Equipment used in Film production

The basic equipment used in a cinema production is of four types.

1.      Lights

Lights are used in a studio to provide illumination for the camera. Camera can’t capture visual without light. Different types of lights are used in a studio production. Key light, fill light and back light are the basic types of lights used in a production. (Details in three point lighting techniques)

2.     Camera

It is the key equipment used in a television production. Professional cameras are commonly used in a production. It is the quality of the camera that determines the picture quality.

3.     Microphones

Microphones are used to capture audio. Microphones used in a production studio vary in size and quality according to the requirements of the production.

4.     Live editing suit

It is used to live edit the recorded video footage of the production.

5.     Jib, track and trolley, and rigs

This equipment is used to mound the camera and move it in necessary directions.

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The Stages of Film Production - Post production

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Post production is referred to as post and it is the final stage of production process. It comprises of tasks like editing, mixing, dubbing, special effects, etc.

1.      Assembling the rushes

The rushes or raw footage of the video are sorted in an order and viewed by the producer to ensure the quality of visuals. This helps to find any missing links or scenes which are to be noted for re shoot.

2.     Editing the video

The first stage of editing is rough cut where the video is organized according to the original script. An editing suite or software is used for this purpose. No kind of effect or sound is added in a rough cut. Later the video editor proceeds for the final cut or final edit after the approval of the producer. The dubbed sound, other sound effects, animations, visual effects and title graphics are added in the final cut. There are two types of editing; namely linear and non-linear. Non- linear editing is used widely for editing.

3.     Adding sound

This comes during the final edit process. The background score and other musical sounds will be recorded earlier. This process is done in an audio recording studio by the music composer and singers. This also includes recording live sound effects. All these sound effects will be edited and added to the final video.

4.     Dubbing

Dubbing is a complex process of recording human voice. In this process the dubbing artists will deliver dialogues for the characters, in a recording studio. The lip sync with characters in the video is most important for a perfect dubbing. Sometimes the actors who played the role will dub for themselves. Nowadays live recording is widespread. So dubbing is losing its relevance.

5.     Adding Visual effects and graphics

All the video footage will not be of desired quality or color temperature. So certain changes will be made in the case of color and brightness of the video. This is called color correction. This can be done by using various editing suites or software for color correction. This process is done during the final edit stages. The graphics or computer generated imagery is also created during this period by graphic designers and animators.

6.     Adding credits or titles

In the end of the final edit, the titles and credits for the technicians involved in the production is prepared. Adding credits requires experience as the names should be added in the order of importance. The courtesy for people supported the production also include the credits. Legal warnings on smoking, drinking, etc., also comes under this category. Titles of the film will be prepared earlier using graphics or animation.

Later the final product is previewed by the producer and other responsible authorities to ensure that there are no errors, and the content of the film does not violate any policies of the studio or the concerned organization.

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The Stages of Film Production - Production

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The production process begins with shooting. Director, actors and crew gather at a television studio or on location for filming the scene. Every scene will be shot according to the shooting schedule.  The basic equipment used for production is cameras, lighting devices, audio recording devices, Jibs, trolleys and various rigs. The number of cameras used for shooting may differ according to the nature of film. Most of the studio productions like phone in films and music shows require only one camera, i.e., single camera production. 

Productions for reality shows, serials and group chats require more cameras and are called multi camera production. Lighting for production requires a number of professionals and equipment for better visual quality. Basic lights used in a production are of three types; namely key light, fill light and back light. The cinematography and lighting techniques will be supervised by the chief camera person or the director of photography.

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The Stages of Film Production - Pre production

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It is the first stage of production. It involves everything that happens before shooting. Pre-production tasks include scripting, storyboarding, planning, budgeting, casting artists; construction of sets, props, and costumes, acquiring equipment like lights, camera, etc. Pre-production involves various tasks like:

1.      Conceptualization

It is the process of creating concept. Concept or subject matter is the basic idea of the film. A concept defines the objectives of the film and says what it is about.

2.     Research

Research is the deep study conducted on the idea or concept. Various aspects of the concept are analyzed in this process. Data collection from various sources to find out the possibilities of producing the film is the main objective of this stage. Research helps to create a one line of the story which is further developed into a script.

3.     Scripting

Script is the skeleton or basic structure of what we see as a film. Scripting is the process of writing down the entire matter to be produced. There are two types of scripts; namely screenplays or story scripts and shooting scripts. The screenplay is the basic script and it describes the story in its normal order. But the order of sequences in a shooting script will be arranged in the order of shooting schedule. Sometimes different scenes from two different parts of the story will be shot at one location for the convenience of production. Shooting script helps to arrange the sequences and scenes as per the availability of location and artist.

There are three types of treatment used for scripting. First one is short treatment. It is a short outline of the film without dialogues or commentaries included in it. Next type is step outline which describes the details of the basic story line and its sub plots. It is a sequence by sequence description. The third type is Full treatment, in which the details of characters, their behavior and relations, properties used, dialogues etc. are described in details.

4.     Storyboarding

A storyboard is the pictorial representation of the scenes. It provides a graphical representation of the camera angles and helps to fix the shot during production. A production crew includes artists who draw the storyboard according to the directors or producers instructions.

5.     Casting and Crew selection

Casting is the process of selecting suitable artists for the production. It is very important as the wrong choice for a particular role can lessen the effect of entire film. Selecting talented performers and anchors for film is done under the supervision of casting director and film producer. Selection of technical staff like camera person, music composers, sound recording artists, lighting team, etc., comes under crew selection process.

6.     Planning and Shooting Schedule

Shooting schedule is the basic order of conducting a production. Sometimes scenes from different parts of the story will be shot in the same location. In some cases scenes of some artists will be shot together as per their conveniences. In that case a shooting schedule will be prepared to arrange the conduct of production. A shooting script is the textual representation of schedule. Final decision on the types of properties used, and the number of junior artists in a scene, etc., comes under the shooting schedule.

7.     Location hunting & Acquiring permission

Finding suitable locations for shooting is a difficult process. It is a must for outdoor shooting. Some of the locations like forests, government buildings, institutions, etc., require special permissions from the concerned authorities. These types of activities are done in this stage.

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Production Process: The Stages of Film Production

The production process refers to the stages required to complete a feature film production, from the concept to the final copy. The production process is almost the same for all type of broadcast media.

1.       Pre-Production

2.      Production

3.      Post-production

These three stages are prime elements of producing meaningful and effective films. Production process is leaded by executive producer who guides the production team. The production team chose the crew, artists, location and equipment. They make finals decisions on script and content. The production team includes assistant producers who help to make the production run smoothly.

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What is Documentary Filmmaking?

Documentary Film

Documentary film, also known as cinema verite, is a broad category of visual expressions that is based on the attempt to “document” reality. The filmmaker John Grierson used the term documentary in 1926 to refer to any nonfiction film medium, including travelogues and instructional films. The earliest “moving pictures” were, by definition, documentaries.

Propaganda films made by countries during the World War II and during the Cold War era were important phases in documentary film production. In the 1960,s and 1970,s, documentary film was often conceived as a political weapon against neo colonialism and capitalism in general, especially in Latin America, and other Third World countries.

Box office analysts have noted that this film genre has become increasingly successful in theatrical release with films such as Fahrenheit 9/11, Super Size Me, Earth (2009 film), March of the Penguins, and An Inconvenient Truth among the most prominent examples.

Docufiction

Docufiction is a hybrid genre from two basic ones, fiction film and documentary, practiced since the first documentary films were made.

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Stages of Television Production

Television production is the process of making programs using video production devices inside or outside a studio. It consist of three stages; namely pre-production, production and post-production. The first stage comprises of concept creation, treatment, planning, budgeting, scripting, story boarding, casting, location hunt, etc. Second stage is production, where the program is actually made. 

Production is of two types; studio production and outdoor production. Camera and light units, artists, set, properties, etc., are the essential elements in production stage. Activities like editing, dubbing, color correction, special effects, etc., are done in the third stage or post production. Marketing is the final step before the program is set for the launch.

The production process refers to the stages required to complete a media production, from the concept to the final copy. The production process is almost the same for all type of broadcast media. A television production process involves three stages. They are:

Pre-Production

Production

Post-production

These three stages are prime elements of producing meaningful and effective programs. Production process is leaded by executive producer who guides the production team. The production team selects the crew, artists, location and equipment. They make final decisions on script and content.

Pre-production

It is the first stage of production. It involves everything that happens before shooting. Pre-production tasks include scripting, storyboarding, planning, budgeting, casting, construction of sets, props, and costumes, acquiring equipment like lights, camera, etc.

Production

The production process begins with shooting. Director, actors and crew gather at a television studio or on location for filming the scene. Every scene will be shot according to the shooting schedule. The basic equipment used for production is cameras, lighting devices, audio recording devices, Jibs, trolleys and various rigs.

Post production

Post production is referred to as post and it is the final stage of production process. It comprises of tasks like editing, mixing, dubbing, special effects, etc.

Later the final product is previewed by the producer and other responsible authorities to ensure that there are no errors, and the content of the programme does not violate any policies of the studio or the concerned organisation.

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Production people or Studio personnel

There are a number of technicians and other creative people involved in a television production.

1. Producer

The head of the production is called a producer. A producer is in charge of the whole production process. The producer is responsible for coordinating technical and creative aspects of a production.

2. Production assistant

A production assistant facilitates all the requirements of a television program.

3. Script writer

A script writer prepares the script for the production. He is in charge of the entire script.

4. Anchor

An anchor is a person who presents program formally on a television. There are news anchors or news presenters and anchors who present entertainment programs.

5. Camera person

Camera person operates the camera for the production. The chief camera person is called the director of photography.

6. Sound Recording artist

A sound recording artist records the sound streams of the entire program.

7. Art director

Art director is in charge of the set and other graphical presentations in a production.

8. Floor manager

Floor manager is responsible for the entire activities on the studio floor, and supervises the floor personnel. A floor manager is also called a stage manager.

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Production equipment in a Television Studio

The basic equipment used in a television production is of five types.

1. Lights

Lights are used in a studio to provide illumination for the camera. Camera can’t capture visual without light. Different types of lights are used in a studio production. Key light, fill light and back light are the basic types of lights used in a production.

2. Camera

It is the key equipment used in a television production. Professional cameras are commonly used in a production. It is the quality of the camera that determines the picture quality.

3. Microphones

Microphones are used to capture audio. Microphones used in a production studio vary in size and quality according to the requirements of the production.

4. Live editing suit

It is used to live edit the recorded video footage of the production.

5. Jib, track and trolley, and rigs

These equipment are used to mound the camera and move it in necessary directions.

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Elements of Radio Production - Sound effects, Music, Silence, Human Voice

Sound effects

Sound effects are sounds made by living or non-living things which are neither word nor music. Sound effects help the listener to imagine and give meaning and sense of location. It adds realism to the programme and is an essential component of radio production. Sound effects can be created in the studio using computer and other musical instruments. In most cases the recording artists records them from real situations and store them for further use. For example, a crowded bus, noisy street, forest, etc. These atmospheric sounds are called ambience. Sound effects are classified into, recorded sound effects and spot effects. Spot effects are randomly recorded natural sounds. Sound effects can also be created artificially using software. In some cases different objects wooden boards, cellophane papers are used to create sound effects like door closing, fire raging, etc.

Music

Music is an essential component of the radio. The purpose of playing music in a radio programme is to generate the appropriate atmosphere and emotions for the situation. Music easily works on human emotions. The listener can easily understand the feelings of the characters or the situation that is going on in the programme. It can create the sense of happiness, sadness, fear, excitement, etc., in the minds of the audience. Musical programmes are independent programmes on radio. Music is also used for signature tunes that are played in the beginning and end of programme, and theme music of the radio station or the programmes.

Silence

Silence is a very powerful and useful element in a radio production. It can give emphasis for a radio message. Silence is used only for a very small duration in a radio programme. It can evoke the tension and deep feelings in the audience. It is mainly used to create a gap during the narrations.

Human Voice

Human voice is basic element of communication for a radio. It is a crucial element in radio. It can provoke different reactions on the listener depending on its characteristics. It is used widely in radio programmes. The presenters or announcers are major source of human voice. Presenter use voice modulations to give different emotions for the presentation.

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Elements of Radio Production - Microphones

A microphone is a device used to record sound. It converts sound signals or waves into electric signals. Microphones are used in telephones, public address systems, hearing aids, etc. microphones are connected to other devices to record and amplify sound. Microphones are essential part or radio production and are placed in recording studios. They amplify or increase the volume of sound. Microphones are classified on the basis of their directivity. It is the measuring point to calculate the direction of emission of the powerful waves.

Different types of microphones are:

1. Uni-directional Microphones

This type of microphone picks up sound from only one direction. The sound will be recorded properly only if the speaker speaks in front of it. For better results the speaker should keep a favourable distance from the microphone. It is used in a studio for single person recordings. It is used by the radio jockeys, announcers and news readers in a studio.

2. Bi-directional Microphones

Here, the voice is picked up from two directions. That is left and right. This type of microphones has two different streams of audio. This is commonly used in recording studios for interviews, where sound from two persons is recorded simultaneously.

3. Omni-directional Microphones

The word Omni means ‘everywhere’. An Omni- directional microphone picks up sound from every direction. These types of microphones are used when a number of voices are used in a single programme, like radio discussions and radio drama.

There are also other microphones which are classified on the basis of their size, shape and purpose. Some examples are lapels, gun mics, boom mics, cordless mics, etc.

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Stages in Radio Production

The radio broadcasting divided into three distinct stages:

• Pre – production

Brainstorming on the programme and research to gather background information materials are the two subdivisions at this stage. Idea may be generated through observation, experiment or innovation. Some programmes are produced on the basis of an audience demand while some others are on the basis of recent events like a festival or a calamity. What we prepare at this stage are an outline script which details the programme to be produced and a rundown sheet which gives a day by day and hour by hour definition of when, where and what we will be recording. What makes the pre-production stage perfect is to prepare a timeframe and manage the entire team to follow it.

• Production

Production in radio programming is basically recording the sound. It may take indoor or outdoor. They are called studio production and field production respectively. While recording sound the producer shall ensure the quality of sound, perfection of recording and reduction of noise or interruptions. Micro phones, recorder unit, headphone socket, standard batteries, recording media, power supply, headphones etc. are some of the devices we use in field recording. In studio, all these devices would be readily available.

• Post Production

The first stage in post-production is to carefully listen to the recorded sound and select the portion which the producer would like to include in the final programme. It is recommended to record as much material as possible to choose from, to make the final session easier and programme more creative. The process of selecting and listing material required for final programme is called logging. Editing is the process of arranging selected portion of the recorded sound in a logical and creative manner to form the final programme. During the editing phase, we include sound effects to the final product. Editing is performed on the basis of the final script prepared using the outline script and observation notes.

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