Where can one find information on becoming involved in the production of movies?

Answer 1

There are generally two types of films, Narrative and Documentary. Making either type of film usually employs the four phases of film production summerized below, though some details are unique to each film type and genre.

Development Phase

A book or other story source is adapted, usually by a writer or writer/producer into a screenplay or script or an original screenplay is written or acquired. Once approved to proceed through development by the producer, a director is hired and the script is edited and refined until it is approved as a shooting script. A detailed budget for the remaining phases of production is created during development.

Pre-Production Phase

The producer(s) and director begin to hire associate producers, a production designer, line producers, casting agent(s), cinematographer (or director of Photography) and others on the lead or executive team who acquire all the elements that will appear in front of the camera including locations, sets, props, talent, crew, etc. as well as ancillary support services for the growing army of professionals who will be working on the film. Any locations are scouted and locked down and storyboards and/or previsualization is created during pre-production to help the director communicate his/her vision to all other parties on how the story is to be executed.

Production Phase

Shot by shot, all principal photography (the capturing of images and sound) until every scene from camera positions determined by the director and cinematographer is "in the can." Elements such as special shots or stills for marketing purposes are usually captured. Any computer-generated images (CGI) or visual effects sequences are also begun during production. Usually the costliest part of filmmaking, the Production phase employs more people on the project than the other phases.

Post-Production Phase

Under supervision of the director, the captured images and sounds are organized into story sequence by one or more editors, combined with unrefined versions of CGI and visual effects, then refined into a rough cut. From a rough cut screening for the director and all others with approval authority such as the executive producer, decisions are made as to how the final film will be edited. CGI and visual effects are refined and audio effects such as foley and any ADR (or looping) is recorded during post. Pickup shots and insert shots are performed at this phase and sometimes scenes need to be re-shot if problems with the story or with existing shots are discovered during editing.

A final cut or master is the result of the refined rough cut combined with all new elements. The film is then passed through color correction and a musical score is added. After a private screening of the final cut and hopefully approved, the master is considered locked and a "duplicate master" is created then prepared for reproduction/distribution according to the distributor's specifications, whether for theatrical, or video/DVD release.

Answer 2

There are many sources that you can go to. Many colleges and universities offer tv/film production courses. Even if you're not interested in attending, often you can reach out to professors through email if you're looking for advice. It's often helpful to speak to people who work in the field as well. Search your local community phone book or online to find companies in your area that are related to film production and reach out and see if someone is willing to talk to you.

Answer 3

There are many useful guides on movie making. With the vast amount of information available on the internet, one can see instructional videos on YouTube or visit any number of websites. There are many sites from freelancers and even colleges. Most will give step-by-step directions for almost every type of film, from shorts to feature-length motion pictures.