Film Production

Key roles:

• Writer - in charge of creating the screenplay for a film. This should have an exciting plot and interesting characters while fitting with the style and format of the film industry. The screenwriter has to work to a strict deadline and work alongside a script development team to ensure that the script is even more likely to be financed and made. There are some cases when an extra screenwriter will be brought in to help improve certain aspects of the film. Initially, the writer will approach Producers with a pitch in the hope that their idea will be picked up.

• Producer - responsible for turning story ideas into films that will bring in a profit. Part of their job is to put together a creative and talented group of cast and crew that will hopefully help with the success of the film. Overall, their main job is managing and being responsible for all aspects of the films production.

• Casting Director - organise and select the cast for the film. They are in charge of the casting process which consists of interviews and auditions with Actors and then negotiating money and contracts with Actors once they get the role. Before going in to casting, they must first work with the Director and Producer/s to understand what they are looking for.

• Director - creative driving force in a film's production. They visualise, style and structure the film bringing it all to life. Their duties include: casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. The Director is a crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams.

• Film Finance - manage all of the finance aspects of the film production. They do this by preparing budgets, managing cash flow, accounting and taxation, raising finance and overseeing the Accounts team as well.

• Camera Operator - prepare and operate the camera equipment. They work with the Director and the Director of photography to understand the visual style of the film to ensure that this can be brought to life and achieve their aims. Also, they manage the other camera staff to make sure that they are doing what they should be and keeping a constant style. They also need to communicate with the Actors to ensure that they are in the right positions for the camera and to make them aware of which cameras will be on them at different times.

• Editor - work closely with the Director to put together the finished film and the final cut to make sure that it is done how they want it. This process requires working in an editing suite for long hours as there is usually a very strict deadline that they have to meet. They are in charge of running a team of assistants and trainees on big productions, because it is such a big project more than one person is needed to get it all done.

• Production Designer - manage every visual aspect of the film as well as directing the team responsible for producing all of the visual elements e.g. set, costume . They will work closely with the Director and Producer/s to put together a budget and schedule for the production of the film.

• Marketing - organise the creation and planning of marketing campaigns and the publicity that surrounds the film. This involves working with the Distributor, film studios and the film makers to get it all done correctly in a way that they like.

• Exhibition - Cinemas remain the main and most important market for film, as if the film does well in the Box Office then initially this is their best way of getting financial success. Film attendance is always being collected so that cinemas can decide which films to cancel and which films to prolong. Money can also be made from DVD sales, rentals, hospitality, broadcast and product licensing. Premieres are done as a way of launching the film and out usually in big cities with the stars of the film and other famous guests to gain high publicity coverage. Prints are needed in order to show the films at the cinema and these are provided to the Exhibitioner by the Distributor.