Considering creating movies? Interested in what is involved in film production? If you’re looking for a way to express yourself and you enjoy films, then it’s time to look into film production. There is a rewarding feeling that comes along with making a film, putting in a contribution to a bigger picture and building your talents. Filmmaking can open doors that you may never have expected. It gives you the freedom to explore your own imagination and build up lifelong connections.
There are many rewarding careers out there, but filmmaking is one of the most rewarding. Regardless of the area you choose to study there is a part for everyone. Sound, cinematography, and even costume design. There are many different areas to explore before you decide on your career path.
It can be a common misconception that going into filmmaking is an easy career decision. There are people who seem to think that picking up a video camera and filming footage is all that it takes. Understanding the efforts that go into making a film is important. Film production is so much more than just point and film. Before you decide to go into film production, here are a couple of things to take into consideration.
Why Get Involved in Film Production?
If you are considering filmmaking, it is important to note that it takes passion. A passion for film makes all of the difference. When you have a passion for something it makes the end result that much better. A passion for film can make all of the difficulties that come along with film production worth the struggle. With film production there are days that you will struggle, but there are also days when you see your masterpiece on the big screen. Here are a couple of reasons to choose a film production career.
You Love Telling Stories
Are you the type of person who has a special drive to tell stories? Do you love it when you can make up some fantastical situation and share it with someone else? If you have a love of storytelling, then filmmaking may just be the right career path for you.
Narrative filmmaking is just one selection of film, but it is one of the most expressive. Creating characters and scripts account for a large portion of films. A narrative film is a film that tells a story. It varies from live action to animation and everything in-between. Most films (but not all) have some sort of narrative structure to them.
Storytelling through film is a great way to express oneself. For a person who loves to tell a story and show a situation, filmmaking may be a great career. Consider expressing yourself through the creative means of film production.
Are You a Visual Person?
Do you enjoy expressing yourself through visual means? If this is something that you enjoy then why not try film production? One of the most visual mediums is film. With so many scene and composition choices, filmmaking can resemble musical expression but it is an art in its own right.
It isn’t only the scenes that make up the visual expression of film. If you think about it, film is a cooperative project. The lighting and sound design both set the mood for a film and add numerous visual elements to the story.
Storyboarding can also help to create the final scene of a film. By planning out your film through storyboards, you can showcase your art and love for visual expression. There are many assets that accompany a filmmaker, and they include the visual side of creation.
Is Creativity Your Main Goal?
Overall, if you are a creative person than one of the best ways to create is film. Like art and literature, film is an important means of creating. The amount of self-expression, and creativity that goes into film production is expansive.
When you decide to make a film, you have a responsibility to assemble your film like a puzzle. Each element is a piece of that puzzle. The overall film is your responsibility and reliant on your decisions. From the tone, to the plot and narrative, making a film is a very creative process.
What is Involved in Film Production?
Did you know that creativity, storytelling, and visualization are only a small part of the filmmaking process? There’s more that goes into filmmaking than you might think. Anyone can pick up a camera and film a scene. It takes someone with passion and creativity to create a film. Whether it is a short film or a feature length, it takes an entire crew to put all of the components together to make a movie. Let’s go over the order of operation.
The Big Idea
Without an idea you don’t have a film. As with every great project, filmmaking starts at the beginning. It’s a thought that you want to evolve into something more. Once you have an idea it is time to start storyboarding. But the first step in the filmmaking process is always to have a well thought out story from the start.
The Film Script
In order to tell a story, there must be a script. Without a script you would have a book without words. The script of your story (as well as the treatment) is that well thought out idea put together for the directors and actors to work off of. Getting a script together takes work and patience.
Not all filmmakers use storyboards. However, storyboards have proven to be a great aid in many films. If you’re working with animation, storyboards are the rough sketch of what your film will look like. Even for typical narrative films, a storyboard can give you a rough idea of lighting and sound effect placement. In some cases, it even tells you how to block your scene. Storyboards are more valuable than you may think.
Ready for the Film Production?
There are dozens of areas of the production that require everyone to get involved. From the lighting to the sound design. Even directing, costuming, and hair are additional parts of filmmaking that require aid. The production of a film entails working as a team and putting in long hours. Even the best filmmakers run into problems with their production. Learning to adapt when things don’t go as planned is imperative.
When they say that it takes an entire crew to make a film, it is an accurate statement. There are many different outlets within filmmaking. Having a supportive team that is ready to work together is essential. From a small documentary crew to a large feature film, working as a team is the best model.
Film Editing
After the film has been captured and all SD cards have been backed up, the next part of the fun begins. The editor and the sound mixer have a very difficult job in putting the filmed puzzle pieces together. They must work in tandem to complete the film.
Editing is a difficult process that takes hours and many rounds of edits. Even when the first draft of a film is finished, the film itself is not complete. It must then be played to an audience to observe and note their reaction. This feedback helps create the final version.
It is the same with the sound design. Sound is an area that immerses you. How the score is put together and how the sound effects are used all contribute to your personal movie going experience. Without sound, your film experience would be very different. Maybe you want to get into film sound design?
Final Thoughts
Deciding to go into film and sound is a long and rewarding commitment. The ability to complete a film that you’re proud of and that your team has worked on is a great feeling. There is a ton of work that goes into making a film. Choosing a career in film production will give you that creative outlet that you’ve been looking for. Choose a rewarding career that will continue to inspire you through the years. Film production can be that career.
Film and Sound Design Program
The Film and Sound Design program offers an occupational degree that immerses college students in the world and industry of film and sound design. IPR’s condensed program allows students to earn a multi-skill, multi-functional Occupational Associate of Applied Science Degree in as little as two years. Students learn hands-on, entry-level skills in every aspect of the film business: recording, post-production, and design. Work as a part of a team to produce your own film- from concept and storyboard, to production and editing – you’ll graduate with a portfolio of work to showcase your creativity and launch your career in the exciting Film Industry.
If you are interested in a career in audio production and engineering, you should tour our Minneapolis creative arts college, see the labs and meet our staff. Call 1-612-351-0631 or contact admissions to make arrangements.