What are the stages of film production?

Film Production consists of 5 stages: development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. All stages have different goals, and they all help the next stage. All stages have different lengths and different points of focus. Failure to fulfill or skip these stages can cause many disruptions in the filmmaking process. Therefore, people who have started making films should master these stages. If we need to briefly talk about these stages, then;

1. Development:

This stage is actually like a blank sheet of paper. With this stage, the paper gradually begins to fill up. It is the stage of creating, writing, organizing, and planning a project. At this stage, the preliminary budget is determined, the staff is started to be created, key creatives are selected, the locations where the film can be shot are investigated, and more than one script draft can be written during this stage. In fact, we can first find out what the project will be and what needs to be done for the project at this stage. Then, the budget required to attract the project is considered first at this stage, and efforts is made to ensure that the project is funded and approved. Many other costs, such as place, food, wardrobe, props, equipment, set construction, legal fees, advertising, and much more, are calculated here and an attempt is made to adjust the budget. In addition, at this stage, the search for actors who are suitable for the roles of the film begins. Casting, in the process of which it is quite important to find actors who fit the roles in the script.

2. Pre-Production

The pre-production includes all the steps taken before the actual shooting. What is being done at this stage is as follows; Casting, Rehearsal with the actors, Budgeting, Scriptwriting, Location scouting, Wardrobe, Prop shopping, Set design, Pre- visualization, Pre-lighting, and Pre-composition. The pre-production stage may take months. Everything is tried to be adjusted before the actual filming begins. The film crew expands even more during this time.

The pre-production period gives an opportunity to get acquainted with other actors and team members working on the film. In short, during this period, the margin of error is tried to be minimized.

3. Production

Although production is the most important stage in the creation of the film, it is usually the shortest. During the construction, which is the most intensive stage of production, the team works up to 16 hours a day. The team works hard to finish the project on time. The team is creating the storyboards at this stage. At this stage, it is aimed to thoroughly review the resumes of the team members and select the best actors and actresses for the roles. People who are especially important in the film-making process; Line Producer, First Assistant Director, Director Of Photography, Production Schedule, Costume, Hair And Make-Up, and Production Design. The production process of the film takes place around these people.

4. Post-Production

This stage is the section where the captured images are edited. The editing of the film, sound mixing, visual effects, soundtrack, and titles are prepared at this stage. The project is completed and prepared for distribution. The post-production team has been working for hours to deconstruct the scenes and create a stunning story. Although some parts of the post-production can be done during the filming, the main work is done at the end of the shooting.

5. Film Distribution

In order for the film to get good results, a good distribution should be made. Without a strict and sound distribution strategy, the other four stages of production are somewhat superfluous, at least from a business point of view. Distribution is the final stage of a project for producers who want to get a return on investment. In order to attract more viewers, various distribution methods are resorted to. With the developing technology, distribution methods are also diversifying. If it is poorly planned and does not provide a good distribution, then all other stages will be in vain, since no one will see the final product and will not be able to cover the cost of the project.