Preparing for Post

There are, I've heard, three stages of making a film. The first stage is pre-production, where everyone spends money like mad and congratulates themselves at how brilliant their ideas are. Next, the production stage, where, again, everyone spends money like mad and congratulates themselves at how brilliant the film will be. The 3rd and final stage, post- production is where they're broke and now realise what a piece of crap they've made. You've chosen well.

Pre-Production

Pre-production is the period of time used to plan and prepare for the filming and completion of the film.

The steps are, more or less as follows:

1) Set up production crew.

2) Hire a production crew.

3) Evaluate locations, FX, stunts etc.

4) Lockdown the script.

5) Get insurance and arrange for the completion bond.

6) Schedule the shoot.

7) Talk to the unions.

8) Cast.

9) Check Locations.

10) Build sets and do décor.

11) Wardrobe.

12) Order supplies, inc. film.

13) Book accommodations for principles.

14) Write contracts.

15) Stunts and FX prep.

16) Set up labs for dailies.

17) Set up post production crews, hire post supervisor, prebook audio post crew.

18) Hire the music composer and/or get the music clearances.

Production

1) Everyone go out there, spend lots of money and make a film!

Post-Production

Post Production is the period of time used to finalise the film, building up the image and sound to the quality expected by the audience.

1) Film processing.

2) Code and sync dailies.

3) Screen dailies.

4) Film transfers.

5) Workprints.

6) Offline, create EDL.

7) Audio Post.

8) Online.

9) Mix.

10) Distribution.

To learn more details, start here: