This week we are jumping right into the thick of things with an article about Film Production. This is part 2 of my 3 part series on how films are made called ‘From Script to Screen – A Guide To The Film-making Process’. When your done reading it you will have a very good idea how scripted television and film production works. If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you check out part one of this series from last week on Pre-Production. Pre-Production is key to the whole process and if you have done a good job there you will be ready to actually create your film. In part two we will be discussing Filmmaking Production.
Overview of Filmmaking Production
Also known as Principal Photography, or the Shooting Period, or just ‘The Shoot‘. Production is the time when the Film or TV series is actually being recorded on film or tape. The screenplay has been signed off on, the Pre-production plans have been meticulously planned out and now your ready for the performance! It is extremely important to execute well during the shoot because unnecessary mistakes costs everyone time and money. There are dozens of people waiting around during the shooting and they are all getting paid.
Length of Principal Photography
Let’s take a look at the standard length for different types of projects.
Feature Film
- Low Budget:
A low budget feature is typically filmed for approx. 3-8 weeks. With an emphasis on controlling costs low budget features cannot afford to have meticulous directors filming shot after shot.
- Big Budget/Studio:
A big budget Studio Film is typically filmed for approximately 2-6 months, but this will vary heavily on complexity and the scale of the production. There are always exceptions, especially for great directors. Stanley Kubrick films were notorious for going way over schedule with Eyes Wide Shut taking 15 months to complete shooting.
Television
- The production period for each television Episode typically ranges between 7 – 11 days. One episode is shooting while another show is in Pre-production, and another episode is in Post-production. This is a constant cycle during the season, of episodes being in one of these 3 different states.
This type of scheduling makes a big difference for the people working on a television series vs a feature film.
The Movie and Shots
What makes up a movie and what is a shot?
Scenes are a collection of shots and all the scenes edited together make up the movie.
Types Of Shots
There are two types of shots.
- Camera shots:
This is what goes on between the press of the camera start button, until the camera is shut off.
- Editing Shots:
The camera shots are edited in length and duration, and placed next to other shots to create a scene in the final film A shot varies in sizes composition, movement, action and lighting.
Coverage
What is Coverage?
Coverage is a film production term that refers to shooting a scene, utilizing a variety of shots from different angles and compositions. The amount of coverage you acquire is going to directly affect what the Film Editor is able to do in Post Production. The editors main purpose is to use the coverage to weave the scenes together into a compelling, visual, and emotional experience for the audience while still pleasing the director. The more coverage that is captured of course the more footage the Film Editor will be able to work with in post production. Generally the more they have the happier they will be but this all has to be weighed against the realistic cost and time of capturing that coverage. The Director and the Director of Photography (also known as DP or Cinematographer) are responsible for getting the Coverage.
Anatomy of a Scene Shot
Let’s take a detailed look on the steps for how a scene is shot. This spells out in order what actions typically take place every time a scene is shot and who is responsible.
- First Assistant Director brings actors on set. Crew stands by as director rehearses and blocks scene with actors.
- Final run-through of blocked scene as crew watches.
- Camera Assistant takes measurements and puts tape marks on floor
- Sound gets levels
- Operator action with camera
- Once Director is satisfied with blocking, the First Assistant Director sends actors back to wardrobe and make-up to prepare
- Director and DP finalize shots to be taken and needed coverage
- Director of Photography begins to light with lighting department. (This usually takes a substantial amount of time)
- Art Department makes final touch-ups to set
- When the set is completely lit, and ready to go, the First Assistant Director signals to the Second Assistant Director to bring in Actors, extras, or whoever else is required on the floor
- It’s finally time to shoot. The 1st AD will call for quiet, and then instruct the Sound Recorder, and camera to run
- 1st AD says “Roll Sound” – Recordist responds by saying “Rolling”
- 1st AD says, “Camera” – Camera Assistant responds by saying “Speed” (When Camera is at correct speed)
- The Assistant Camera on slate announces scene, number, take and slates shot
- Director calls “Action” and will carefully watch shot progress
- Script Supervisor will take notes of action and dialogue on Continuity sheets. He/she will note any alterations in the script, performance, or camera movement during shot.
- Shot runs it’s duration. At finish, Director says, “Cut”
- Director makes judgment on performance, and checks to make sure if technical crew are satisfied with results
- If Director or crew is not satisfied, the Director will make changes and necessary adjustments, and call for another take
- If Director is satisfied, he/she will say “Print Take.” Script Supervisor will make note
- 1st AD will state “Moving On” to the crew
About Shots
What are the necessary shots to get when shooting for coverage?
Establish Shot
The Establish Shot is meant to immediately let the audience know where the scene is happening. It is important because it shows the general environment that the scene is taking place in; for example the city, street, beach, etc.. It also shows a character in relation to the environment. For example: man walking down the street or standing by the bar etc..
Master Shot
The Master shot is a shot or series of shots that encompasses the entire scene from start to finish. It is shot in a way that keeps all the players in view. Imagine it as if you were watching it from a seat in an audience in a staged play. This may serve as a blueprint for the complete scene, with blocking included.
Medium Shot (MS)
In a medium shot the actor is the center of attention – usually show on film from waist up. The Medium shot has the following variations; Two or more, Over – the – Shoulder Shot.
Close Up (CU)
The close up tightly frames a person or object and is usually the head and face of the actor.
Extreme Close Up (ECU)
Very close tight shots that emphasize an actor’s facial detail. With the rise of popularity in HD this can be extremely detailed which isn’t always fun for the actors!
Wide Shot or Long Shot (LS)
- This shot shows the full body shot of actor and is usually intended to show their surroundings as well so you know the context.
High Angle
- The camera is positioned higher than the actors. This shot often demeans characters, and diminishes their importance in scene.
Low Angle Shot
- The camera looks up the actor, from somewhere between waist level and ground level. This serves to makes actors look very powerful and in control. It can be used to convey a subconscious message to the audience on how they should perceive a character.
Point of View (POV)
- A POV shot represents the physical viewpoint of a character in the scene. This shot illustrates what the character sees through his her own eyes.
Other Types of Coverage Multi-Camera coverage is used on specific types of shows, often in front of a live audience.
- Multiple cameras can take different shots of a live situation as the action unfolds chronologically.
- Productions can be filmed or taped faster than single camera.
- Most often shot on stage. Director usually works from a booth.
Lighting
Let’s discuss Lighting in a film. Lighting in is extremely important in making actors and everything else on film look good and convey the right mood for scenes.
- Illuminates the action and characters
- Sets up a mood
- Accentuates specific aspects of a scene
- Embellishes the style of the film
- Instills a specific feeling in the mind of the viewer
What is the basic lighting setup?
Below is a diagram of the basic lighting setup. This setup applies to interior and exterior shots and serves countless variations on the Long, Medium, and Close-Up. 
Keylight
- Keylights supply the main light for a scene
- Usually keylights are set up in front or above a subject
- Depending on the scene to be filmed, keylights may be hard or soft
- Soft: With diffusion – accentuates romantic or ethereal quality of scene
- Hard: Accentuates realistic, hard edge quality of scene
Backlight
- Separates a character from his/her background
- Gives form to hair and clothing (which might blend into background under different circumstances)
- Usually Backlights are set up at a 45 degree angle from backgound
Fill Light
- Extremely important in balancing the keylight that has been placed on the side
- Used to pick up background detail
- Fill light serves to adjust shadowy areas
Call Sheet
The call sheet is a sheet of paper normally created by the Assistant Director that informs everyone working on the film where they need to be and what they need to do a particular day of shooting.
Here are some more details about Call Sheets.
- Given out after wrap every day to inform Cast and Crew exactly what is expected the next day
- Includes all departments and all requirements
- Includes anticipated weather
- Includes locations
- Corresponds with Shooting Schedule
- Includes amount of shooting time in a given day: Sun-up time / Sundown time
Well that’s a wrap on the production portion of the filmmaking process! Next week I hope you will join me as we go through a step by step rundown of post production. If you want to learn the business side of Entertainment, click here to download my Free Ebook teaching you what you need to know!