The document outlines the typical pre-production timeline for a film. It begins with writing the script, then hiring a director and producers to develop the creative and logistical aspects. Next comes casting actors, securing locations, production design, costumes, and cinematography. Visual effects, makeup, props, and transportation are planned. A production schedule is made, specialists are consulted, and rehearsals are held to prepare all elements before filming begins.

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Pre-Production
Timeline
By Eesha Suman

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1) Script
 A screenwriter pitches an idea, writes a treatment and then writes a script
under no contract in order to attract either a producer, studio or a financing
entity. Someone will then buy the script, or options it (they buy the rights for
the script for a certain amount of time). A studio can also obtain the rights to
a book, play or article which will allow them to make a movie based on it.
The filmmakers will greenlight the project once the script is ready, meaning
production can start.
 Why this is first: A screenwriter needs to have an idea for a script before
they can write one and writing one without a contract allows then to have
full create control, showing off their ability to potential buyers. Someone
buying the script then means that there is money to keep developing it and
then made the film. It will keep getting rewritten until it is ready and then it
will be produced.

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2) The Director and Producers
 A Producer secures the funds so that the film can be made. They will work
closely with the Director on getting a creative team and on making creative
decisions. A Producer’s main job is to focus on the budget, making sure that the
production stays under it and will make a profit. They also make schedules, deal
with logistics and manage issues during production.
 The Director works with the Production Designer in order to discuss how the film
will look. They will also work with the Cinematographer to figure out how they will
film to get the most effective visuals possible, as well as the Costume Designer
to ensure that the characters will fit the look of the film. They will also work with
storyboard artists, which leads to previsualisation or animated storyboards.
 Why is this next: You need to get a Producer after the script has been written so
that there is someone managing the logistical side of things, and a Director who
will manage the creative side. This means that the production can be properly
put in motion as there are people working to make the film.

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3) Casting
 As soon as the greenlight is given, casting begins. An actor may
already be attached to the project, attracting more financing bodies
as well as an audience. Other roles are casted by the Producer,
Director and Casting Director. The Casting Director will look over
headshots and actor reels, choose who they want to audition,
organise auditions and make suggestions on who best fits each
role.
 Why is this next: Auditions are done next as the script, and
therefore characters, is done and the Director can select the best
actors for the roles. It also allows for other things that need to be
done for the characters/actors such as finding or making wardrobe,
hair and makeup plans and time to rehearse lines.

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4) Location
 The Location Manager will arrange a Location Scout to research and find
the best places to make the film. The Location Scout will bring together
everyone who is involved with the creative side of the film to visit potential
locations. They will consider whether or not the location is viable from a
creative standpoint, if it is technically appropriate (will it fit all the
equipment?) and whether or not it fits the budget.
 Why is this next: This is done during the early stages of Pre-Production so
that they (the Production Designer) can continue working on the look of the
film and plan the set decorations. The financial and logistical side must also
be dealt with quickly, as the Producer must be able to rent out the location
on the days it is needed and gain the permits to do so, paying for the
location once it is possible.

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5) The Production Designer
 A Production Designer oversees the design of the film and usually
works with the Art Director to create the world the characters will
live in. They will also work the the Set Decorator ad Construction
Coordinator for this. This is especially important if the film is a
period piece, as that requires careful research in order to accurately
represent the world at that time. The construction process begins
once the designs are complete, which also means that the
decorations and props can be bought.
 Why is this next: The Production Designer is usually one of the first
people to be hired, this is because it takes a long time to research,
design and build sets. They need to work with the other Department
Heads closely in order to ensure that the film looks its best visually,
and that it is consistent throughout.

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6) The Costume Designer
 The costumes of the characters are an important aspect of a film as they
must fit the person wearing them, and also must fit the look of the film.- the
Costume Designer will work will the Director and Production Designer to
ensure this is the case. Sketches will be done and reviewed, as well as
colours and fabrics. The comfort of the actor must also be considered. If the
film is a period piece, the costumes are especially important as they must
ensure it is accurate to the time the film is set in.
 Why is this next: The Costume Designer has to work off of what the
Production Designer has created for the look of the film. They must find the
appropriate clothing for this, which takes time as costumes may need to be
handmade. This is also important id the wardrobe needs to be rigged for
special effects as it must also be function so that the actor can perform.

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7) The Cinematographer
 Also known as the Director of Photography, the Cinematographer is
responsible for shooting the film by combing the technical and
creative aspects of production. They work with the Director to see
what is desired visually and then see how that can be achieved by
working with the Gaffer (head of the electrical department) and Key
Grip (head of the grip department).
 Why is this next: This is done once the location, actors, Production
Designer and Costume Designer are found as it allows the
Cinematographer to test how everything will look on screen, for
example, how the costumes look with the set. The
Cinematographer needs to make sure that every element comes
together on screen in an effective way, and must determine how to
do that technically with the equipment they have.

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8) Visual and Special Effects
 All effects must be planned ahead of production. The Cinematographer and
Director will work with the Visual Effects Supervisor for this aspect of the
film. Blue or green screens may be needed, or even plates (static locations
for the background). Things like car chases or explosions must be planned
carefully to ensure that they are done safely and by trained professionals.
The Stunt Coordinator but also make sure that any stunts done with the
actors or stunt doubles are done safely.
 Why is this next: Visual Effects needs to be planned beforehand as it takes
a long time to do. Concept art needs to be done and meetings need to be
held to determine how the effects fit into the film - this is also the case for
special effects. The location and actors need to be confirmed so that the
Stunt Coordinator can work with the actors in the environment they’ll be
shooting in so that they are better prepared. The special effects department
will need to have everything ready for when shooting starts.

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9) Make-Up Effects
 An actor may need make-up effects, special effects or
prosthetics for the film, these need to be planned in advance.
 Why is this next: This is done after Visual Effects as it takes less
time. The Make-Up artists may need to test their designs on the
actors ahead of shooting.

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10) Property Manager
 The Property Manager is in charge of props, this also concerns
animals and transport that may be seen on screen. This means
that they must work with the animal wranglers and the
Transportation Department.
 Why is this next: More people are hired closer to production as
their job requires less time to prepare for.

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11) The First Assistant Director
 The First Assistant Director (First AD) works with the Producer to
create the production schedule by looking at the script and seeing
how everything can be shot in the most efficient way possible. They
also create a chart that organises the casts schedule for when they
work, this is also known as ”day-out-of-days” schedule. The First
AD is also responsible for ensuring that all of the departments are
working together so that production is running effectively.
 Why is this next: The First AD is mainly in charge of ensuring that
everything comes together, so once all of the cast, costumes and
locations (etc.) are found, it is their job to make sure everyone
ends up in the right place at the right time.

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12) Specialists
 Specialists may need to be brought in in order to ensure that the script, sets
and stunts are being done accurately. These may be the military, historical
experts or even food stylists. They may work closely with the writers and
producers during revisions of the script to make sure it represents the real
world correctly, and even actors to make sure their performances are being
done properly and safely.
 Why is this next: Specialists must be brought in to ensure that what occurs
in the film is not only accurate, but believable to an audience in the real
world – an audience will be able to sense whether or not something defies
logic or science too much and will therefore not find the movie as enjoyable.
The reason specialists are brought in later is because once they have the
actors in place and rehearsing, they will be able to work more closely with
them as shooting nears, so they will be camera-ready in all aspects later.

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13) Rehearsals
 The Director does rehearsals with the actors, helping them
develop their characters, and the DP does technical rehearsals
to see how the lighting and camera movement looks.
 Why is this next: Rehearsals are one of the last steps before
production starts, as it allows everyone to practice and ensure
that their element of the film will work and be effective.