Film making

“A film is a battleground“, Sam Fuller

9Stages of Film making

IDEA

DEVELOPMENT

PACKAGING

FINANCE

PRE-PRODUCTION

SHOOTING

POST PRODUCTION

DISTRIBUTION

SCREENING

Stage 1- Idea

The process of filmmaking starts with aninspiration or Idea thatsprung from ourrendezvous with everydaylife. There is no dearth ofideas; however theimportant thing is tocontemplate whether it isgood enough to create alasting impression with aviable theme that can bedeveloped into a strongscript.

Stage 2- Development

Idea takes the form ofa script with all theessentials like a goodscreenplay, charactersand moods, definingkey moments in thefilm. Shooting film costsmoney, and thereforethis is also the timefor budgeting analysisand getting ready withthe pitch for obtainingfunds for further scriptdevelopment.

Stage 3- Packaging

Once the final scriptingdone, producer anddirector work towardsensuring the commercialsuccess of the idea. Themost common practice toensure success isusually casting wellknown faces in the film.With so much moneyand reputation on stake,it is indeed important topackage the project withbest talent around.

Stage 4- Finance

This is perhaps themost tedious part ofpre-production. Gettingfunded can be trickierunless you haveexceptional marketingskills to convince theinvestors that your ideais going to make moneyin the end. Securingfinance means half thebattle won..

Stage 5- Pre Production

During this stage everystep of filming isplanned, right fromstoryboarding, shootingpermits to budgetallocation, Insurance andtechnical aspects. Themore time you spend inpre production, lesserare the chances to facechallenges in successfulcompletion of yourproject.

Stage 6- Shooting

Once shooting is started,it is imperative to keepa regular check onschedule and budgetsince it is prone to gooverboard with manyunforeseen events thatare likely to occur atthe time of shooting.Production managerensures that the budgetand shooting schedule ismanaged well with lesserglitches on the go.

Stage 7- Post production

An editor’s job is ascritical as direction. Asmart edit can make anordinary film come alive;on the other hand a badedit might totally screwan otherwise brilliantscript. Sound design,foley and music playequally important role togive an edge to yourfilm.

Stage 8- Distribution

While movie making is anart, distribution is purebusiness sense. It is duringthis phase the marketingplans are executed withofficial posters, teasers, andpress kits released forpublic screening. Filmdistributors usually throw alaunch party for official firstscreening of the film andafterwards it gets distributedto cinema for wideraudience.

Stage 9- Screening

The film gets sent totheatres across countryor oversees forscreening and voila!That’s where you sitback relaxed, basking inthe glory of havingmade it to the finishline. There is no joygreater than seeing youridea taking a shape onscreen that is wellreceived by theaudience

Credits: Argalian Pictures

By: Sumie