The Beginner's Guide to the Filmmaking Process

Acting as a rough visual scene sequence for the filmmaker, the Storyboard represents what shots are planned to be filmed. Many details can be planned over here, based on the ideas in the filmmaker's head that need to be brought to screen.

For those who cannot draw, it is a good idea to click pictures on the smartphone of props representing how you want the scene to be shot later.

It pays to take as much time as possible to get the right people to work with, considering their work experience, discipline and talent stack. One can hold auditions to select the best talent, and not just take someone you know from the past, as an obligation or courtesy.

The filmmaker needs to scout for the best shooting locations. This is a fun part where there is lots of travel, clicking pictures and shooting small videos. Choose places that can accommodate the actors and the cameras, lights, crew as well.

One can prepare for the filming process by having a shoot script and a schedule ready and shared with all the stakeholders. Don’t rush and try to accommodate changes and eventual problems/challenges.

Shoot the same scene from multiple angles, giving you more footage to work with.

This lengthy process is where all the footage is edited and placed together to create the first rough cut of the movie. The next step is adding sound effects, dialogues, music and visual effects.

One can show the rough cut to take opinion from trusted individuals, removing segments that won’t work with the audience.