🎥Creative Producing II Unit 5 – Pre–Production Planning

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Pre-production planning encompasses all the activities that take place before principal photography begins on a film or television project
• Involves breaking down the script, creating a budget, securing financing, hiring key personnel, scouting locations, and developing a production schedule
• Key roles in pre-production include the producer, director, production manager, and department heads (cinematography, production design, costume design)
• Above-the-line costs refer to the salaries of the creative talent (writers, directors, producers, principal cast) while below-the-line costs cover the technical crew and production expenses
• A line producer manages the budget and day-to-day operations of the production
• A unit production manager (UPM) works under the line producer to coordinate logistics and manage the production office
• A shooting schedule outlines the order in which scenes will be filmed based on efficiency and availability of cast, crew, and locations

Project Development and Ideation

• Begins with a concept or idea that is developed into a treatment or synopsis
• The treatment is then fleshed out into a screenplay through multiple drafts and revisions
• During development, the producer works to secure the necessary rights (book options, life rights) and attach key creative talent (writer, director)
• The producer also begins to explore potential financing options and distribution channels
• Market research and audience analysis help determine the commercial viability of the project
  • Includes assessing the target demographic, comparable films, and potential revenue streams (theatrical, streaming, international sales)
• A pitch deck or lookbook is created to visually communicate the creative vision and help sell the project to investors and distributors
• Proof of concept materials (sizzle reels, mood boards, storyboards) are developed to further refine the visual style and tone

Script Analysis and Breakdown

• The script is carefully analyzed to identify all the elements needed to bring the story to life on screen
• Each scene is broken down into its component parts (cast, props, wardrobe, special effects)
• A script breakdown sheet is created for each scene, listing all the necessary elements
  • Includes scene number, location, time of day, cast, extras, props, vehicles, stunts, and special effects
• The breakdown sheets are used to generate a preliminary shooting schedule and budget
• The script is also analyzed for themes, character arcs, and narrative structure to inform creative decisions
• Potential production challenges are identified (complex locations, large crowd scenes, period pieces) and solutions are brainstormed
• The script may undergo revisions based on feedback from the creative team and to address any logistical or budgetary concerns

Budgeting and Financing

• The producer works with the line producer and UPM to create a detailed budget based on the script breakdown
• The budget accounts for all anticipated expenses (cast, crew, equipment, locations, post-production)
• Contingency funds are built into the budget to cover unexpected costs or overages
• The budget is broken down into above-the-line and below-the-line costs
• Financing can come from a variety of sources (studios, independent investors, tax incentives, crowdfunding)
  • Each financing source may have different requirements or restrictions that impact the budget and creative control
• The producer creates a business plan outlining the projected revenue streams and return on investment for potential investors
• Financing agreements are negotiated and executed, outlining the terms of the investment and the allocation of profits
• Cash flow projections are created to ensure that funds are available when needed throughout production

Scheduling and Logistics

• The shooting schedule is a detailed timeline of when and where each scene will be filmed
• Factors that influence the shooting schedule include cast and crew availability, location access, weather, and budget
• The schedule is typically broken down into 12-hour shooting days, with additional time allotted for travel and setup
• A one-line schedule provides a high-level overview of the shooting order and locations
• A day-out-of-days report tracks the number of days each cast member is needed on set
• The production manager works with the UPM to coordinate all the logistics (travel, accommodations, transportation, catering)
  • Includes securing permits, arranging for equipment rentals, and managing daily call sheets and production reports
• The script supervisor creates a continuity report to ensure that all the necessary coverage is obtained and that the footage will edit together seamlessly

Casting and Crewing

• The casting director works with the producer and director to identify and audition actors for each role
• Casting breakdowns are created to describe each character and their requirements (age, gender, ethnicity, special skills)
• Auditions are held to assess the actors' suitability for the role and their chemistry with other cast members
• Once cast, the actors are signed to contracts outlining their compensation, work schedule, and any other negotiated terms
• The UPM and department heads work to assemble the crew, hiring individuals for each technical position (camera, sound, lighting, art department)
  • Crew members are typically hired through a combination of personal networks, union rosters, and job postings
• Key crew positions are filled first (cinematographer, production designer, editor) and then each department head builds out their team
• Contracts are issued to each crew member, specifying their rate, duration of employment, and job responsibilities

Location Scouting and Design

• The location manager works with the director and production designer to find and secure the necessary filming locations
• Location scouting involves identifying potential sites that match the script's description and assessing their feasibility (access, permits, cost)
• The production designer creates sketches, mood boards, and reference images to communicate the desired look and feel of each location
• Once locations are selected, the art department works to dress and decorate the spaces to match the script's requirements
  • Includes building sets, sourcing props and furniture, and coordinating with the cinematographer on lighting and camera placement
• The location manager secures all the necessary permits and coordinates with local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations
• Contingency plans are made for inclement weather or other disruptions that could impact the shooting schedule
• The production designer works with the costume designer to ensure that the wardrobe and overall aesthetic are cohesive and aligned with the director's vision

Legal and Rights Management

• The producer works with legal counsel to secure all the necessary rights and clearances for the production
• This includes obtaining the underlying rights to the script or source material (book options, life rights)
• Music rights are secured for any pre-existing songs or compositions used in the film
• Clearances are obtained for any trademarked or copyrighted elements that appear on screen (logos, artwork, photographs)
• Contracts are negotiated with the cast and crew, outlining their compensation, work conditions, and ownership of their creative contributions
• Insurance policies are secured to protect against accidents, property damage, and other liabilities
• The producer works with the distributor to negotiate the terms of the film's release, including the release strategy, marketing budget, and revenue split
• International co-production agreements are established if the film is being financed or produced in partnership with foreign entities