain the workflow and complete your film production according to the set plan.
• Features like special effects and audio tracks appropriately so that they enhance the visuals rather than being distractive.
• Use production equipment that suits your requirements and fits your budget.
• If you require help in specific departments, outsource services according to your requirement. For example the production equipment, editing services or even troupes of actors/ extras can be hired

Last but not the least no matter how big or small a movie is, on completion of the film there has to be a wrap-up party where the entire cast and crew can watch the movie and celebrate the completion of the successful venture!