Filmmaking

The ocean has been the backdrop for some of the greatest movies. It has also been the backdrop for many mediocre movies, but hey, that’s not the ocean’s fault. The point is that for a filmmaker, the ocean provides you with an incredibly wide range of cinematic moods and settings. From beauty to terror to adventure, the ocean has it all. And the reason it all works so well is that anyone who has spent any time in the ocean has, at one time or another, probably experienced exactly what is being portrayed on the screen. After all, haven’t we all wondered what is lurking just below our feet? It may be difficult to identify with an action hero jumping from one speeding train to another but show a scene of feet treading water just below the ocean surface, and your spine begins to tingle because you know that the shark isn’t far off.

But when it comes to movies, most of us tend to focus on the finished product. Even if all we know about film is how to stream them, we can all appreciate the tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into the creative process. For a big-budget studio movie, that process involves multiple stages of production and requires the skills of dozens and dozens of different types of professionals. But even for smaller-budget, independent films, the process is almost the same, albeit on a reduced scale and with people doubling or even tripling up on jobs. Because filmmaking involves such a wide range of professions – from screenwriter to electrician to stunt coordinator – we can only provide you with the most general overview of the filmmaking industry. Therefore, we highly recommend that you take advantage of the filmmaking books we have provided as they include some classics of the movie industry that are still required reading at most film schools. And while on the subject of film school, we cannot overemphasize the benefits of pursuing a degree in some aspect of filmmaking. This is a highly competitive industry where even the twenty-something working in the mailroom is a most-likely a graduate of a prestigious film school. Unless you are a child prodigy, not having that degree will leave you at a disadvantage.

Having said that, we can give you some insight into the various stages of the movie-making process and the types of professions associated with each particular stage.

Development

The development stage includes fleshing out the story idea, working the script into a viable first draft, and figuring out how to finance the movie. The key individuals involved in this stage of the process are the screenwriter and the producer.

Preproduction

Pre-production is the planning process and execution of each task that must take place before production begins, including finalizing the shooting script, setting the budget, hiring department heads, breaking down the script, storyboarding and shot listing the scenes, scouting and securing locations, casting actors, hiring crew, and scheduling shoot days. Preproduction officially begins once the script is locked and involves the director, cinematographer, producer, first assistant director, production managers, line producers, production coordinators, and location managers. Once this stage is complete, the film is ready to be shot.

Production

Production is the stage where the movie is filmed. Actors perform on camera, lighting crews illuminate the set, camera crews capture the action, sound crews capture audio, and creative designers oversee costumes, makeup, props, and scenery. In addition to the director, who oversees the entire operation, other professionals involved during the production stage include the production manager, assistant production manager, production coordinator, assistant directors, production designer, art director, set designer, set decorator, propmaster, costume designer, makeup artist, director of photography, camera operator, gaffer, key grip, boom operator, stunt coordinator, special effects coordinator, and production assistants.

Postproduction

Post-Production is the stage after production when the filming is completed, and the editing of the visual and audio materials begins. The postproduction process involves editing footage, creating sound effects, composing an original score, sourcing existing songs, and cutting a trailer. Key professionals needed during the postproduction stage include the postproduction supervisor, editor, colorist, visual effects producer, sound designer, dialogue editor, composer, music editor, and sound editor.

Distribution

Distribution is the final stage of production, which occurs after the movie has been edited and is ready for viewing. Depending on the distribution deal entered into, the film will be released in theaters, on DVD, or onto an alternative digital media platform. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published, and the film is advertised and promoted. This stage involves sales, lawyers, and dealmakers.