Making a movie, Key roles

Making a movie, Key roles

Writer

Screenwriters create screenplays for films. They provide the blueprint for the creative input of the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Composer and Editor, cast and crew. Screenplays should allow whoever is reading it to imagine how the film will work on screen. It should feature fascinating characters, an exciting plot, and a great idea for a marketable film. Screenwriters have to produce highly creative writing, to strict deadlines. They work with a script development team to create a finished product that is likely to be financed and made. In some cases the original Screenwriter may be replaced entirely by  another Screenwriter. In this case the original Screenwriter may then receive a "Screenstory by..." credit on the finished film. Screenwriters are almost always freelancers. They either pitch original ideas to Producers in the hope that they will be optioned or sold

You don’t need formal training or a specific qualification. You can go on screenwriting courses or take an MA.

You don’t need formal training or a specific qualification. You can go on screenwriting courses or take an MA. If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film

Exhibition 

Cinemas fall into 1 of 2 categories: national chains; and independent exhibitors. The specific programming will depend on the target audience, with large chains often filling their multiplexes with blockbuster fare and individual independents more likely to cater to art-house crowds. A natural entry route to  exhibition is to work in a cinema. Chains employ significant numbers of people to handle ticketing, confectionery sales (where cinemas tend to make the bulk of their profits), and film projection. Those working for independent exhibitors may be more involved in its programming as the cinema establishes a distinct identity for itself.

Producer 

Producers have overall control on every  aspect of a film's production. They bring together and approve the whole production team. Their key responsibility is to create an environment where the talents of the cast and crew can flourish. Producers are accountable for the success of the finished film. They steer the film from beginning to completion and beyond. The Producer is often the first person to get involved in a project. In pre-production, Producers bring together the key members of the creative team. This includes the Director, Cinematographer and Production Designer and key cast members. Producers also approve locations, studio hire, the final shooting script, production schedule and budget. More time and money spent in pre-production can reduce time and money wasting when the production gets underway. Once the film is in production, Producers are responsible for the day-to-day smooth operation of the team. During post production, Producers are expected to liaise with the Director and post production department.

You don’t need a specific qualification. If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film.

Casting director

In pre-production, Casting Directors work with both the Director and Producer to assemble the perfect cast for the film. They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role, based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability, reputation, availability and box office appeal. They organize and conduct interviews and auditions for each part. Casting Directors need a vast knowledge of a huge range of Actors and an extensive understanding of their abilities, as well as a thorough appreciation of changing trends within the film industry. Casting Directors need a vast knowledge of a huge range of Actors and an extensive understanding of their abilities, as well as a thorough appreciation of changing trends within the film industry.

Although there is no specific training or qualifications for this role, you can study a  degree in arts, English, film, theatre, communications or media Studies, etc. Casting Directors are usually graduates in these subjects. You will also need an active interest in film, theatre and casting.

Director 

Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written  script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. Directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written, or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film and work out how to achieve it. During pre-production, Directors make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They also manage the technical aspects of filming including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments. During postproduction, Directors work closely with Editors through the many technical processes of editing, to reach the final cut or version of the film. At all stages, Directors are responsible for motivating the team to produce the best possible results.

You don’t need a formal qualification to become a Director. There are numerous training courses and reference books on directing and studying the art and craft of directing is important.

Film finance

the role of the finance controller is very challenging; they control the funds and do the budget for all aspects of the production from wages to distribution of the final piece. Financial Controllers may supervise one or more full-time Assistants. On individual productions, Financial Controllers normally help Producers and Executive Producers to prepare budgets and raise finance, taking  into account any relevant Government tax Incentive schemes. Financial Controllers may undertake some or all of the Production Accountant's activities. This can include tasks such as controlling cash flow so that payments are made on time and setting up and managing the Accounts team. 

You will need a BA degree in Accountancy to become a qualified Accountant and then to have a number of years' experience, ideally within film production, media or film finance.

Camera Operator- Camera Operators carry out the Director of Photography’s (DoP) and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. Camera Operators usually start at the end of pre-production and attend technical recces with other Heads of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Director and Grip

After the Director and DoP have rehearsed and blocked the shots, the Camera Operator and DoP decide where to position the camera and what lenses and supporting equipment to use. During shooting, Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, enabling the DoP to concentrate intensively on lighting and overall visual style. Camera Operators make sure the camera and equipment are prepared for the required set-ups and ready for any last-minute  changes. Camera Operators work closely with performers, guiding them on what can and cannot be seen by the camera. The work is physically demanding, and requires high levels of strength and stamina. Hours are long (12-14 hours a day) 

Like many Camera Operators, you can study for higher level qualifications, although no specific qualifications are required to work in this role.

Marketing

The marketing managers main priority is to convince the public that the movie is worth watching, marketing managers have to research the target audience to create appealing advertisements. After the film has been released the Marketing Manger must create interest in the merchandise and DVD release to continue the revenue. Sometimes the role might involve the implementation of a campaign created by a studio and/or the filmmakers. These must be re-tailored for different territories according to cultural differences. Marketing and Publicity Managers must be fully aware of the Distributors' needs and requirements. As every film is different, every marketing campaign must also be unique. Work on a film's marketing campaign may begin over a year prior to its release, but more usually the lead time is several months.

You will need higher-level qualifications in Marketing, PR, Business or subjects related to business.   

Editor 

Editors are one of the key Heads of Department on feature films, responsible for First Assistant Editors, and on bigger productions, Second Assistants and Trainees. The Editor works closely with the Director, crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, Editors work long, unsociable hours, often under pressure, in an edit suite. They are employed on a freelance basis by the Producer. The editors are based on their reputation and experience. Editors often work on television drama, as well as on feature films. The Editor works closely with the Director before shooting begins, deciding how to maximise the potential of the screenplay. Because scenes are shot and edited out of sequence, Editors may work on scenes from the end of the film before those at the beginning, Editors select the best takes and edit them together to create scenes. During the post production period, the Editor and the Director work closely together, refining the assembly edit into the Director's Cut, which must be approved by the Producers, until they achieve picture lock or Fine Cut.

You don’t need a specific qualification. But if you are considering taking a film  production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skill set Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film.

Production Designer

Production Designers are major heads of department on film crews, and are responsible for the entire art department, They help Directors to define and achieve the look and feel of a film. They put a great deal of work into making the location of the film convincing to the audience. Production Designers begin work at the very early stages of pre-production. They may be asked to look at scripts to provide spending estimates before a Director is even approached. They meet with the Director to discuss how best to shoot the film and work out whether to use sets and/or locations, what should be built and what should be adapted and whether there is a visual theme that recurs throughout the film. They decide wether or not to use CGI or real props and locations based on create ability and cost. Production Designers must calculate the budgets and decide how the money and effort will be spent, Although Production Designers usually finish work on the last day of principal photography, on larger films they may be involved for longer periods. They may have to prepare detailed drawings and specifications in order to pitch for work on a number of productions before  being offered work on one of them. Although the work can be very demanding and the hours long, this is one of the most highly-skilled, creatively fulfilling roles within the film industry.

You will need to be a graduate of art, architecture, theatre, interior or 3D design courses. After this, you can complete a specialist course in film and/or theatre design.