Making a movie is a complex enterprise, involving much more than just turning on the lights and letting the cameras roll. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done before a single scene is shot, as well as after the final cut. Regardless of the type of film or the size of the budget or cast, filmmaking proceeds through 5 major stages:
Anyone who’s made film and knows about the cinema has a lifelong love affair with the experience. You never stop learning about film.
—Francis Ford Coppola
STAGE 1
DEVELOPMENT
How do we get started?
Start with an idea
Your concept might come from a book, play, true story, or other source; or you have a theme, message, or information to communicate
Write the script
Flesh out the script based on your idea, or interview and hire a good script writer
Get legal
Obtain the necessary legal clearances to make your movie
Hire a director
The director oversees the creative aspects of the film, so choose someone who can see the full picture
Creative team
This will include the director, producer, writers, director of photography, and other creative professionals and technicians
Make a budget
Every good film needs one
Enlist financial support
Share risk by partnering with co-producers and private investors; pre-selling distribution rights can also offset the cost.
Greenlight project
Ready to go!
STAGE 2
PRE-PRODUCTION
Can we start filming now?
Make a schedule
For shooting the film
Draft storyboards
This helps visualize your movie and explain your vision to the other members of the crew
Scout locations
Find a place to film
Define your visual identity
Consider how you want your movie to look and feel through lighting, camera work, and mood
Play dress-up
This will include the director, producer, writers, director of photography, and other creative professionals and technicians
Sets, props, and equipment
Costumes and makeup play an important role in characterization
Music and special effects
Original music or a well-selected soundtrack is often what gives a film its distinctive mood; youa��ll also need to source and record sound effects
Casting call
Choose actors who look the part and are able to do what the scenes require of them
Hire a crew
Besides the creative team and cast, youa��ll also need various technicians to make your production run smoothly
STAGE 3
PRODUCTION
Are we done yet?
Shoot the film
Ita��s time to shoot your movie! Be sure to capture each scene from multiple angles.
Rough processing
Each day, scenes shot will be roughly processed to see how things are looking
Step by step review
The director and select crew members will review clips each day to make sure things stay on track
It’s a wrap
The filming is over when all scenes have been shot; enjoy the wrap up party, but the movie isna��t done yet
STAGE 4
POST-PRODUCTION
Are we done yet?
Now for the editing…
Scenes may need to be cut, shortened, or rearranged for the continuity of the narrative
Wired for sound
The final music will need to be synced with the final cut of the film; this is also where sound effects are added and mixed
Add the special sauce
Render any digital special effects or filters during the final processing of the film
Give credit where
credit is due
Create the opening and closing film credits
STAGE 5
DISTRIBUTION
But wait, there’s more!
Marketing day
The film is advertised by various media and marketed to distributors
Give yourself a big promotion
Promote your movie via press interviews, film showings and film festival activities
Movie rights
The film is licensed for viewing, usually first by theatres, then on DVD and online, then for broadcast via free or paid TV