Creating a successful commercial or film is a lot like creating a book. And to start making a book, you have to start with a story. That story is pre-production.
A lot of work happens in pre-production. In fact, every movie that you have ever seen has spent months, if not years in pre-production. Every commercial in existence has had (in the very least) a meeting or two where that commercial was formed from nothing. Pre-production is about not only crafting the script and the style, but also about selecting actors and locations, equipment and props, wardrobe and make up, and everything else that will affect the final product. Pre-production sets the stage for production, and properly planning and spending time in pre-production makes sure that production runs smoothly.
Here are some of the pre-production processes that we offer:
- Conceptualizing: From simple brainstorming to finalizing plot, this stage is vital to every production.
- Scripting: The concept is now worked into a story. Setting, plot, characters, it all happens here.
- Shot composition/Storyboarding: The script is now ready to become visual. The storyboard artist is kind of like a cartographer. It is their job to map out the shots of a production. Together with the director, DP, production designer, and others, the “story” gets its rough draft.
- Casting: Now we need our players. You can’t have a production without the actors, right? (Well, at least until we can afford robots. Then there will be an overabundance of waiters all over California) A casting director typically is in charge of working with the director to select who will bring the script to life.
- Location Scouting/Set construction: Now we need a space for our players to move about it. Locations are now selected, some for overall shots, and some for very specific frames. If set design/construction is needed, it will also happen. This is where the pages of the book are selected.
- Property/Wardrobe/Make-Up Design/Creation: Here is where all the little knick knacks are found/made. Wardrobe is selected for the cast, and other visual elements such as make up and prosthetics are designed and fabricated.
- Scheduling/Contract: The AD or production manager will usually handle this step. The entire production is mapped out, scheduled, and planned. (Just between us, this is the boring step!) Releases are also arranged, so that all actors/extras et cetera are checked and double checked!
These are only some of the general steps that a production can take, depending on the size of your project, you might see some of the steps, or all of them and much more. It all depends on the individual project.
We are more than happy to work with you in any capacity you need. If you have an idea for a script, bring it to us. If you already have a script, but it needs a little refining, bring it to us. If you have an actor you would like to use, or a style you find particularly moving, let us know. We pride ourselves in listening to our clients, and working with them through every step of the process.
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