Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Stages of Making a Good Film

Author: Aaft School of Cinema
by Aaft School of Cinema
Posted: Sep 06, 2017

There are certain reputed filmmaking institutes in India that offer plenty of opportunities for ambitious students who wish to pursue a career in cinematography or direction. Dedicated to teaching how to make a good film, these colleges incorporate comprehensive hands-on technical training in the curricula. Students can learn the basics of film making, viz. screenwriting, direction, producing, cinematography, editing and sound design, and get trained on use of cameras, lighting equipment, video and audio editing equipment and software.

Film making and film editing courses in Delhi teach subjects as television production, broadcasting, and audio engineering. With advancements in digital technology, use of multimedia tools is very popular in this area. Let us first understand what a film is, before we move on to discuss what elements make a good film. A narrative shot recorded by a camera as a set of moving images that reaches theatres or cinemas, or is shown on television is referred as a film. Prior to the beginning of creating a movie, entire process is put into context. Moviemaking can be categorized into five distinct stages:

1. Development of Idea/Concept

Development is one of the longest phases of a film project. A filmmaker must give adequate thought to why make this film, what are the hopes to accomplish and how is it going to work. The more time invested in concept development, the higher the chances of getting the desired end result. It is the phase where the story takes shape and all the ideas begin to mold together.

2. Pre-Production

The more experienced a moviemaker, the more time and energy he/she will invest in pre-production. It is the preparation stage of the project. Every single detail is planned out and comes on paper before hitting the shooting floor. It is impossible to anticipate everything that might happen, and improvisation will be required in production. If you can eliminate major variables in pre-production, you will have more creative freedom in production phase. During pre-production the key members are brought onto the team. The most significant ones are the Director, the Cinematographer, and the Line Producer.

3. Production

This step constitutes the execution of carefully crafted plans made in pre-production and designed in development. Once the script, casting, equipment, locations, hiring of the remaining crew, story board and script breakdowns are finalized, the project is ready for the principal photography, or the shooting, as it is widely understood.

4. Post Production

After completion of principal photography, next phase is Post Production where a team of creative professionals such as editor, composer, sound designer, music supervisor, VFX artist, and colorist is involved. Post Production is not limited to editing. Editing is only the first step in the post production process. Sound design and music, color correction, visual effects and titling are all critical and essential elements as well. Post production can be a long and tedious process. The director will work closely with the editor to choose the takes they like best. After a rough cut is put together and original or final score is added always test the film before it is declared as final.

5. Distribution

Distribution has traditionally been the business phase of the entire project. Most moviemakers tend to develop skills in the creative center – Pre-Production, Production and Post Production. This is the only part that brings out the projects in front of the audience. It is the most rewarding phase of the process, as professional moviemakers are the ones that master development and distribution. The hallmark of the stand-out filmmakers is their ability to fund their project in development and sell the project in distribution.

If you are ready and willing to be part of the ever-growing film industry, you will have to showcase your creative vision through the medium of films – features, shorts or even documentaries. Your ability to make something out of nothing will decide your future as a good filmmaker. Film direction and production is not an easy job, rather it is highly competitive. To accomplish your goal of making films, you should consider taking a professional training and education at the one of the most reputed film schools of India. AAFT School of Cinema has been top ranked for cinematography courses in India.

About the Author

The article and information provided above for Cinema, film schools and film editing courses by Rakesh Ranjan is contributed on behalf of Aaft.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Aaft School of Cinema

Aaft School of Cinema

Member since: Sep 04, 2017
Published articles: 5

Related Articles