by Jobie Weetaluktuk

Created on: December 12, 2007   Last Updated: December 15, 2007

When making a film non fiction or otherwise, there is the business and production end of this creative process. Film making can be very exciting, but it is also a very lengthy process and the film can die many death. If you are going to make a film, you would do well to know your limitations. It will help you focus and not be everything for everyone. Writers like to think all things start with them and in the case of film makers, writers rule.

Writers
Writers are the one who come up with the story idea. They are the ones that put the ideas on paper and begin the length and sometimes futile effort of working the ideas. The writer prepares the treatments and or proposals for the film. The proposal outlines the ideas of the film, who will be involved, and what the film will cost. The budget can be a later addition or can be amended when reality strikes, or cuts the budget. Writers also continue to have a role even to the editing. The script will chance and there may be the issues of in sync text, and subtitles.

The Producer
If you are not a producer, you will need one. A producer is a specially trained person, with a certain set of skills, contacts, and interest in the film. A producer can deal with important contacts, and make and amend the budget. The producer should do all the paper work related to the film, such as getting permits (if you can't afford a production assistant), and acquiring consents from the on camera personalities. A producer can make your film a funded film or another dream that gets made by blood and tears.

The Director
The director is an important part of the film. The director determines the direction of the film. The director directs the director of photography, and the whole crew. He is also in charge of the interviews. The director may also do the interviews himself. The director continues on his role even when the film is shot. He could do the editing himself or direct the editor.

Director of Photography
The director of photography is also a very important person. It is a film after all. It is important for the director to have a close and good relations with the DOP. The director and the DOP is often the same person. The director however has to be a competent camera-person.

Sound technician
Sound is important to the film. It is one of the things that a camera operator can do and often does when he is taking point of view or cutaway shots. The DOP however has a lot of things to consider and look after in production, so a sound man is necessary at least for the interviews and definitely in the action scenes.

The Editor
A skillful and dedicated editor is important. Many feet or metres of film have been shot but not many films get made. If you have a film idea, you may take on many of roles. You may take on the roles by necessity and not choice, but you should budge an editor is you want to finish your film. An editor does technical work, but a good editor has a good story sense. You will discuss the film with your editor at length and scene by scene as you make changes.

These are the main roles of a stripped down. In a two man crew, the director can act also as the sound man provide he knows what he is doing. The DOP by itself is a full time and specialized job.

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