Pre-production
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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| - | '''Principal photography''' is the phase of [[film production]] in which the movie is actually shot, as distinct from [[pre-production]] and [[post-production]]. | + | '''Pre-production''' is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a [[film]], [[Play (theatre)|play]], or other [[performance]]. |
| - | Principal photography is usually the most expensive phase of [[film production]] and its start generally marks a [[point of no return]] for the financiers. While it is common for a film to lose its [[greenlight|greenlight status]] during pre-production (for example, because an important element such as a cast member drops out), it is extremely uncommon for finance to be withdrawn once principal photography has commenced (and is usually regarded as a catastrophe). | + | == Information == |
| + | In the [[film industry]], pre-production usually only commences once a project has been [[development (film)|developed]] and is [[greenlight|greenlit]]. At this stage a project will generally be fully financed and have most of the key elements such as principal cast, director and cinematographer in place, as well as a [[screenplay]] which is satisfactory to all the financiers. It can also mean the actors of the movie are about to shoot the movie. | ||
| - | In the [[United Kingdom]], since 2005, top independent production companies and major studios when dealing with major motion pictures have recently adapted the short term of Roll Programme which is similar to greenlighting; however, it is commonly used by accountants and producers in highlighting the fact to all parties concerned that there is no abort, cancellation or any other route for the film apart from finishing the film under any circumstances. This is only used for very high cost films, as calling a halt to a major feature whilst in production will cost the studio or producer even more in penalty fees and insurance claims for non-completion of the project. | + | During pre-production, the [[screenplay|script]] is broken down into individual scenes and all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects are identified. An extremely detailed ''schedule'' is produced and arrangements are made for the necessary elements to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. Sets are constructed, the crew are hired, financial arrangements are put in place and a [[start date]] for the beginning of [[principal photography]] is set. At some point in pre-production there will be a [[read-through]] of the script which is usually attended by all cast members with speaking parts, all heads of departments, financiers, producers, publicists, and of course the director. |
| - | Once a film concludes principal photography it is said to have [[wrap (filming)|wrapped]], and a [[wrap party (filming)|wrap party]] may be organized to celebrate. | + | Even though the writer may still be working on it, the [[screenplay]] is generally ''page-locked'' and ''scene-numbered'' at the beginning of pre-production to avoid confusion. This means that even though additions and deletions may still be made, any particular scene will always fall on the same page and have the same scene number. |
| - | During [[post-production]], it may become clear that certain [[shot (filming)|shots]] or [[sequence (filming)|sequences]] are missing that are required to complete the film, or that a certain [[scene (filming)|scene]] is not playing as expected, or even that a particular actor has failed to turn in a performance of the required caliber. In these circumstances, additional material may have to be shot. If the material has already been shot once, or is substantial, the process is referred to as a re-shoot, but if the material is new and relatively minor, it is often referred to as a [[Pick-up (filmmaking)|pick-up]]. | + | == See also == |
| + | |||
| + | * [[Film budgeting]] | ||
| + | * [[Principal photography]] | ||
| + | * [[Production board]] | ||
| + | * [[Production strip]] | ||
| + | * [[Screenplay]] (script) | ||
| + | * [[Screenwriting]] | ||
| + | * [[Shooting schedule]] | ||
| + | * [[Storyboard]] | ||
| + | * [[List of film topics|List of film-related topics]] | ||
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Pre-production is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a film, play, or other performance.
Information
In the film industry, pre-production usually only commences once a project has been developed and is greenlit. At this stage a project will generally be fully financed and have most of the key elements such as principal cast, director and cinematographer in place, as well as a screenplay which is satisfactory to all the financiers. It can also mean the actors of the movie are about to shoot the movie.
During pre-production, the script is broken down into individual scenes and all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects are identified. An extremely detailed schedule is produced and arrangements are made for the necessary elements to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. Sets are constructed, the crew are hired, financial arrangements are put in place and a start date for the beginning of principal photography is set. At some point in pre-production there will be a read-through of the script which is usually attended by all cast members with speaking parts, all heads of departments, financiers, producers, publicists, and of course the director.
Even though the writer may still be working on it, the screenplay is generally page-locked and scene-numbered at the beginning of pre-production to avoid confusion. This means that even though additions and deletions may still be made, any particular scene will always fall on the same page and have the same scene number.
See also
- Film budgeting
- Principal photography
- Production board
- Production strip
- Screenplay (script)
- Screenwriting
- Shooting schedule
- Storyboard
- List of film-related topics
