Filming Process

1) Conceptual Treatment

A short write up - often less than a page - that explains the objective of the story as well as the themes and so on. It may spend quite a bit on exploring the idea, but the story itself is usually not elaborated upon.

2) Story Treatment

A slightly longer write up that would explore on the story itself and offers information regarding characters and the roles that they play. A person who is familiar with both treatments of the particular project is often able to draw parallels between concept and story.

3) Draft Script

This version of the script focuses mainly on the lines and setting of the culture of the environment. The conversations themselves would tend to lack a certain factor that makes conversations seems natural or witty.

4) Finalized Script

This would have the now improved lines and would traditionally include notes on camera angles and movements. Usually a script doctor is brought in for this.

5) Draft Screenplay

This will focus on camera angles and movement. It also will list out necessities of the set and so on. Director should be decided here.

6) Location Hunting

Once the Draft Screenplay is done look for locations that best suits the Draft Screenplay. Expect minor modifications to be done since it won't be exact to requirements.

7) Finalized Screenplay

Any minor adjustments that have had to be made due to location should be fixed in this version. Also, establishing shots should be included in this version.

8) Storyboarding

Basically a panel-for-angle sketch that will help the cameraman and crew decide on how the final shot should look like. Sometimes, this can be done with actors during Rehearsals and Blocking, utilizing a normal camera instead of sketching.

9) Rehearsals & Blocking

This is to basically get the actors familiar with their lines and movements. Storyboarding can be done during this.

10) Filming

Err... you hold a camera and record the actors... And also follow the storyboards as closely as you can. Make sure the editor is always there during filming to understand what the director wants. Make the editor study the storyboard while filming with the director/cameraman. Remember, the lines for the actors can change as long as they retain the same meaning and the chemistry still remains. Check your footage and sound quality immediately after filming so as to prevent reshoots.

11) 1st Edit

The editor will edit the footage with rough cuts and put it all together. This is where the editor and director will sometimes notice stuff that they might have been left out during storyboarding. In this case sometimes y'all may have to pick up shots - like close ups of just certain lines - or y'all may have to reshoot the entire scene. This usually only happens if there's a problem with lighting or sound.

12) Pick Ups and Reshoots if needed.

Pick ups are almost always needed. So don't worry about it. Reshoots however, can be avoided if the footage is promptly checked after every take. And the sound person keeps a close check on the sound of the film during the filming process.

13) 2nd Edit

This will be the final edit. The director has to be there during all editing phases.

If there are any major issues, the editor will have to do graphic touch-ups during

this stage. Let's hope that never happens.

Ok guys, good luck. Y'all can do this.