Filmmaking can be an intensive, time-consuming process. Therefore, an effective pre-production phase is key to avoiding any surprises during production and building relationships with your crew and cast members who will all pull for you throughout! While the pre-production stage includes many tasks necessary to preparing for actual shoot day activities, here are a few key things you should keep in mind when planning your shoot:
1. Come up with an engaging story and screenplay. The key to successfully making films lies in crafting compelling stories audiences will pay to see, which in turn allows you to establish a budget and find cast and crew to get your project moving. A script must possess strong character development, an engaging plotline, and deliver a clear message to audiences.
2. Create an appropriate budget.
It is vital that you create an accurate and balanced budget before shooting begins, as this will enable you to determine how many locations and pieces of equipment to rent as well as any necessary gear, how much money should remain for post-production expenses such as visual effects and editing, and whether everyone on your team understands the vision you have in mind for this film project. Therefore it’s advisable to seek feedback from team members so they all stay on board with what your goal is with it.
As your filming date approaches, now is the time to hire your primary crew. Doing this early will set the foundation for creating strong relationships amongst members of your crew that ensure all know their role and how their work contributes to its success. Furthermore, hiring people you haven’t worked with before could bring fresh perspectives!
4. Create a Storyboard and Shot List.
A storyboard is a visual guide that breaks down camera angles, shots and characters with illustrations – similar to comic books! A storyboard can be created quickly by hand in rough sketch form so even non-artists can contribute their vision of your film! Once finished you can share this guide with your team as pre-production planning proceeds before taking advantage of its contents to develop shot lists for each scene during production.
5. Master adaptability and problem solving.
No matter how well-laid out a production plan may be, unexpected issues will still inevitably arise that need resolving as quickly as possible. When they do arise, it’s essential that everyone involved remains calm while quickly addressing it to resolve it as quickly as possible and maintain open communication channels rather than making excuses if something goes awry.
Production can be an enjoyable and successful experience with proper planning and an upbeat mindset. Your hard work in pre-production will have an immediate effect on subsequent stages, so stay positive and watch as your film comes to life on screen!
