Lights, Camera, Action! Well that is how vaguely most of us understand the intricacies of filmmaking or film production. Although we watch films regularly, enjoy some detest many and analyze almost everything that is dished out to us on celluloid, very rarely do we sit down and think about the numerous facets of the film production process that go into the making of a complete film. Film-making or Film Production is like any other form of art, and most of all a means of expression. A story or a narrative penned down by the writer has to be transformed into an active screenplay, which is in turn re-created by the troupe of actors, captured through the lens of the camera and then edited again to insert sound, special effects and create a seamless piece of film that is ready to be screened for the audience. The film production process can be divided into four main stages which are as follows:

• Development
• Pre-production
• Production
• Post-production

Let us have a look at each of these steps to see what happens at every stage of film production.

Development

This is the stage where the hunt for a viable idea for a film begins. The script can either be an original script written by a scriptwriter or it can be inspired from an existing book or even a play. Once the idea is finalized a synopsis of the theme will be created. The next step is sketching a step outline. In a step outline the entire story is broken down into one-paragraph scenes that are numbered and include indications for dialog and character interactions.

The Treatment for the film is also created which is like a descriptive piece of prose about the film, which is longer than the synopsis but shorter and less detailed than the step outline. Once the script is ready, it has to be transformed into a screenplay. The main difference between a script and a screenplay is that a script is a narrative but a screenplay is a detailed description of every event and every detail, which will be seen on the screen. The screenplay is written and re-written to improvise on elements like characterization, dramatization and the overall style and feel. After this the “pitch” is made and presented to potential financiers for the film. If the pitch is triumphant, the movie is Okayed. Financial backing is offered, usually from a film studio, film council or in some cases from some independent investors. After this the deal is negotiated and all the official contracts are signed.

Pre-Production

Pre-production involved planning for the film production which first requires setting up of a production company and a production office. The entire screenplay is storyboarded by means of illustrators and concept artists. Famous Indian Director Satyajit Ray, was known for his perfectionist attitude and was known to sketch his own storyboards for every scene with attention to the finest of details that he wanted on the screen. After the story boarding the pre-production process also involves hiring an entire crew for the film production.
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