How films are made
When making a film there are four
main
steps that are involved.
Production
This includes pre-production, production and
post-production. Pre-Production is what happens before any filming begins for
example script writing, location scouting, casting, and production schedule
etc. once these things are completed then comes the actual production of the
film eg. Shooting the film, Recording music soundtracks for the film. Finally
post-production this includes editing the film and creating film posters and
trailers, which is then used in marketing and exchange.
Marketing and
exchange
This is when the audience is made aware of the film.
Trailers and film posters are brought out by the production company to help
promote the film.
Distribution
The finished film is then shared ready for audience
consumption. Sales agent is hired who communicates between the distributor and
film maker. He/she is in charge of making sure the film is sold to film
distributors. The distribution company then decides what cinemas the film will
be shown in and also decides the release date.
Audience
Consumption
The audience are then able to go and watch the film in order
for them to have their own opinion on the film. Some ways a film can be
consumed is if a person goes to the cinema, Streaming on PC, phone or console
you may also download the film. Whether the audience like or dislike the film
will determine the profit made by the film company.Therefore the audience play a huge role when trying to promote your
film. Audience may or may not give a good review on your film. If someone
really does like your film they may tell a friend (word of mouth) or promote
your film through social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook which
will then reach a mass number of your target audience. If there is a lack of
people going to see your film it may get taken out of the cinema early where as
if your film is a big success it may get an extended time
The profit made by the film is divided between the filmmaker,
the distributor, sales agent, the investor and the cinemas that showed the
film. This is called recoupment
Funding
Funding is a massive part of filmmaking as the money may be
used to fund things such as hiring cast/crew, props, use of a location or
transport to locations. Some independent films are not funded as the filmmaker
might have access to the right equipment also know locations where it is free
to use.
Films can be funded through many things such as:
Sponsorships for example the lottery
Loans
Self-funding
Investments
Broadcasters eg film 4
Roles
In order to make a film successful there needs to be a
strong team that will work together to insure everything goes to plan. A producer and directors roles are the
most important.
The Producer is responsible for the whole production and
making sure it is produced on time and stays within its budget. A few of the roles and responsibilities
the producer has is secure financing for the film, Develop a shooting schedule,
determine location and budget and work with a distributor to secure
distribution for the film.
The director may have written the script or may have been
hired. A director has the most creative role in the making of the film as
he/she develops the whole look of the film. A few of the many things the
director does is selects the right locations and cast for the film, manage the
technical aspects eg the camera, sound, lighting and the director is also the
motivation of the team to produce the best result.
Some of the other roles needed in production are:
Assistant director
Executive producer
Camera operator
D.O.P (director of photography)
Production manager
Costume designer
Film editor
Lighting/gaffer
