Roles in making a film
Development

This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.

Pre-production-

 Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.

Production-

 This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.

Post-production-

During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.

Writer-

Screenwriters create screenplays for films and work to strict deadlines. They provide the blueprint for the creative input of the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Composer and Editor, cast and crew, although the screen play has to include a certain amount of creativeness in their work. Their job is to research and develop the screenplay of films, this person operates in the Development stage of film production.

Nick Love (shown above) screenwriter of films such as;

'The Firm' and 'The Football Factory'

Producer-

Producers have overall control on every aspect of a film's production. They bring together and approve the whole production team. Their key responsibility is to create an environment where the talents of the cast and crew can flourish. Producers are accountable for the success of the finished film. They steer the film from beginning to completion and beyond.The Producer is often the first person to get involved in a project. Or they may be the agent-style Producer who focuses on the deal. The many responsibilities of the Producer span all four phases of production. In the Development stage, Producers are often responsible for coming up with the idea for a production, or selecting a screenplay. Producers are involved in all stages of film development.

Richard Donner (shown above) producer for films such as;

'Superman', 'The Goonies' and 'Lethal Weapon'

Casting Director-

In pre-production, Casting Directors work with both the Director and Producer to assemble the perfect cast for the film. As a result, Casting Directors must have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of new and existing acting talent.They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role, based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability, reputation, availability and box office appeal. Casting Directors also work closely with Production Accountants to prepare the casting budget. Their roles mostly take place in the pre-production stage.

Victoria Burrows (shown above) casting director for films such as;

'The Hobbit' and 'Desolation of Smaug', and 'King Kong'

Director-

Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. Directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written, or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film and work out how to achieve it.During pre-production, Directors make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They then direct rehearsals and the performances of the actors once the film is in production. The Directors operations take place in the Pre production and Production stages.

Martin Scorsese (shown above) director for films such as;

'The Wolf Of Wall Street', 'Taxi Driver' and 'Gangs Of New York'

Film Finance-

Production Accountants calculate finances, work out the cost of a production, communicate with financiers (companies or individuals who provide the funding) and control the cash flow, or spending.They must make sure that payments are made on time and correspond with agreements and approved budgets. They must also make sure the production meets all legal requirements and that the company is a legal trading entity. In pre-production, Production Accountants help the Producers and Production Managers to prepare budgets and Estimated Final Cost Reports. They operate in nearly all stages of film production.