Film Production

Film Production

• Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.
• Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.
• Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.
• Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.
• Writer- A writer carefully creates the script for the actors to read, however the screenwriter does far more than provide dialogue for the actors. He or she also shapes the sequence of events in a film to ensure that one scene transitions to the next smoothly.
• Producer-This producer is essentially the leader and is responsible for managing the production from start to finish. The producer develops the project from the initial idea, makes sure the script is well finsihed,  sorts out finance; making sure everything is in budget and manages the production team that makes the film.
• Casting director- Works with the director but with the less important actors so for example the extras etc whereas the director will direct big scenes with more A list celebrities. 
• Director- The director runs the shooting of the film and the overall making of it. The director works in the centre of the film production.
• Film finance-
• Camera operator- Also referred to as cameraman or camerawoman, they record the making of the film.
• Editor- The editor will piece together the film. They will cut any scenes or edit any scenes that need touching up.
• Production designer- The production designer is the first person to turn the script into a visual. They make a draft of the scene on storyboards.

•  An institution (in the film industry)- Any company or organisation that produces, distributes or exhibits films. The BBC makes films with their BBC Films arm; Channel4's Film Four produces films, Working Title also produce films, as does Vertigo Films.

• Distribution and Marketing- The business of getting films to their audiences by booking them for runs into cinemas and taking them there in vans or through digital downloads; distributors also create the marketing campaign for films producing posters, trailers, websites, organise free previews, press packs, television interviews with the "talent", sign contracts for promotions, competitions, etc. Distributors use their know-how and size to ensure that DVDs of the film end up in stores and on supermarket s.helves.

• Exhibition- showing films in cinemas or on DVD. Media attention through opening nights and premieres How the audience can see the film: in cinemas, at home, on DVD, through downloads, through television, including premieres, the box office take in the opening weeks; audience reviews which includes those of the film critics, ordinary people, cinemas runs; awards in festivals, The Oscars, BAFTAS, etc.

• Vertical and Horizontal Integration- Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.

• Synergy/Synergies -The interaction of two or more agents (institutions/companies) to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. This is beneficial for each company through efficiencies in expertise and costs.

• Viral Marketing- A marketing technique aiming at reproducing "word of mouth" usually on the internet and through existing social networks. YouTube Video pastiches, trailers, interviews with cast members, the director, writer, etc. You can find interviews of “the talent” trying to gain publicity for your case study films on YouTube. Find some clips from the films we have studied to help you in the exam.

• Guerilla Marketing- The use of unconventional and low cost marketing strategies to raise awareness of a product. The aim is usually to create “buzz” and “word of mouth” around a film. Unusual stunts to gain publicity (P.R.) on the film’s opening weekend, etc.

• Media Convergence- Convergence of media occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.

• Technological Convergence- The growing interractive use of digital technology in the film industry and media which enables people to share, consume and produce media that was difficult or impossible just a few years earlier.

• A Mainstream Film- A high budget film that would appeal to most segments of an audience. Distributors often spend as much or more than the film cost to make when distributing mainstream films that are given wide or universal releases.