Production: From Pre to Post

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Working Wednesday: Production: From Pre to Post

This week we will talk through the main stages of production so here is a scenario.

You have won your client and the budget is agreed, they want a promotional video, where do you start? Pre Production.

Pre Production:

Step One: Get organised. You have your budget and script/ storyboard, now you need to list your crew and book equipment!

Step Two: Insurance. A main thing to think about is insurance and liability, you need to make sure you and your crew are covered by any eventuality to avoid any unforeseen and expensive costs. There are many insurance companies that specialise in film that you can call around for the best price.

Step Three: Location, Location, Location. Make sure you have your locations secured, and do a recce. Do you know where the nearest hospital is? Police Station? Where and what will your crew eat? And if your outside, do you need generators for your equipment and shelter for your crew?

Step Four: Scheduling, once you have secured your crew, equipment and locations you need to write a production schedule. What scenes are you going to shoot where and when? Don't forget you don't need to shoot your scenes in order. For example, if you have scenes 1, 5 and 9 in a barn, don't go back three times, shoot them all whilst you're there.

Step Five: Once you know what days you are in each location, you need to produce a call sheet. This acts as a mini schedule each day. It tells your crew what time they need to be where, important information and contact details, and even in what order you will shoot scenes. When writing this it's essential you take into consideration the little things, for example if you are outside in winter, it will get darker quicker, if you need the daylight you need to start earlier to leave yourself enough time - always overestimate how much time you will need. Also don't forget to write in lunch breaks! A crew is like an army, it runs on it's stomach!!

After all that your are ready to 'get rolling'!

Filming:

Step One: Whilst you may have prepared for any eventuality, it's important to remember that just because you have spent a large amount of time in pre-production anything can go wrong, you need to swiftly deal with it any problems as they arise and move on, there often isn't time for a minor panic, you can save that for wrap!

Step Two: Follow your schedule as best you can, we all know things can change on the day, so be flexible but don't jeopardise your other shots.

Step Three: Enjoy it!

Post - Production:

Step One: You've had a successful shoot, you've got great footage, now it's time to shut yourself (or your Editor) away and edit. Don't forget to keep to the concept and script and bring in a fresh pair of eyes every now and then to get feedback.

Step Two: Once you have your shiny, polished, amazing new video, post it around and promote it! You and your crew worked hard on this so send it around to make sure as many people see it as possible!