The 7 stages of film production with MEMP

Posted by Middle East Media Production on November 14th, 2018

Now we’ve looked at the finances involved in filmmaking, so, it’s time to take a more elaborated look at the stages a film goes through. Below are the seven key stages of film production that starts from the scratch idea to watching it on the big screen – and we at Middle Eat Media Production a line production company in Dubai, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi and Mauritius help you to achieve this.

1. Development

The start of a film project always varies, but usually it will start with development of a script, or there can be an existing script, a book, or a brief story outline. The further development may also start with a Director and/or Writer pitching an idea to a Producer.

2. Pre-Production

This is the phase where you would fine-tune the options of the production. It is where the entirefilm planning takes place before the camera rolls and sets the overall vision of the project. Pre-production process includes working out the shoot location and casting as well. The Producer will then hire a Line Manager or Production Manager to create the schedule and budget for the film this is where our company – MEMP come into the picture.

3. Production

During this phase it is important to keep planning ahead of the daily shoot for the coming days. The main aim is to stick to the budget and schedule as this needs continuous vigilance. Communication is the key amongthe locations, set, office, Production Company, distributors - in short, all parties involved.

4. Principal Photography

This is basically when the camera rolls and it is nearly always the most expensive phase of film production, as it involves the actor, director, and set crew salaries, plus it also consists the costs of certain shots, props, and on-set special effects. Everything

5. Wrap

The period straightaway after shooting ends. It is when we strike (pull to bits) the set and clear the location. Everything must be resumed in good order to suppliers and there must be a full set of records of the shoot.

6. Post-Production

This stage starts when main photography ends, but they may overlay. The bulk of post-production involvesswotting the footage and assembling the movie - editing. There will be assistances as required from Visual Effects (VFX), Music and Sound Design. The picture will now be locked and delivery essentials will be created. Further information on Post Production can be found later on in Week 1 of the course.

7. Distribution

Once the film is accomplished, it must be distributed. This is how producers make their money back and a substantial amount of time and energy will be capitalized to secure the right distribution deals for their projects. The film will go into the cinema and/or be distributed via severalstages such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO etc.