Production Manual

The “Production Manual” is the complete reference guide for directors and producers.  Covering every aspect of film production from the beginning to the end, the “Production Manual” is 280 pages full of valuable tips, tricks, pictures, charts and diagrams for the independent filmmaker.  This essential reference manual includes contact information for essential industry organizations and companies and features step-by-step instructions for making a movie, from developing the idea to finding a distributor.

DEVELOPMENT 

Timeline

 

Chapter 1:      Developing the Idea 

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

Genre

Format

Optioning Material

Short Films

 

Chapter 2:      Writing the Script

Setting Up Your Space

Tips for Writing Successfully

Tips for Constructive Writing

The Plot Arc

Working with a Writer

Creating Characters

The Writing Process

Writing a Script

Formatting Guidelines

Optioning a Script

Resources for Writers

PRE-PRODUCTION

Timeline

 

Chapter 3:      Pre-Production

Chapter 4:      Scheduling

Lining the Script

Breakdown Sheets

Scheduling Using Production Strips

Tips in Scheduling

Finalizing the Schedule

Call Sheets

Release Forms

Legal Consultations

 

Chapter 5:      Budgeting

Raising Money

Forming a Company

Budgeting

Hiring Cast and Crew

Budget Categories

 

Chapter 6:      Insurance

Insurance Types

 

Chapter 7:      Locations

Location Scouting

Location Scouting Tips

During Production

Building Sets

 

Chapter 8:      Community Relations

Film Commissions

 

Chapter 9:      Auditioning Actors

Attracting Actors to the Audition

Working with Casting Agencies

How to Conduct an Audition

Monologues

Audition Warning Signs

After the Auditions

 

Chapter 10:    The Crew

Crew Positions

Finding Qualified Crew Members

Options for Paying Crew Members

Hollywood Crew Structure

Ultra Small Crew Structure

Basic Crew Structure

Crew Wages

 

Chapter 11:    Unions & Guilds

Screen Actor’s Guild
Writer’s Guild of America
IATSE
Director’s Guild of America
Guild & Union Contact Information

Chapter 12:    Getting Equipment

Approaching a Rental Facility    

Cameras    

Video vs. Film

Shooting Film    

Shooting Video

16mm Lab Costs 

35mm Lab Costs 

Television Standards

Camcorder Purchasing Tips

Camera Support  

Lighting

Contact Information 

Lighting Support   

Gels    

Diffusion  

Microphones

 

Chapter 13:    Production Design

Props  

Wardrobe  

Set Dressing   

Make-Up/Hair 

Creating a Time Period

PRODUCTION

Timeline

 

Chapter 14:    Production

Production Flow Chart 

A Day on Set

 

Chapter 15:    Acting

Tips for the Director    

Tips for the Actor    

The Stanislavsky Method 

The Meisner Technique    

Checkov Technique    

Backstory

Subtext    

 

Chapter 16:    Directing

Storyboarding   

Storyboarding Tips

Directing Actors

Order of On-Set Commands 

Balancing Acting with Technical Tools  

Directing the Subtext   

Directing the Crew 

 

Chapter 17:    Cinematography

Camera Logs  
Shot Types   
Film/Video Aspect Ratios
Letterbox
Pan and Scan   
Focal Length
Depth of Field    
Exposure
White Balance   
Color Temperatures   
Rules of Composition  
Lighting  
Light and Shadow  
Wraparound 
Lighting a Scene

 

Chapter 18:    Hair & Make-Up

Straight Make-Up 

Prosthetics   

Hair Styling

 

Chapter 19:    Craft Services & Catering

Suggestions

POST-PRODUCTION

Timeline 

 

Chapter 20:    Editing

Concepts of Editing    

Editing Systems

Building a Non-Linear Editing System  

Continuity

Organizing your Clips  

Editing Sequences

Cutting on Motion   

Relationship Between Shots 

Using Transitions   

Credits

Editing Flow Chart

 

Chapter 21:    Digital Effects

Compositing     

Chromakey

 

Chapter 22:    Sound Design & Recording

Microphone Types 

Recording with a Shotgun Microphone 

Using Lavaliers

Wireless Microphones

Ambient Sound

Recording On-Set Audio  

Tips For Recording Audio    

Movie Tracks

 

Chapter 23:    Music

Options for Music   

Copyrights   

Working with a Composer  

Spotting the Film    

Temp Tracks    

Working with MIDI

MARKETING

Timeline

 

Chapter 24:    Film Festivals

Premiering Yourself    

Top Film Festivals 

Press Releases    

 

Chapter 25:    Distribution

Foreign Distribution    
Average Foreign Sales Prices    
Domestic Distribution  
Self-Distribution
Payment 
Deliverables
Tips for Distribution  

Index

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