Financing
Financing is important to any film, as you cannot effectively make a movie for free unless you already own everything for it and have cast and crew volunteering or know people who will blindly invest in your idea. Everything from props, costumes, lighting, editors, actors and locations will all require funds.
Publicly funded films are ones that have been financed by publicly funded agencies based on their potential. Usually, the money comes from taxpayers, grants, and the lottery. Some organisations that can provide this type of funding in the UK include BFI, BBC Films, Film4 and Creative Fund England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland among others. Most people can apply to these with their pitch and if they approve of it they will consider providing funds granted that they are going to the right place and that they are being fairly distributed.
Privately funded films are financed by investors looking for financially successful films in order for them to make a share of the profits. The investors can be anyone with a set amount of disposable income that they believe could be turned into more profit, from entrepreneurs and large corporations, to small businesses and local private doctors. Crowdfunding is another option to source the finance for a film which involves a lot of members of the public investing a small amount of money in a concept that they want to see on screen. Investors can earn perks by pledging a certain amount of money (for example, being able to meet the director if they donate $1,000)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Private and Public Funding
Public films are more artistic and are usually an expression of the filmmaker and area that the film has been made/funded in (for example a drama film about poverty in Scotland is more likely to be funded by these groups than a superhero film). Publicly funded films are also often shown at festivals, both local and worldwide, and as such, have a good opportunity to receive awards.
Private films are funded based on how much profit they will make, and usually are aimed at a very wide, general audience. Because of this, these films are usually very accessible and are “crowd pleasers” rather than high art.
Timescales
It’s important to organise when you will be working on the film to ensure that cast and crew can show up when they’re needed and not have pre-existing plans to do other work. It is also important to fit the timeline of how long you will have equipment for (if it is rented). You must be accurate and safe when planning this, as if making the film takes longer than planned (reshoots, editing/post production process), budget could over run and cast and crew may not be available.
Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” was heavily delayed due to it being filmed on sea. Originally the film was planned to be finished in around 55 days, however, the final movie took 159 days to conclude filming and heavily overran its budget. Because it was filmed in the ocean, the cameras would stop working and members of the cast and crew would get sick. It was reported that an average 12 hour workday would only include 4 actual hours of filming time
Facilities
The facilities that might be required are backlots, sets, greenscreens, storage, editing rooms, and more. The equipment can include cameras, microphones (boom mics/lavaliers/shotgun mics, etc), computers (for editing), instruments and music equipment (for recording the score if present), camera equipment (steadicams, dollies, lenses, film if it’s not digital, etc), lighting, props and costumes. In post production, editing software, non-diegetic/diegetic soundtrack/effects may also be needed.
It's important to ensure that all of the equipment you will need is ready to be put on set at the time of the shoot. This is why this process is best done within pre-production. If you figure out that you need additional equipment while on set, you will have to wait for it to arrive, delaying the shoot and film overall.
If these essential things are not acquired, then the film may not be completed on time and the right equipment/supplies might not be available for the times on the shooting schedule. This will cause delays as it may leave you unable to shoot the film at all.
Locations
You should carry out recces to scope out locations that match the scene and are appropriate for purpose. This is important as if you do not have the right locations then you will struggle to shoot the film appropriately if certain scenes require a specific type of environment. You will also need to do this in pre-production to avoid running over budget and taking longer than needed. Certain places may also only be able to be used at a certain time slot, and these times must be managed so that the shooting schedule is accurate and suitable for both cast and crew.
Personnel
Having a clear list of the necessary personal is essential to the pre production of any film. Obviously you must cast the entire film, and ensure that the actors are right for the role, but you also must consider the crew (who will be operating the lights, camera equipment, getting together the costumes, grips, location workers, hair and makeup, music/soundtrack, visual effects, etc) and other people who will help to enrich the film, such as consultants or advisers (to give insight into the setting or theme of the movie) or a stunt crew, if the production calls for such a thing. It is very important to also consider who will be given a specific role, and find people who have the skills required for the job.
Additional Materials
Archive and library materials - such as stock footage, or pre-existing footage that may be required to demonstrate that a film is set in a certain time frame or place
Sound or sound library materials - such as sound effects and music, needed for enriching the overall aesthetic of the film, and immersing the viewers in the environment
Scripts and storyboards - the outline that is an absolute necessity for any film to be produced efficiently and properly. A screenplay consists of dialog, settings, actions and the outline of the general artistic direction of the project. You must also strictly follow the standard screenplay format, Master Scene Script, when writing it (font, keywords, layout, etc). This is especially true if you are pitching the script to a higher up studio, who will not give your screenplay a chance unless it makes a good first impression, and using the right format always shows that you are knowledgeable about the subject and have studied other examples. Some companies even refuse to consider scripts not written in the Master Scene format.
Storyboards are not entirely necessary for every film, but help speed up the artistic process of the movie while on set, as you have an idea of the exact shot that you will take, with framing and blocking already planned. However, sometimes the actual shooting location may not allow for certain shots to be replicated from the storyboard, and the storyboard may not always be able to be adhered to completely.
Original filmed materials - this could be footage that is shown in the film to the characters, for example, TV or news broadcasts that run in the background during scenes with the intention of the characters using it to gain new information. It is important to ensure that this matches up with the original scene, and to do this effectively, all original material should be completed in pre-production before the scene in question is filmed. This can be added in post, but may cause problems, such as it being out of sync, or looking too synthetic (roughly green screened in for example).
Props and costumes - costumes are necessary for any film that is set in a different time frame or location to ensure accuracy. Props are also important to a lot of films, to add more value/realism to them if they are additional, or are especially needed if they are necessary to the plot or narrative of the film. You must figure out which props will fit each scene in pre-production, and find out where you can efficiently source them for the best value.
Assets - material purchased or taken from the public domain that will be used in the film. Certain assets will be essential to the film and overall they will complement the experience.
Codes of Practice and Regulations
Local Health and Safety laws will need to be strictly followed on set, and every piece of equipment/member of the cast and crew must be safe. There have been cases where people have died due to negligence of health and safety (Art Scholl dying on set of Top Gun, Alain Dutartre during Taxi 2 filming, three deaths while in production of the Twilight Zone movie). If somebody is injured, the studio and those working on the film will be claimed liable for the injury and lawsuits may be held, slowing the production time and costing the studio for financial compensation. To help prevent incidents from happening, carry out regular risk assessments, and keep them up to date at all times. It is also important to implement a health and safety plan/policy that is specific towards the type of production you’re working on, and strictly adhere to following it throughout all stages of productions.
If you intend to use copyrighted material within your film then you must ensure that the rights holders have received their royalty, and that they are okay with their intellectual property being used within your film. In some cases, you may be able to bypass copyright laws by following the rules of the fair use exception. This can include using material in order to create satire or parody, critiquing it, or adding some sort of creative value which otherwise may not have been present. However, you are taking a gamble by doing this, as some rights holders may pursue a lawsuit if they believe the fair use claim to be false, so it is important to have supportive lawyers in case of this. It also depends where the film is being produced. The United States and Canada generally have less strict laws regarding what is copyright infringement and fair use, so you may be better off basing your production their if your film revolves around real existing property.
A trade union (such as PACT in the UK) may also be involved in a film, which helps regulate such things as negotiating wages and contracts, giving advice to different cast/crew members and organising training to those who need it. Depending on what the production is, and the scale of it, a trade union may be essential to organisation and making individual roles more efficient. Most professional people working within the film industry (cast/crew) are a part of a trade union, so as a filmmaker you must respect the organisation that they are a part of and communicate with them when necessary.
All of these procedures allow for the production of the film to not be interrupted by various issues that may arise as a result of not following them. These practices should always be considered with everyone involved with production in mind, and always treat every worker, regardless of role, as a real person.
Formats for the pre-production process
The Proposal
A proposal is comprised of multiple aspects that describe the narrative, objective, and general direction of the film. It should start with a synopsis. This is probably the most important part of the film proposal. It should show how the idea is original, and the interest of the filmmaker. It includes the basic outline and plot of the idea.
The logline is what best describes the plot of the film in an interesting way in around 30 seconds. It should include the films central concept and explain it within one sentence.
The structure should also be clearly outlined. You must show how the story will progress and how it will reach its certain climaxes. The majority of films follow the standard three act structure, but be sure to include some twists and turns to separate the movie from the rest and keep it intriguing. Also be sure to explain the key characters and what their personalities are.
A treatment can help with a proposal too. This will include an easy to understand, detailed outline of the plot, including the ending. This can be used in addition to synopsis to give a more rigorous description of the plan for the entire film. A good proposal will also include a target audience. Find out what groups will most likely be interested in the film idea and show the people you are pitching the film to that you have effectively targeted towards that audience. As well as this, a unique selling point will help make the idea more appealing to studios or financers.
The purpose of a proposal is to allow investors, studios and affiliates to get an idea of what the final film will be like, and encourage them to invest in the concept.
Master Scene Script
Master scene script is the standard formatting for any screenplay. Its purpose is to be easy to read and understand by studios and investors. It is comprised of dialogue's along with a brief description of what is happening on screen. This is to allow the readers to visualize the film effectively, and understand the story. Due to this, the master scene format usually doesn’t really allow for containing a large amount of technical information.
The standard structure of scripts written in this format are as follows:
Sluglines- describe the location, time of day (day/night, etc), whether the scene is set in an interior or an exterior, sometimes the locale of the scene (the city for example), and sometimes additional details about the setting of the scene.
Narrative description - describes the story and its direction. This includes characters, settings and actions. The narrative description should be short, but detailed enough to be able to be read and understood fully.
Dialogue blocks - describe what the characters will say, and sometimes the way they will say it. It should be clear who is saying what, and whether this takes place on or off screen (marked by O.S for “off screen” and V.O for “voiceover”)
The standard codes conventions of master scene script have to be followed at all times when writing a screenplay in the format. You must use the exact font and size, and other formatting features (such as indentation, margins, and footers) need to align with the traditional ideals of the script type. Characters all have to be in uppercase, and dialogue must be in lowercase. These standards are used to make the script clear and concise throughout.
The format is used as the industry standard because its “to-the-point” nature allows studios or investors to quickly gain the essence of an entire film’s plot very quickly by reading an easy to understand script that has the same format as every other one.
Shooting script
Shooting scripts are used on the production to shoot the movie. They usually contain more information than the main script and typically outline editing techniques, camera composition/movement and scene numbers. These are designed for use by the director while on set of the film, and not for a studio or investor. It’s not a good idea to present a shooting script to an investor as they probably can’t read and understand it. The main purpose of the shooting script and what makes it different from a standard screenplay is that a shooting script is for use while actually working on production, where screenplays are used for selling the idea to higher ups.
Storyboard
Storyboards can be created once the screenplay is finished in order to visualise the shots within the film before initiating production. Usually, storyboards consist of various pictures demonstrating the framing and composition of specific shots in a certain scene, sometimes with a short sentences beneath with a short description of the action within the frames.
An advantage of doing this is that you can sort out any issues before they arise on set. However, screenplays are controversial within the industry because some say that they limit the creative freedom of the director and reduce the spontaneity of certain elements while on set.
Despite this, storyboards can help directors and cinematographers by allowing them to plan the key shots in pre production, thus saving time that would be spent on set figuring out which way to shoot a scene.
Shooting Schedule
A shooting schedule is a comprehensive list of what will be shot when. Shooting schedules typically center around the hours and number of shots required, but can also include the date, notes on how the shot will be taken, and information on the location and background of the scene. These schedules are an important part of pre-production, and ensure that the filming process will go exactly as planned, and not be subject to overrunning (which negatively impacts budget and time on set). The list must be well thought out and detailed, ensuring that the order will be efficient to shoot.
Other paperwork
Other forms of paperwork used for pre-production include
Location scouting templates - used to report information on various potential shooting locations
Risk Assessments - used for assessing the health and safety risks of areas and items to prevent accidents happening on set
Copyright Clearances - ensuring that all copyright holders will allow for certain copyrighted materials to be used
Sound templates - showing where sound is used in different areas
Location release forms- the necessary permissions for shooting on privately owned locations.
The functions of pre-production
One of the most beneficial purposes of pre production is to allow the film to be expanded and worked on naturally rather than rushed out and half baked. Scripts can go through various revisions and be redrafted easily if the filmmaker desires. Pre production also makes it possible for multiple writers to work on the film, adding and removing bits and pieces of the script to improve the film. Locations can also be changed mid way through pre production.
If you discover any constraints during pre production (such as budget or lack of equipment), you can alter the screenplay to make it easier to produce. Pre production also functions as a way to bring all cast/crew members together when they are needed through planning and scheduling.
The purpose of pre-production
Rigorous and well organised pre-production is necessary for any film to be produced correctly. If not planned well, then the film might suffer from a myriad of different problems, such as health and safety incidents or accidental copyright infringement due to the negligence of the director and studio. Problems like these can be solved, but require time and money, and as a result, the budget for the film will be forcefully increased, and production time will drag, making it so that the film gets delayed, or even cancelled. This is also why it is important to treat your workers as equal collaborators. They are being paid for their time, but they also need to feel importance and be incentivised to work as hard as they can to avoid any issues from occurring. Gaining permission is also an absolute must when working on a film, for example, contacting the local council when filming on a public street or ensuring that actors have signed the necessary paperwork. This should be done in pre-production to avoid having to find new locations or actors while working, which may prove to be a lengthy process that grabs into the budget and time constraints. Lawsuits, or even arrests, may also emerge if the steps aren’t followed correctly or if anyone is found violating the law while on production. Assessing these pre-production procedures is also important. Usually this is done through the practice of compliance audits, which are assessments carried out to ensure that everyone involved in production is compliant to the guidelines set by the law and the organisations involved.
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) are an organisation that censor and classify films. These ratings make it so that a person under the specified age cannot see the film in cinemas or buy a physical copy of it within a store. The age rating of the film should be considered with the target age demographic, as if your film has too high a rating for its intended demographic, it has less of a chance of being seen by its target audience, and as a result, it will not take in as much at the box office. Within pre production a target rating should be established and the guidelines of what makes a film that rating should be followed in order for the film to be classified as such.
When pre-production is effective, the film is produced efficiently, with minimal to no conflict or problems. Cast and crew are confident while working, and overall they will want to work harder and be prouder of the effort they have put in. All legal and moral basis will be covered, and no issues will be created as a result of negligence. The film is now set up to be a success.
Financing is important to any film, as you cannot effectively make a movie for free unless you already own everything for it and have cast and crew volunteering or know people who will blindly invest in your idea. Everything from props, costumes, lighting, editors, actors and locations will all require funds.
Publicly funded films are ones that have been financed by publicly funded agencies based on their potential. Usually, the money comes from taxpayers, grants, and the lottery. Some organisations that can provide this type of funding in the UK include BFI, BBC Films, Film4 and Creative Fund England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland among others. Most people can apply to these with their pitch and if they approve of it they will consider providing funds granted that they are going to the right place and that they are being fairly distributed.
Privately funded films are financed by investors looking for financially successful films in order for them to make a share of the profits. The investors can be anyone with a set amount of disposable income that they believe could be turned into more profit, from entrepreneurs and large corporations, to small businesses and local private doctors. Crowdfunding is another option to source the finance for a film which involves a lot of members of the public investing a small amount of money in a concept that they want to see on screen. Investors can earn perks by pledging a certain amount of money (for example, being able to meet the director if they donate $1,000)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Private and Public Funding
Public films are more artistic and are usually an expression of the filmmaker and area that the film has been made/funded in (for example a drama film about poverty in Scotland is more likely to be funded by these groups than a superhero film). Publicly funded films are also often shown at festivals, both local and worldwide, and as such, have a good opportunity to receive awards.
Private films are funded based on how much profit they will make, and usually are aimed at a very wide, general audience. Because of this, these films are usually very accessible and are “crowd pleasers” rather than high art.
Timescales
It’s important to organise when you will be working on the film to ensure that cast and crew can show up when they’re needed and not have pre-existing plans to do other work. It is also important to fit the timeline of how long you will have equipment for (if it is rented). You must be accurate and safe when planning this, as if making the film takes longer than planned (reshoots, editing/post production process), budget could over run and cast and crew may not be available.
Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” was heavily delayed due to it being filmed on sea. Originally the film was planned to be finished in around 55 days, however, the final movie took 159 days to conclude filming and heavily overran its budget. Because it was filmed in the ocean, the cameras would stop working and members of the cast and crew would get sick. It was reported that an average 12 hour workday would only include 4 actual hours of filming time
Facilities
The facilities that might be required are backlots, sets, greenscreens, storage, editing rooms, and more. The equipment can include cameras, microphones (boom mics/lavaliers/shotgun mics, etc), computers (for editing), instruments and music equipment (for recording the score if present), camera equipment (steadicams, dollies, lenses, film if it’s not digital, etc), lighting, props and costumes. In post production, editing software, non-diegetic/diegetic soundtrack/effects may also be needed.
It's important to ensure that all of the equipment you will need is ready to be put on set at the time of the shoot. This is why this process is best done within pre-production. If you figure out that you need additional equipment while on set, you will have to wait for it to arrive, delaying the shoot and film overall.
If these essential things are not acquired, then the film may not be completed on time and the right equipment/supplies might not be available for the times on the shooting schedule. This will cause delays as it may leave you unable to shoot the film at all.
Locations
You should carry out recces to scope out locations that match the scene and are appropriate for purpose. This is important as if you do not have the right locations then you will struggle to shoot the film appropriately if certain scenes require a specific type of environment. You will also need to do this in pre-production to avoid running over budget and taking longer than needed. Certain places may also only be able to be used at a certain time slot, and these times must be managed so that the shooting schedule is accurate and suitable for both cast and crew.
Personnel
Having a clear list of the necessary personal is essential to the pre production of any film. Obviously you must cast the entire film, and ensure that the actors are right for the role, but you also must consider the crew (who will be operating the lights, camera equipment, getting together the costumes, grips, location workers, hair and makeup, music/soundtrack, visual effects, etc) and other people who will help to enrich the film, such as consultants or advisers (to give insight into the setting or theme of the movie) or a stunt crew, if the production calls for such a thing. It is very important to also consider who will be given a specific role, and find people who have the skills required for the job.
Additional Materials
Archive and library materials - such as stock footage, or pre-existing footage that may be required to demonstrate that a film is set in a certain time frame or place
Sound or sound library materials - such as sound effects and music, needed for enriching the overall aesthetic of the film, and immersing the viewers in the environment
Scripts and storyboards - the outline that is an absolute necessity for any film to be produced efficiently and properly. A screenplay consists of dialog, settings, actions and the outline of the general artistic direction of the project. You must also strictly follow the standard screenplay format, Master Scene Script, when writing it (font, keywords, layout, etc). This is especially true if you are pitching the script to a higher up studio, who will not give your screenplay a chance unless it makes a good first impression, and using the right format always shows that you are knowledgeable about the subject and have studied other examples. Some companies even refuse to consider scripts not written in the Master Scene format.
Storyboards are not entirely necessary for every film, but help speed up the artistic process of the movie while on set, as you have an idea of the exact shot that you will take, with framing and blocking already planned. However, sometimes the actual shooting location may not allow for certain shots to be replicated from the storyboard, and the storyboard may not always be able to be adhered to completely.
Original filmed materials - this could be footage that is shown in the film to the characters, for example, TV or news broadcasts that run in the background during scenes with the intention of the characters using it to gain new information. It is important to ensure that this matches up with the original scene, and to do this effectively, all original material should be completed in pre-production before the scene in question is filmed. This can be added in post, but may cause problems, such as it being out of sync, or looking too synthetic (roughly green screened in for example).
Props and costumes - costumes are necessary for any film that is set in a different time frame or location to ensure accuracy. Props are also important to a lot of films, to add more value/realism to them if they are additional, or are especially needed if they are necessary to the plot or narrative of the film. You must figure out which props will fit each scene in pre-production, and find out where you can efficiently source them for the best value.
Assets - material purchased or taken from the public domain that will be used in the film. Certain assets will be essential to the film and overall they will complement the experience.
Codes of Practice and Regulations
Local Health and Safety laws will need to be strictly followed on set, and every piece of equipment/member of the cast and crew must be safe. There have been cases where people have died due to negligence of health and safety (Art Scholl dying on set of Top Gun, Alain Dutartre during Taxi 2 filming, three deaths while in production of the Twilight Zone movie). If somebody is injured, the studio and those working on the film will be claimed liable for the injury and lawsuits may be held, slowing the production time and costing the studio for financial compensation. To help prevent incidents from happening, carry out regular risk assessments, and keep them up to date at all times. It is also important to implement a health and safety plan/policy that is specific towards the type of production you’re working on, and strictly adhere to following it throughout all stages of productions.
If you intend to use copyrighted material within your film then you must ensure that the rights holders have received their royalty, and that they are okay with their intellectual property being used within your film. In some cases, you may be able to bypass copyright laws by following the rules of the fair use exception. This can include using material in order to create satire or parody, critiquing it, or adding some sort of creative value which otherwise may not have been present. However, you are taking a gamble by doing this, as some rights holders may pursue a lawsuit if they believe the fair use claim to be false, so it is important to have supportive lawyers in case of this. It also depends where the film is being produced. The United States and Canada generally have less strict laws regarding what is copyright infringement and fair use, so you may be better off basing your production their if your film revolves around real existing property.
A trade union (such as PACT in the UK) may also be involved in a film, which helps regulate such things as negotiating wages and contracts, giving advice to different cast/crew members and organising training to those who need it. Depending on what the production is, and the scale of it, a trade union may be essential to organisation and making individual roles more efficient. Most professional people working within the film industry (cast/crew) are a part of a trade union, so as a filmmaker you must respect the organisation that they are a part of and communicate with them when necessary.
All of these procedures allow for the production of the film to not be interrupted by various issues that may arise as a result of not following them. These practices should always be considered with everyone involved with production in mind, and always treat every worker, regardless of role, as a real person.
Formats for the pre-production process
The Proposal
A proposal is comprised of multiple aspects that describe the narrative, objective, and general direction of the film. It should start with a synopsis. This is probably the most important part of the film proposal. It should show how the idea is original, and the interest of the filmmaker. It includes the basic outline and plot of the idea.
The logline is what best describes the plot of the film in an interesting way in around 30 seconds. It should include the films central concept and explain it within one sentence.
The structure should also be clearly outlined. You must show how the story will progress and how it will reach its certain climaxes. The majority of films follow the standard three act structure, but be sure to include some twists and turns to separate the movie from the rest and keep it intriguing. Also be sure to explain the key characters and what their personalities are.
A treatment can help with a proposal too. This will include an easy to understand, detailed outline of the plot, including the ending. This can be used in addition to synopsis to give a more rigorous description of the plan for the entire film. A good proposal will also include a target audience. Find out what groups will most likely be interested in the film idea and show the people you are pitching the film to that you have effectively targeted towards that audience. As well as this, a unique selling point will help make the idea more appealing to studios or financers.
The purpose of a proposal is to allow investors, studios and affiliates to get an idea of what the final film will be like, and encourage them to invest in the concept.
Master Scene Script
Master scene script is the standard formatting for any screenplay. Its purpose is to be easy to read and understand by studios and investors. It is comprised of dialogue's along with a brief description of what is happening on screen. This is to allow the readers to visualize the film effectively, and understand the story. Due to this, the master scene format usually doesn’t really allow for containing a large amount of technical information.
The standard structure of scripts written in this format are as follows:
Sluglines- describe the location, time of day (day/night, etc), whether the scene is set in an interior or an exterior, sometimes the locale of the scene (the city for example), and sometimes additional details about the setting of the scene.
Narrative description - describes the story and its direction. This includes characters, settings and actions. The narrative description should be short, but detailed enough to be able to be read and understood fully.
Dialogue blocks - describe what the characters will say, and sometimes the way they will say it. It should be clear who is saying what, and whether this takes place on or off screen (marked by O.S for “off screen” and V.O for “voiceover”)
The standard codes conventions of master scene script have to be followed at all times when writing a screenplay in the format. You must use the exact font and size, and other formatting features (such as indentation, margins, and footers) need to align with the traditional ideals of the script type. Characters all have to be in uppercase, and dialogue must be in lowercase. These standards are used to make the script clear and concise throughout.
The format is used as the industry standard because its “to-the-point” nature allows studios or investors to quickly gain the essence of an entire film’s plot very quickly by reading an easy to understand script that has the same format as every other one.
Shooting script
Shooting scripts are used on the production to shoot the movie. They usually contain more information than the main script and typically outline editing techniques, camera composition/movement and scene numbers. These are designed for use by the director while on set of the film, and not for a studio or investor. It’s not a good idea to present a shooting script to an investor as they probably can’t read and understand it. The main purpose of the shooting script and what makes it different from a standard screenplay is that a shooting script is for use while actually working on production, where screenplays are used for selling the idea to higher ups.
Storyboard
Storyboards can be created once the screenplay is finished in order to visualise the shots within the film before initiating production. Usually, storyboards consist of various pictures demonstrating the framing and composition of specific shots in a certain scene, sometimes with a short sentences beneath with a short description of the action within the frames.
An advantage of doing this is that you can sort out any issues before they arise on set. However, screenplays are controversial within the industry because some say that they limit the creative freedom of the director and reduce the spontaneity of certain elements while on set.
Despite this, storyboards can help directors and cinematographers by allowing them to plan the key shots in pre production, thus saving time that would be spent on set figuring out which way to shoot a scene.
Shooting Schedule
A shooting schedule is a comprehensive list of what will be shot when. Shooting schedules typically center around the hours and number of shots required, but can also include the date, notes on how the shot will be taken, and information on the location and background of the scene. These schedules are an important part of pre-production, and ensure that the filming process will go exactly as planned, and not be subject to overrunning (which negatively impacts budget and time on set). The list must be well thought out and detailed, ensuring that the order will be efficient to shoot.
Other paperwork
Other forms of paperwork used for pre-production include
Location scouting templates - used to report information on various potential shooting locations
Risk Assessments - used for assessing the health and safety risks of areas and items to prevent accidents happening on set
Copyright Clearances - ensuring that all copyright holders will allow for certain copyrighted materials to be used
Sound templates - showing where sound is used in different areas
Location release forms- the necessary permissions for shooting on privately owned locations.
The functions of pre-production
One of the most beneficial purposes of pre production is to allow the film to be expanded and worked on naturally rather than rushed out and half baked. Scripts can go through various revisions and be redrafted easily if the filmmaker desires. Pre production also makes it possible for multiple writers to work on the film, adding and removing bits and pieces of the script to improve the film. Locations can also be changed mid way through pre production.
If you discover any constraints during pre production (such as budget or lack of equipment), you can alter the screenplay to make it easier to produce. Pre production also functions as a way to bring all cast/crew members together when they are needed through planning and scheduling.
The purpose of pre-production
Rigorous and well organised pre-production is necessary for any film to be produced correctly. If not planned well, then the film might suffer from a myriad of different problems, such as health and safety incidents or accidental copyright infringement due to the negligence of the director and studio. Problems like these can be solved, but require time and money, and as a result, the budget for the film will be forcefully increased, and production time will drag, making it so that the film gets delayed, or even cancelled. This is also why it is important to treat your workers as equal collaborators. They are being paid for their time, but they also need to feel importance and be incentivised to work as hard as they can to avoid any issues from occurring. Gaining permission is also an absolute must when working on a film, for example, contacting the local council when filming on a public street or ensuring that actors have signed the necessary paperwork. This should be done in pre-production to avoid having to find new locations or actors while working, which may prove to be a lengthy process that grabs into the budget and time constraints. Lawsuits, or even arrests, may also emerge if the steps aren’t followed correctly or if anyone is found violating the law while on production. Assessing these pre-production procedures is also important. Usually this is done through the practice of compliance audits, which are assessments carried out to ensure that everyone involved in production is compliant to the guidelines set by the law and the organisations involved.
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) are an organisation that censor and classify films. These ratings make it so that a person under the specified age cannot see the film in cinemas or buy a physical copy of it within a store. The age rating of the film should be considered with the target age demographic, as if your film has too high a rating for its intended demographic, it has less of a chance of being seen by its target audience, and as a result, it will not take in as much at the box office. Within pre production a target rating should be established and the guidelines of what makes a film that rating should be followed in order for the film to be classified as such.
When pre-production is effective, the film is produced efficiently, with minimal to no conflict or problems. Cast and crew are confident while working, and overall they will want to work harder and be prouder of the effort they have put in. All legal and moral basis will be covered, and no issues will be created as a result of negligence. The film is now set up to be a success.
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