Introduction to Filmmaking

Here are the absolute basics of film production: the kinds of roles people can take and the five steps of the filmmaking process.

Roles:

Screenwriters - write the script, aka the screenplay

Filmographers or camera people - record the performances on video

Actors - the people who perform the script; includes voiceover actors, stars, as well as extras and supporting roles

Sound technicians - responsible for recording audio, adding in music and sound effects, layering different soundtracks so it blends properly

Editors - put everything together in the right order using video and audio editing equipment

Graphic designers - responsible for the overall "look," including on-screen text, animations, etc.

Directors - lead production by telling actors where to stand, how to emote, when to do what; casting directors select who act in which roles

Producers - often an honorary title, but strictly refers to the people who manage the production team as a whole and move the project from development to distribution; frequently also the people who provide financial backing or other resources for the film

Gophers - the people who "go for" whatever the crew needs, from food to equipment; the road crew of the production company

Five Stages of Filmmaking 

Not only in this strict order, some stages overlap, and sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board!

1. Development - brainstorming, rough drafts, scriptwriting, storyboards, etc.

2. Pre-production - assigning/hiring cast and crew, designating meeting places and times for production schedule, set building, etc.

3. Production - shooting the raw footage, recording audio & video, animations, etc.

4. Post-production aka post - editing everything into a film

5. Distribution - sharing the final cut (posting online, showing in theaters, presenting in class)

Some other considerations:
- EVERYONE in the group should have a copy of the video file BEFORE the day of the presentation
- We also need to decide presentation order today
- You may either use your phones for video & audio recording or you can check out equipment (incl. cameras) from WRD (13th floor of Patterson Office Tower, go to the big glassed-in office) AND from the AV Services (in the basement of WT Young, incl. tripods for stable video, but NOT video cameras)


Final Project Requirements Handout