2011 - It's been a while...

Cycling in Bronte Creek Provincial Park

I posted about the 3 steps to any production (in the comments). So I thought I would post this info here in the main body of the blog. It's nothing earth-shattering or new. Everyone in the industry will acknowledge these 3 stages of production but what typically happens is a little over-lap of a task that can be done in stage 2 may get done in stage 1.

The 3 stages are:

1. Pre-Production: write a script (or story,documentary,movie proposal.etc) storyboard, hire the cast, crew (each dept: camera, SPFX, Props, Lighting, Costumes, Set, etc), find a location/set/studio, schedule, secure/rent equipment, props, vehicles, food, transport, etc (general production assistant jobs). Two production teams: 1st location shoots actors, 2nd location shoots coverage (opening movie sequence, chase scenes, establishing location shots, etc). Sometimes a 2nd team will begin this process before the 1st team shoots actors during official production phase/stage.
2. Production: Shoot the script, doc, storyboard, etc according to the schedules/shot break-downs, All departments coordinate to bring costumes, props, sets, SPFX, sound, camera, etc together during the shoot. Director may rehearse scenes before actors act them. Director works closely with the DOP (aka cinematographer) to chose type of shot, camera angle, lights, frame, etc. Director always checks the "dailies" or daily video/camera footage to see what needs to be added, 2nd team shoots long shot coverage.
3. Post-Production: Editing, music, re-recording of sound (actor's voices if needed), explosions, etc. Actors' interviews/PR, Advertising/commercial campaigns, Distribution of shorts/trailers leads to full distribution of movie/video/doc

Now, that's a lot of info, and most of that you (as a novice) will never have to concern yourself with. However, it is good to practice a similar 3 phase approach since it stops and forces one to think if they've planned enough.

When shooting your video:

1. Remember to bring extra of everything (batteries, lenses, memory cards, etc)
2. Always consider a narrative (even for birthday parties!)
3. Even documentaries should have structure (consider the conflict or themes)
4. Always plan and think how to shoot interesting shots & use a TRIPOD or stabilizer if you have one (for docs: think coverage before, where U R, who's attending, etc)
5. Think of who your audience is (older crowd, students, a specific market?)
6. Think of who might buy or pay to exhibit your video/movie
7. Think of what skills you'd like to develop
8. Think of the music and sound or other factors others may not be thinking of
9. Think of who you can get to help you *(the more the merrier)
10. Take your time (there's a deadline but you want to do it right)

[Some of the info I've related here comes from years of experience- yes acting back in Kingston, Jamaica, Vancouver, Toronto, & from teaching at EC Drury School for the Deaf.  From teaching- I've used an excellent online/digital source called Digital Overdrive]. 

Please check out their link below for great educational resources on video production & more

http://www.eastwoodmm.com/evideo.html

James