Materials

Materials

Materials are seen as any physical or digital artefacts used within a production. This covers  a wide range of resources.

Types of materials include things such as the internet, forms of audio, costumes, graphics etc.

Nick Robatto made all the in house props for Doctor Who alongside other bbc productions. For example, he made the sonic screwdrivers. They need to be maintained on set and there are 4 different screwdrivers on set.

Another famous ‘in house prop’ was one of Luke Skywalker's lightsabers which was made out of old camera and calculator parts.

Producing props in house could be seen as advantageous. Due to the fact that it can save so much money on production. Furthermore, being made in house also allows a personal touch to be made to the props. Producers and directors can also work far closer with the prop master if they are built in house. 

A prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or on set. It originated in the theatre.

A prop master, runs the property department, which revolves around making, storing and transporting props as well as preparing them for the next day. They are in charge of recruiting specialists to make the specific props. When filming finishes, it is their task to put props up for sale, as well as disposing of others.

Not hiring a master with enough experience could mean that the wrong props are produced for the film. They might also not have as many contact links, meaning that they may find the specific props needed to make an effective film.

Being a prop master requires excellent knowledge. They must be able to work well with others  as well as having excellent repair and maintenance skills as well as having great independent skills.

They will usually be involved in the use of power tools as well as hiring buying and repairing props.

Props are vital to any type of production. They add an extra dimension to a film, as well as giving the audience more knowledge on a character or group.

Not allocating enough time to the creation of props might mean that they are not up to the standard that the film wants. This has an overall negative effect and can make the film look less realistic. If not enough time is allocated to securing the props, then the correct props may not be found and lesser versions may have to be bought.

Costume design involves the appearance of a character or performer by what they wear. Costumes give more to a character and can reflect a certain style or time period.

Angels Costumes, is the largest privately owned collection of costumes for productions.

They have assisted productions such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Peaky Blinders and Dads army amongst others.

A costume designer will help design create and hire costumes. They need to be extremely creative for this role as well as being organised.

Not hiring an experienced designer could mean that the costumes that are made may not represent the character well. Not allocating enough time to making and hiring these costumes, could result in the costumes not being right for the character or could be the wrong size, affecting the overall look of the film.

A film archive, is a widespread collection of films usually in one particular place, or grouped together.

An example of a film archive would be the BFI National Archive. They look after and preserve productions, to be enjoyed by future generations.

The imperial war museum is another example of an archive. They have over 23,000 hours of war material, starting from World War 1.

Using stock footage may save time and money, and therefore, not utilising archived footage may mean that the film could go over budget. However a sufficient amount of time must be allocated to looking and researching archived footage due to the fact that the footage must somewhat mirror the film. If this isn't true and there is no match, there could be a lack of continuity, affecting the overall look of the film.

Stock photography, is the archival, and usage of photographs from a previous time.

The BBC Photo Library is the place to find all previous BBC copyright images which are available to be licensed by digital and media companies. 

Not allocating enough time to secure photographic images might mean that they cannot be secured during production, and backup images might have to be used, or a specific segment may have to be cut out.

The BBC sound archive, might be utilised during the research stage of a film, to give the crew more information of a particular time period. For example the music at the time, or speeches from the past.

Purchasing sound library material with save a production a lot of time and money due to the fact that the sounds are already made.

Having access to a sound library will save a lot of time in film production. This is very significant due to the fact that the production stage has very tight deadlines. Research must be conducted during the pre-production phase to put everything in place for production, as well as finding the right sounds for the production. If this work is not undertaken, then the crew must make their own sounds which may make the film less realistic.

The internet is becoming more and more pivotal for productions due to the amount of copyright free recordings as well as archived footage and stock photography, which could save a production company hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. Not undertaking enough research on the internet during pre production, could cost it lots of time and money.

ACME GRAPHICS  have served productions such as the mighty boosh as well as the Sun. Their graphics are mainly used for publicity. To produce graphics you must be very creative. 

In film, graphics involves everything that is made off screen. It can also be a form of advertising.  

A digital asset is anything that exists within a binary form that has a right to use. 

Management of digital assets can greatly help a production. Poor asset management will have a massive negative effect on a production. This may mean that it is highly disorganised resulting in deadlines not being met as well as production possibly being delayed.

Animatics are important during pre production due to the fact that they can be made, and translated onto a computer quickly and effectively. 2D animatics can be drawn on a special tablet, which can then be transferred straight to the computer. This can save a lot of time, and not investing in this technology could cause the production to fall behind deadlines.

If a music clearance is not secured during pre production, terms may not be available. This could delay the production if not secured, as well as music, which may not be up to the same standard may have to be used.

If interviews are not conducted during pre production, some knowledge, and experience might be lacking. Especially in films and documentaries that will require experts to help with or tell a part of a story.

There are many different sources for materials. However the safest option would be going with companies that the director and producer have previously worked with, then if not that going with well known and highly rated and experienced companies.

This is vital to be done in pre production due to the fact that it saves a lot of hassle and will also have everything in order prior to production.

The sources used will all depend on the budget that the film has, for example, a high budgeted film will want to use top of the range material companies which have the best quality. On the other hand lower budgeted films may have to use lesser known companies with a possible lower quality which may affect the look of the film. 

A  Film Clearance is gaining access and permission to every part of the film. Eg locations, sets, stock photography, sound etc. This all revolves around copyright.

An attorney must be provided with an annotated script or storyboard.

Property, people and locations are all types of clearances that are required.

These clearances should be obtained during pre production.

The cost is subject to copyright and the amount of things that are needed.

A response is usually within 10 days to get these clearances.

Public domain work is not required as a clearance.

Not securing clearances in time will mean that the production will fall behind affecting the quality of it.

Personnel

Actors

On a big or medium budgeted film, that requires a large number of key personnel. A casting director would probably be utilised to find the most effective actors for their parts of the story.

For some films, scripts are based on or around specific actors. They might go along with this idea from a very early age. And sometimes directors will ask a particular actor to fill out a particular key role.

It is essential that actors can represent the ideas and emotions that the director and producer want from their cast to portray their specific character that the directors want.

Actors must have a wide range of skills, either learned or naturally. It is vital that actors have skills like memorization and teamwork, as they will be working with a wide range of people, mostly people that they have never met, furthermore they must be required to remember their lines as well as have good improvisation skills for when things do go wrong, especially in live acting. What could be seen as top of the list of many casting directors sheets when scouting actors, is their creativity. This furthers the character as well as showing off their emotions. Not hiring actors with these skills will have a massive negative effect on the overall production. They are vital to the production, as really good actors will be able to build a bond between character and audience far easier. Well-known actors will also bring in far more commercial success.

Casting Process

The casting process begins with the producer and director writing up the role descriptions. These descriptions will then be passed onto talent agents, who in turn will find one of their clients to fit the description that the director and producer wants. Head shots of potential actors will then be sent, which will then be reviewed by the casting team, and will then ask for a potential audition. These auditions will be taped, and then reviewed at a later date . People who have made it through the first round of auditions will then return for a callback audition. These will then be taped again, and then reviewed once again by the casting director and crew. This is then repeated until every position is found out. 

Not allocating enough time for the casting process could lead to the wrong actors being casted for the wrong roles. Furthermore, not as many auditions will be able to be reviewed, meaning that there is a smaller pool of actors to choose from. Not beginning the process early enough could  mean a lesser number of auditions, as well as not as many actors being put forward. Not hiring a casting director with sufficient experience could mean that they may not know what type of actor they're truly looking for which could affect the overall film.

An extra is usually in the background of a scene and normally will have a non-speaking role. They are essential for giving a film a more realistic feel.

A company like the casting collective can help on a production where lots of extras are required due to the fact that they have such a wide net of people. And therefore can fit a good number in almost any type of film. They will also have a lot of experience. Using a company like this in pre production gets a lot of trouble out of the way, before production begins. 

Contributors

Specialists- Known for their high levels of skill in a particular area. Often hired to oversee technical operations, and train others to improve their skill sets.

Production Specialists- Usually recruited in order to head a type of production work requiring very high levels of skill.

Experts-  Utilised in order to make sure that certain people and groups are represented accurately.

Talent- The specialist performers, who are cast in principal roles as well as having a celebrity status. Have very high skill levels due to years of practice and many principal roles in the past.

Public- Sometimes, the public may be asked and acquired to play a key role in production, for example being a part of big ‘crowd scenes’.

Personnel

Personnel Logistics

The crewing of a production is crucial to the overall success of the film.

A well crewed production will run on time, secure all the required footage and stay within budget. On the other hand a poorly crewed production may run over time, not manage to secure all the required shots and may go over budget.

On a big budget production, role will be filled by specialists and seasoned professionals.

For example a make-up artist who works on big productions will usually only ever work in that particular role.

On a medium budget film crew will be slightly scaled down from the big budget production, but crew roles will still be filled by experienced professionals.

On a low budget production, the people in the production crew will have varying levels of experience, but will invariably have completed training and have some degree of set experience.

On a micro budget production, the people in the production crew may have to double up or triple up on roles. People will often be recruited for having multiple skills and general versatility. 

Producers hiring a team will:

Firstly they will try to re-employ previously hired crew, whose artistic and key technical skills have already been put to the test and who have established already that they have excellent time management and team building skills on previous productions.

Secondly, look and focus on recommendations through critical acclaim, as well as people who have won awards on other productions.

Thirdly, rely on recruitment agencies, production databases and crew CVs.

Job Roles Task

Producer- The financial, practical and creative head of the film. Involved from a very early part of the process, they are the main decision makers involved in the making of the production, they will usually be the ones who come up with the idea. They are also the problem solvers, and may also look at potential places for filming. They are in charge of looking after the health and safety of the crew. Ultimately in charge of the production. Without a good producer, deadlines may not be met.

 Director- The creative leads of the film. Usually works with the script writer, and will normally have the role of providing creativity to the production. They will also work with multiple other departments, for things like casting, lighting, wardrobe etc. Without a good director, a script may lack creativity and becoming boring for the viewer and possibly not generate as much income.

 1 st Assistant Director-  In charge of planning the filming schedule as well as working with various other departments in order to produce an effective shoot. During production, they are in charge of managing the set, and are therefore very important in ensuring crewmember safety on set, safety is incredibly important on a film shoot, as if the assistant director doesn’t ensure this accidents may happen.

Production Manager - In charge of carrying out decisions that have been made. Managing the production, and keeping it on target is also vital. Known as a ‘go to person’ for any on set problems. They are important to the production, as without them, more and more on set problems will occur without an answer to solve them.

Location Manager - In charge of finding a location to carry out filming at. They will scout a location that is; accessible, safe and secure. Furthermore they will also carry out risk assessments. During filming, they will look after and maintain this location. Without a location manager, the correct locations may not be found, affecting the overall look of the film.

 Assistant Location Manager- Will prepare movement orders and assist with scouting or additional locations by researching, photographing, and making appointments to meet with owners and residents. Without them, there will be a lot of disorganisation.

  Production Designer - Creates the way a film or tv drama looks. Often working alongside the visual department, they will create the place that the film is set in. They will also create a budget that they need. Without a good production designer, a place may not look as realistic.

 Property Master - Makes, stores and transports the props for each days shoot. Usually involved within the pre production phase in order to get everything ready for filming. In charge of recruiting people who will make the props. Also look into sourcing and buying these props. Without a prop master, the film may not contain the correct, most effective props for filming, affecting the overall visual. 

 Prop Maker-  

 Construction Manager - Looks after the building of studios and sets, making them look as realistic as possible. Without them, a poor set might be made, and have a negative affect on the overall look of the film. Also having an impact on the hiring of the workforce. Responsible for buying the necessary materials.

 Director of Photography-  Photographic heart of a production. In charge of creating the overall look of the film. Heavily prominent within the lighting and camera department. Will oversee the lighting of the set. Without them, a film may not achieve the look it was aiming for.

 Camera Operator- Capture the shots, making sure all the equipment is set up properly and ready to use. The shots that are required may not be captured by an inexperienced or not very good operator.

Art Director- Critical to the pre production phase due to the fact that they are the ones that look at constructing and decorating sets. Without them, sets may not look as good, affecting the overall look of the film.

Assistant Art Director-  Helps the art director with research, as well as producing sets. May take responsibility for smaller sets. Utilised in order to speed up the process as well as being second in line to the art director.

Costume Supervisor- 

Costume Designer- Involved in the designing, creation and hiring of costumes for a cast. Often working very close with people who are very high up, in order to contribute to the look and storytelling of the film. Also will look at budgeting. Vital for production, as costume can tell so much more about a character, and without a specific designer, there might may not be as much of an understanding

Costume Assistant- Research costume style and designs. Also manage the budget as well as  overseeing fittings.

 Make-Up & Hair Designer- Used in pre production, working closely with the director, in order to find out and research the specific styles that each character will have in each scene. One of the first people on set in order to get all actors ready, and will be on set throughout the day maintaining their look. Without them, the film may not achieve the look it was going for.

Sound designer- 

Supervising sound editor- Create the overall soundtrack for the production, as well as looking at what type of sound/noise best suits the films mood. Without it the mood may not be achieved.

 Script Supervisor- As films are hardly ever shot in chronological order, it is vital that a script supervisor is used to check that each scene can be edited and still makes sense by the end of filming. They will keep a progress report of the days filming, meaning that editors can find what's been shot and when. Without them the production would be incredibly disorganised.

Storyboard Artist -

Introduction to Unit 4 A1 Report

Short and Feature length films

A short film is considered to be a film that is under 40 minutes in running time. In contrast a feature film is a film that is considered to be the sole film to fill a program. It must be over 40 minutes running time and is usually between 75 and 120 minutes.

I am going to be making and focussing on the short film form. A short film, must feature a run time of under 40 minutes in order to be eligible for the shorts category at the annual Academy Awards. Short films vary drastically in length, and different film festivals classify a short as different times, e.g London is anything less than 40 whilst cannes is anything less than 15 minutes. Short films are somewhat like feature lengths through that they follow a storyline and the three act structure however this is condensed and in far less detail than that of a feature length film. A key difference between short form and feature film is crew size. A short film production will regularly feature a bare boned ‘skeleton crew’. This is due to the fact that they have a far lower budget, and can therefore not be able to fill all the roles that a far bigger budget would be able to. They will also have limited access to equipment and facilities due to this lower budget. This may mean that the film may not reach its full potential due to its low budget. In extreme cases, some positions will be filled by members who are already doing other jobs, furthermore actors may not be paid, due to the low budget, however will agree to act due to the platform it places them on to to rise to the top. Due to the short timing of a short form film, a relationship between character and audience must be formed almost immediately, in order to gain a better understanding. Therefore they must really have to get to the core of the character due to the fact that there isn't much time, this will make the film far more successful. Furthermore, shorts will not feature many characters due to the fact that there isn't enough time to build a relationship. In contrast, feature length films have no problem with this. They have far longer to build a relationship between audience and character, and therefore can feature more characters for the audience to relate with as there is more time to.

Pre Production definition

Pre production consists of everything that is needed to be put in place, before filming commences. It begins with the initial idea, and finishes when filming begins. It is the first part of making a film, followed by production, and post production. Pre production is vital for the film due to the fact that it puts such emphasis on getting everything needed for a successful shoot. Timescales must be put in place and deadlines must be met in order for this to be effective, and a high quality film. Not meeting deadlines will delay production, and could also affect the overall look of the film.

Private funding

The private sector is made up of businesses or corporations owned by people. Businesses compete with one another and will often put things on sale due to the fact that it needs to win competition for every dollar in order to stay open. This sector is mainly focussed on making a profit. Private finance sources include, Creative England who will bring great experience and look for commercial and financial success. Due to this, privately funded films usually have far higher budgets than that of a publicly funded film.

Public Funding

The public sector is places/ companies that are run by the government. It uses tax services for funding.The government decides what tax money should be spent on in the public sector. The public sector is therefore focussed on general purpose and providing service to citizens. Due to this service can often be poor and at a higher cost when public, compared to good service and lower cost in the private sector. Politics can have a huge impact on the public sector due to the fact that the government are the ones who decide what to do with the tax money. The national lottery as well as kickstarter are examples of public finance and will usually fund up and coming filmmakers who have a low budget. Public funding looks at getting directors and films noticed to go on to bigger and better things. This looks for critical acclaim and success and not financial.

Availability of personnel

Availability of personnel looks at every cast and crew member, that is needed within the process of making a film. There are multiple different groups that are involved in the making of film throughout pre production,production and post production. For example, you will have a location team who will scout out locations for the film to be made during the pre production phase. A lighting team are vital during the production stage due to the fact that they can change the look of a film. In the post production stage, an editing team will put all the film together. Directors will usually cast people with experience, in order to make their film look as best as possible. Not securing key personnel might mean that crew members may have to fill in multiple roles, or people with less experience may have to be utilised or worse case scenario, the role might have to be left vacant. This may not let the film reach its full potential.

Availability of equipment

Availability of equipment, looks at all the equipment that is needed in order to produce a successful shoot. This equipment is usually hired from various firms and companies unless it is already owned by the production company. If the right equipment is not secured then the film may not achieve the look that it targeted. 

Deadlines

Deadlines are the timeframes that must be met to complete an action successfully. In film, there could be deadlines for things such as a calendar, casting, assembling of crew, script breakdowns etc. In pre production, the calendar deadline must be met before filming even begins. This is due to the fact that it puts a distinct plan in place and will also lead to the creation of call sheets which will tell everyone where to be and when. The production and actual filming of a film cannot take place until pre-production has been successfully carried out and completed. Another key deadline, is the planning and assembling of meetings.

Communication between crew members is vital to the pre-production of a film as if there is more communication, things will not be carried out as effectively, and deadlines may not be met. This therefore will have a negative effect on the overall production on the film.  Not meeting deadlines will put everyone out of the loop and not in sync with one another. This could mean that people may not be on set when needed, and therefore a scene cannot be shot that day. Furthermore, if the shooting schedule is not made or produced in time, the whole film will be behind. If location deadlines are not met and secured, then pivotal scenes may have to be filmed somewhere else in a place that may not have as much meaning as the original. If Deadlines are met, then the film will be successful. 

Film production vs Radio Production

Radio production begins with mind maps, these help brainstorm the initial idea, which differs from scripts and storyboards being used for film. A radio production does not feature as many crewmembers as that of a film production, It will feature a main presenter, who will control the radio desk possibly alongside a producer.  It will also feature multiple guests and might even be performed live, which is a stark contrast to most films and tv programmes. It may also feature a sound editor. In contrast a film crew will feature far more people due to the production size. Much like the pre-production of films, a radio production features a risk assessment (call sheet)Potential hazards must be looked at, and like during film production, every member must be given a sheet with information relating to timings,  fire exits, local shops etc. A schedule must also be made to provide essential timings for both of these.

Logistics Locations

A recce is vital to making a successful film, it involves the scouting of locations for shoots. Recces also aid with a risk assessment, as it gives crewmembers a prior understanding of the location, as well as assessing all the hazards and that it is safe enough for a crew to be on. In addition it will also help find the most effective location for the film, and therefore give it the best chance of trying to reflect the overall mood. Recces must be completed multiple times in multiple places in order to be carried out effectively. The same place might be visited multiple times by different crew members to see if the location is effective. In addition meetings between different production groups might be made in order for everyone's viewpoints on the location are seen. All issues must be dealt with before filming begins. 

Location managers are vital to a film crew. They focus and find places that are accessible as well as being safe for a crew being on. They are the ones who will arrange recces and will photograph their findings to give feedback to the rest of the crew. In addition they will also begin discussions with the location owners. During filming they will manage the location and ensuring it is a safe working environment. After shooting, they will be in charge of the clean up. Assistant location managers are in charge of organising technical recces for heads of other departments as well as assisting the location manager. They will help clean and tidy at the end of each day.

If these roles were not filled, then the most effective location for a film may be found. Furthermore, this will also mean that another crew member will have to fill in, and they may not have the skills, nor contacts needed. This may affect the overall look and mood of the film. If this is left to the last minute, and not timescaled effectively, then the right location might not be found. Furthermore locations that they want to use may already be being used by another film crew, or isn't available on the days needed. Not giving enough time and consideration could mean that these locations may not be secured.

Guidelines when undertaking a recce research

Is the location appropriate for the look of the film?

Does it add to the emotional tone of the script?

Is access available?

Is it available when needed?

Is the location safe for cast crew and equipment?

Is artificial lighting needed?

Is there enough space?

Is there electricity?

Are there toilets?

Essential items for a recce

-digital camera 

-light meter

 -ruler and graph paper

 -compass 

 -circuit tester

 -tape measure

If recces are not undertaken efficiently and effectively, then there might be many hazards. One of the points of a recce, is to undertake a risk assessment, this therefore allows

These hazards to be identified and rectified before the initial shoot. This also gives crew members time to make the place safer and cater for everyone's needs. If this is not performed effectively, then a location may not be able to be secured. This can also affect the overall location of the film, as the correct location may not be available if it is looked at too late.

A risk assessment is a document which must accompany any filming and recce schedule.  It makes sure that the person responsible when on location has considered the safety of everyone involved on set on the day of filming. The whole point of a risk assessment is to identify potential hazards. Risk assessments must be carried out to ensure the safety of all crewmembers. It is an essential part of pre production due to the fact that it puts many aspects of the film in place. It considers the overall safety of the production, which could be seen as the most important thing at the end of the day, as this could save thousands of pounds if there is an accident.

Logistics tasks

Facilities

On a film set, a grip may use a lighting wrench to work with stage lighting. Furthermore, gaffer tape is versatile, and can prevent unexpected problems. They can use it as a safety precaution, for tidying up wires and prevent accidents.

Production equipment- Camera package

• Camera
• Stock or media
• Lenses
• Filters
• Tripods

Production equipment- Sound equipment

• Sound recording unit
• Headphones
• Microphones
• Mic Holders
• Cables
• Boom
• Wind shields

Camera movement

• Dolly
• Track
• Accessories

Production equipment- Lighting 

Lights

Light stands

Gels

Diffusers

Generator

Filters

Grip stands

Reflectors

Grip accesories

Post-production equipment

The phrase post-production covers the various technical phases, after production, that put the film together and make it ready for release. These include:

• Picture edit
• Sound edit
• Visual effects
• Grading
• Tilting

Facility houses

Companies hire out a variety of equipment, for film, television and video prodduction

Task

10k of your budget is allocated to camera and sound equipment for a 5 day shoot.

• Sony Venice Raw package x2- £5100
• Veydra E Mount Primes set- £330
• Oconnor 2560 head- £300
• Ronford tall legs- £120
• Equipment dolly Bazooka- £240
• Ronford track 16ft- £180
• DJT Ronin Gimbal- £240
• RODE Boom Pole- £24
• Boom Buddy- £9
• Zoom F8 Recorder- £120
• RODE Night- £120

Camera works gave us the clearest pricing, and was the easiest place to look for equipment. However, I could not search up shotgun mics, as the word @’shotgun’ was blocked. This therefore meant that the hardest and most time consuming part of researching and finding shotgun mics. 

If not enough research was conducted, then some equipment may not be as effective for the film as others, hence why extensive research must be conducted. If research is conducted too late, then the technology may not be available meaning that a back up plan must be in place. Not researching a sufficient number of companies may mean that you may not find the best price for equipment. 

Prop houses task- Knife crime in 1980s Glasgow- (set in butchers)

• Mock meats
• X2 hanging meat racks 
• Chopping boards
• Display board
• Butchers tools,knives
• Hanging meat hooks
• Butchers costume
• Crates
• Workbenches
• Sink
• Cash till
• Flatcaps

These props can be sourced from the 3 companies. It is harder to secure the front windows for a shop, as well as a display shelter/window for the meat.

The best company was stockyard, they had the widest range of props available, as well as the website being the easiest to navigate through. Northern props was far harder to navigate and had far less props whilst modern props didnt have anything that would apply to the task.

If not enough time is allocated to prop research, then the film may lack something in that department. If research is collected too lkate, the props may not be available, and if a good number of ciomopanies arent researched then the right props may not be found and might be overpriced.

A body like Creative England can help with identifying companies and securing facilities due to the fact that they’re well known and respected. They work with local authorities and film offices across England to source this. The process is finding a location, applying to film and then register and locate properly. 

An advantage of using Creative England during pre-production is that they have lots of experience, as well as having contacts with many people and companies.

Not using this service could result in a lower budget, as there is no support from a funding budget. Furthermore you would not be utilising their experience, which would come heavily in hand for first time filmmakers. If not used, the quality of the film may not be as good.